During the emergency, people experienced authoritarian rule

During the emergency in India, which lasted from 1975 to 1977, the country witnessed a period of authoritarian rule under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This period was marked by several significant changes in the governance and the curtailment of civil liberties.

Authoritarian Rule during Emergency:
Under the authority of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the government declared a state of emergency in the country, citing threats to national security and internal disturbances. During this period, the government assumed extraordinary powers and suspended several fundamental rights. The emergency saw the centralization of power in the hands of the Prime Minister, which led to a highly authoritarian regime.

Curtailment of Civil Liberties:
During the emergency, people's civil liberties were severely curtailed. The government imposed strict censorship on the press, limiting the freedom of expression and suppressing dissenting voices. Many journalists and political opponents were arrested and detained without trial. The government also imposed restrictions on civil society organizations and placed constraints on the functioning of political parties.

Suppression of Opposition:
The emergency period witnessed a crackdown on political opposition. Opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan and Morarji Desai, were arrested and imprisoned. The government dissolved state governments led by opposition parties and replaced them with centrally appointed administrators. The opposition was effectively silenced, and dissent was suppressed.

Impact on Elections:
Contrary to option B, during the emergency, elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner. The government resorted to various means to manipulate the electoral process, including the arrest and disqualification of opposition candidates. Furthermore, the Congress party, led by Indira Gandhi, faced significant opposition and criticism during this period.

Conclusion:
The correct statement is option A: During the emergency, people experienced authoritarian rule. The period of emergency in India was marked by the curtailment of civil liberties, the suppression of opposition, and the concentration of power in the hands of the Prime Minister. It was a time of authoritarian rule rather than one where civil liberties remained unaffected or where the press enjoyed freedom of speech.