Emergency: PM Modi recalls the midnight decision that changed India 51 years ago

As India observes the 51st anniversary of the “darkest chapter” of its post-Independence history, the imposition of National Emergency by the Indira Gandhi government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a frontal charge on what he described as “a direct assault on our Constitution”. PM Modi, in a social media post paid “homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history, the Emergency”.

“The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution. It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers and an assault on institutions that are the bedrock of our democracy,” the prime minister wrote on X.

“At the same time, it also revealed the extraordinary courage of countless citizens who refused to remain silent and upheld the ideals enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.

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PM Modi said, “For all of us, our Constitution is an embodiment of the aspirations, rights and duties of 140 crore Indians. We reaffirm our collective commitment to safeguarding constitutional values. Guided by the spirit of our Constitution, we will build an India that remains ever committed to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

What happened 51 years ago

On June 25, 1975, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government declared a nationwide Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution, citing "internal disturbance" as the reason. The move came amid a political crisis following the Allahabad High Court's verdict that found Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice.

The Emergency remained in force for 21 months, until March 21, 1977, and is widely regarded as one of the most consequential periods in India's democratic history.

Suspension of Civil Liberties

Several fundamental rights were curtailed, and thousands of political leaders, activists and citizens were detained during the period.

Press Censorship

Strict censorship was imposed on newspapers and media outlets, limiting the free flow of information and criticism of the government.

Expansion of Government Powers

A series of constitutional amendments strengthened the powers of the central government while reducing judicial oversight.

Mass Sterilisation Drive

The period also witnessed a controversial population-control programme that led to millions of sterilisation procedures across the country.

Political Aftermath

The Emergency ended in March 1977 after the Congress party lost the general elections. Subsequent reforms introduced safeguards to prevent the misuse of Emergency provisions in the future.

How India remembers it today

As India marks 51 years since the Emergency, leaders across the political spectrum have looked back on the period, highlighting its impact on democratic institutions, civil rights and the nation's constitutional framework.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also marked the occasion, calling it a period that "severely tested the resilience of India's democracy." He paid tribute to those who stood up in defence of constitutional values and individual freedoms.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described June 25, 1975, as a "dark chapter" in India's democratic history. He said the Emergency inflicted "deep wounds on civil rights," citing restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh likewise termed the Emergency one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. In his post, he said the period witnessed restrictions on free speech, attempts to undermine the judiciary, and violations of citizens' rights.