The correct option is It restored the constitutional balance by cancelling changes made during the Emergency..
Explanation
The Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978 was enacted by the Janata Government primarily to nullify the distortions introduced into the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, during the National Emergency (1975-1977). Its objective was to restore the democratic balance and provide safeguards against the misuse of emergency powers.
Analysis of Options:
- It restored the constitutional balance by cancelling changes made during the Emergency. is Correct: The 44th Amendment restored the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts, which had been curtailed by the 42nd Amendment. It also replaced the term "internal disturbance" with "armed rebellion" as a ground for declaring a National Emergency and made the President's satisfaction in declaring an emergency justiciable.
- It extended the term of the Lok Sabha to six years. is Incorrect: The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) had extended the term of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies from five to six years. The 44th Amendment Act (1978) restored the original term of five years.
- It introduced the Anti-Defection Law. is Incorrect: The Anti-Defection Law was introduced by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, which added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution.
- It lowered the voting age to 18 years. is Incorrect: The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years by the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1989.
Key Takeaway: The 44th Amendment Act, 1978, is significant for removing the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights (making it a legal right under Article 300A) and for ensuring that the fundamental rights under Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency.