The Emergency of June 25, 1975: India’s Darkest Democratic Hour
On the night of June 25, 1975, one of the most controversial chapters in Indian political history began. Then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency, effectively suspending civil liberties and concentrating power in the executive. This 21-month period is often remembered as a time when democracy in the world’s largest democratic nation was brought to a standstill.
Background: Why Was the Emergency Declared?
The Emergency wasn’t declared in a vacuum. Several converging factors led to this drastic move:
- Judicial Setback: On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in the 1971 general elections, disqualifying her from holding public office for six years.
- Political Pressure: The judgment triggered massive protests led by Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as JP, who called for Gandhi’s resignation and a “Total Revolution.”
- Internal Unrest: Strikes, student protests, and growing dissatisfaction among the masses created a climate of instability.
- Fear of Losing Control: With rising opposition and loss of legal standing, Indira Gandhi cited threats to national security and internal disturbance as grounds to declare Emergency.
The Declaration: What Happened on June 25?
Late on June 25, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of Indira Gandhi, invoked Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, proclaiming a national Emergency due to "internal disturbance."
Key actions taken immediately:
- Censorship of the Press: Media was strictly controlled. Newspapers were required to submit their reports to government censors.
- Arrest of Opposition Leaders: Over 100,000 political opponents, including JP, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L.K. Advani, were arrested.
- Suspension of Civil Liberties: Fundamental rights were curtailed. Habeas corpus, the right to seek relief from unlawful detention, was effectively nullified.
Life Under the Emergency
The Emergency period from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977, saw sweeping changes:
- Forced Sterilizations: Under the leadership of Sanjay Gandhi (Indira’s son), a massive and coercive family planning campaign led to forced sterilizations, especially targeting the poor.
- Slum Clearances: Thousands of homes were bulldozed in urban areas like Delhi to make way for infrastructure, often without proper rehabilitation.
- Cult of Personality: Government propaganda heavily promoted Indira and Sanjay Gandhi, sidelining democratic processes.
Public Response and Resistance
While many remained silent out of fear, resistance did persist:
- Underground newspapers circulated forbidden news.
- Human rights groups, students, and lawyers protested covertly.
- International condemnation grew, with Amnesty International and The Times (UK) criticizing the Indian government.
Yet, many elite sections supported the Emergency for its perceived "discipline" and development focus.
End of Emergency and Legacy
Facing increasing domestic and international pressure, Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency in March 1977 and called for general elections.
The results were shocking:
- The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition groups, won by a landslide.
- Indira Gandhi lost her own seat.
- It was the first time since independence that the Congress party was ousted from power.
Lessons and Impact on Indian Democracy
The Emergency left a deep scar on India’s democratic institutions:
- Constitutional Safeguards Strengthened: Later amendments, especially the 44th Amendment Act (1978), made it more difficult to declare a national emergency.
- Rise of Regional Politics: The Janata Party’s emergence paved the way for stronger regional identities.
- Increased Vigilance: Citizens, judiciary, and media became more cautious and assertive about protecting democratic values.
Conclusion
June 25, 1975, marks not just a date, but a powerful reminder of how fragile democracy can be—even in the world’s largest democratic country. The Emergency remains a stark warning that freedoms, once taken for granted, can vanish overnight.
