Emergency 1975: Darkest Period Of Indian Democracy
On June 25, 1975, India witnessed one of the darkest chapters in its democratic journey when then Prime minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country Article 352 of the Indian Constitution. This 21-month period (from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977) is remembered for mass arrests, media censorship, suspension of civil liberties, and authoritarian governance.
What led to Declaration of Emergency?
Background:
1. Political Crisis: Indira Gandhi’s popularity was waning in the early 1970 due economic challenges like inflation, unemployment, and flood shortages.
2. Judicial Blow: On June 12 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices and invalidated her 1971 election victory. She barred from contesting elections for six years
3. Public Unrest: Massive protests were led by opposition leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), calling for ‘Total Revolution’ and demanding her resignation
4. Internal Threat Alleged: Indira Gandhi claimed there was a threat to national security and unity, paving the way for an Emergency under Article 352 (due to “internal disturbance”)
Constitutional and Legal Provisions Used
. Article 352: Allowed the president to declare Emergency if the security of india is threatened
. Article 356 & 360: Used to centralised power and control finance of states or whole country.
. Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA): Enabled the arrest and detention of opposition leaders without trail.
. Censorship Laws: Imposed strict control over newspapers and publications.
What Happened During the Emergency?
1. Suspension of Fundamental Rights: Article 14 to 21 of the constitution were effectively suspended
2. Mass Arrests: Over 1,00,000 people, including major opposition leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani , and JP Narayan, were jailed
3. Media Censorship: Newspapers were required to get government approval before publishing, The Indian Express famously left a blank editorial space in protest
4. Forced Sterilisation: A controversial population control program led by Sanjay Gandhi resulted in forced sterilisation, especially targeting poor and minority communities.
5. Judicial compromise : The judiciary came under severe pressure. In the famous ADM Jabalpur case (1976), the Supreme Court upheld suspension of habeas corpus rights.
Keshavananda Bharati case https://www.thebriefdesk.com/2025/06/kesavananda-bharati-case-foundation-of.html
Supreme Court verdict: ADM Jabalpur v. ShivkantShukla (1976)
This case became a constitutional low point. The majority ruled that citizens had no right approach courts during Emergency for enforcement of fundamental rights a decision that was later widely criticised and overruled
End of the Emergency
Due to rising national and international criticism. Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency on March 21, 1977 and calked for general elections.
The result was a historic defeat of the congress party and the rise of the Janata party, making MorarjiDesai the first non-congress Prime Minister.
Long-Term Impact of the Emergency
Positive lessons: Strengthened demand for checks and balances, Reinforced the need to protect freedom of speech and judicial independence , Increased political awareness among citizens.
Negative Effects: Shattered public trust in the Constitution’s protection during crises. Gave rise to authoritarian tendencies in Indian politics. Left a legacy of fear among institutions like media and judiciary
Pm Narendra Modi’s 2025 Remarks on the Emergency
On the 49th Anniversary of the Emergency in 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful speech in parliament during the ongoing session of Modi 3.0 government
Key Quotes from PM Modi:
“Democracy was strangled on the night of June 2025, 1975. The constitution was crushed. The people of India must never forget.”
“It was not just a political mistake but a sin against the nation’s soul. Those who claim to be champions of democracy today were the ones who demolished it.”
“Let June 2025 be a remainder that we must always remain vigilant to preserve our democratic institutions.”
The remarks have reignited national debate, with BJP using the Emergency as a remainder of congress’s authoritarian past, especially as india faces debates on constitutional amendments and media freedom even today.
MODI CABINET 3.0 https://www.thebriefdesk.com/2025/06/modi-30-cabinet-full-list-key.html
Emergency in Indian Polity -UPSC Key Pointers
Topic | Details |
Article Invoked | Article 352 |
Duration | June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977 |
Declared By | Indira Gandhi |
Key Act | MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) |
Supreme Court Case | ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla |
Opposition Leaders Arrested | JP Narayan, Vajpayee, Advani |
Notable Incident | Forced sterilization drive |
End Result | Defeat of Congress in 1977 Elections |
Why the Emergency Matters Today ( For UPSC & Citizens)
The Emergency remains highly relevant to: UPSC aspirants (prelims, Mains Gs ll and Ethics)
Political discourses on democracy, federalism, and cicil liberties
Legal debates on judicial independence and constitutional safeguards
Critical Thinking: Ethics & Governance Takeaway
Power without accountability is a danger to democracy
Institutional resilience is essential to protect citizens’s rights.
A strong Civil Society and independent judiciary are vital checks.
Conclusion
The Emergency on 1975 remains a dark yet defining moment in Indian democracy. PM Modi’s strong words on its 49th Anniversary reflect how deeply its lessons are still relevant. It is not merely history but a constitutional cautionary tale - one that students, citizens , and policymakers must remember and learn from.
Let us not forget that Freedom once lost is hard to regain. Eternal vigilance is the price liberty.
