50 Years On: Remembering the Emergency
25 June 2025
Understanding the Emergency?
On June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi declared a National Emergency in India under Article 352, citing “internal disturbance.” Lasting 21 months until March 1977, this period suspended civil liberties, censored the press, and saw mass arrests of political opponents. It remains one of the most controversial and authoritarian times in India’s democratic history.
Allahabad High Court Verdict: The Political Turning Point
On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court found PM Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in the 1971 general elections. Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha invalidated her Rae Bareli election and barred her from public office for six years, directly threatening her hold on power.
Supreme Court’s Conditional Relief
On June 24, 1975, the Supreme Court granted her a conditional stay, allowing her to remain Prime Minister but barring her from voting or speaking in Parliament. This limited relief worsened the political crisis and strengthened calls for her resignation.
The JP Movement: Opposition Unites
Leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) and Morarji Desai led a widespread movement against Indira Gandhi, advocating peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and the return of democracy. On June 25, JP called on the military and police to uphold the Constitution rather than obey unlawful orders.
The Midnight Iron Fist
Just hours after JP’s rally, Indira Gandhi acted quickly. At midnight on June 25, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, following her advice, signed the Emergency proclamation. Overnight, more than 600 opposition leaders were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and other strict laws.
Democracy Under Lockdown: What Changed?
This period effectively turned India into an autocratic state. During the Emergency:
- Censorship was imposed on the media
- Parliament functioned without scrutiny
- Civil liberties and fundamental rights were suspended
- Judiciary was weakened
- Over 110,000, including top opposition leaders, were arrested and their whereabouts were unknown
- Banned groups ranged from RSS and Anand Marg to Jamaat-e-Islami and regional parties. Prisons overflowed; torture was common.
Muted Voices: The Press During Crisis
Journalists were detained, publications were forced to close, and all content was subjected to censorship. One of the most alarming features of the Emergency was the total suppression of free speech, veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani on the media during the Emergency said- ‘When asked to bend, the press chose to crawl.’
Resistance and Resilience
Despite government repression, underground resistance persisted—students, activists, and civil society groups quietly or covertly challenged the regime. Several leaders, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and George Fernandes, were jailed for months.
The Turning Point: Elections of 1977
In an unexpected decision, Indira Gandhi called for general elections in January 1977, likely anticipating victory. However, by March, the Indian people delivered a clear message — the Congress Party was defeated, and the Janata Party took power. Morarji Desai became India’s first Prime Minister outside the Congress, marking a historic triumph for democracy.
Legacy of the Emergency: Why We Must Remember?
The Emergency is a warning—a reminder that democracy is delicate and can be weakened from inside. It highlighted the vital importance of:
- A free press
- An independent judiciary
- An engaged civil society
- Robust constitutional checks and balances
FISI UK’s Proud Legacy in Defending Democracy During the Emergency
Many Indians bravely resisted the Emergency to protect democracy and free speech. Founded in April 1976 by the Indian diaspora, Friends of India Society International (FISI), UK created a global platform to campaign for restoring democracy in India—a cause we embrace with humility, responsibility, and pride.
Conclusion: Never Forget, Never Repeat
As we observe 50 years since that dark period, it’s not just about remembering — it’s about learning, defending our rights, and holding those in power accountable.
The Emergency of 1975 wasn’t merely an assault on political rivals; it was an assault on the very heart of Indian democracy. To honour the bravery of those who stood for freedom and to protect generations ahead, we must ask ourselves: “Could this happen again?” and the answer must be — NEVER! EVER!
*Key Dates & Events (1975–1977) for Reference:
- June 12, 1975 — Allahabad High Court invalidates Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election for malpractice.
- June 24, 1975 — Supreme Court allows Gandhi to remain PM but bars her from Parliament.
- June 25, 1975 — Opposition calls for protests; midnight: Emergency declared citing ‘internal disturbance.’
- June 26, 1975 — Civil liberties suspended, press censored, opposition leaders arrested.
- 1975–1977 — Over 110,000 detained; harsh censorship, forced sterilisation, and strengthened executive powers.
- January 18, 1977 — Indira Gandhi announces general elections.
- March 21, 1977 — Emergency formally lifted.
- March 1977 — Janata Party wins; Shri Morarji Desai becomes first non-Congress Prime Minister.