50 years of Emergency: Remembering dark days of India – A state of extraordinary governance

Emergency in India is a state of extraordinary governance, which is declared under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution. The ‘Emergency’ was imposed in India on the intervening night of 25 and 26 June 1975, which is also, known as a black chapter in the history of independent India, which lasted for 21 months, till 21 March 1977.

Top Indian News Desk Last Updated : 25 June 2024, 06:00 AM IST

Courtesy: narendramodi.in

New Delhi: Among the controversial periods in history since independence was ‘Emergency’. The Emergency in India (1975-1977) was a significant and controversial period in the country's history, marked by a suspension of democratic processes and civil liberties.

The ‘Emergency’ was imposed in India on the intervening night of 25 and 26 June 1975, which is also known as a black chapter in the history of independent India, which lasted for 21 months, till 21 March 1977. The official announcement for the Emergency was issued by President Fakhruddin Al Ahmed under Article 352 of the Constitution which led to internal disturbances in the country. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, faced increasing political opposition and legal challenges.

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The opposition to her rule intensified after her 1971 election victory was declared null and void by the Allahabad High Court in June 1975, due to electoral malpractices.

Why was an Emergency imposed in India?

In the 1971 elections, Indira Gandhi defeated United Socialist Party candidate Raj Narayan. He filed a case in Allahabad High Court accusing Indira Gandhi of misuse of government machinery and resources and corruption. On 12 June 1975, High Court judge Jagmohan Lal Sinha held Indira Gandhi guilty. Her election became invalid and she was barred from contesting any election for 6 years. After this, Indira Gandhi had no other option but to leave the post of PM.

When was an Emergency imposed in India 3 times?

The first emergency in independent India was imposed due to the Indo-China war in 1962 by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The second emergency was imposed in 1971 during the India-Pakistan war when Indira Gandhi was leading the nation as Prime Minister. Both these emergencies were imposed due to unrest at the borders and external aggression. For the third time, Indira Gandhi imposed an emergency in 1975 based on internal unrest in the country.

State of Extraordinary Governance

Emergency in India is a state of extraordinary governance, which is declared under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution. In this situation, the central government gets extensive powers, and the normal administrative and constitutional processes of the country are temporarily changed. There are many reasons for declaring a national emergency such as a state of war, external aggression or internal unrest. In any such situation, a national emergency is declared in the country.

Where has the emergency been taken from?

The provisions of emergency in India have been taken from the Constitution of Germany. Three types of emergency can be imposed in the country.

National emergency under Article 352
State emergency (President's rule) under Article 356
Financial emergency under Article 360

Proclamation of Emergency

On June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi, on the advice of then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, declared a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing internal disturbances.

Major actions during the Emergency were suspended. Among these are several civil liberties, including fundamental rights of citizens. Press censorship was imposed. Political opponents were arrested and detained without trial.

Government Reforms and Policies

The government undertook several controversial policies, including forced sterilization programs led by Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi's son. Slum clearance drives were implemented, often leading to the displacement of poor communities.
Apart from this, strict censorship was imposed on the press, with many newspapers and magazines being heavily monitored and censored. Prominent journalists and activists were jailed.

Despite the repression, there were significant resistance movements led by opposition leaders, students, and civil society groups. Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) played key roles in organizing protests and raising awareness.

End of the Emergency

In January 1977, Indira Gandhi called for general elections, believing she still had popular support. The elections, held in March 1977, resulted in a massive defeat for the Congress Party. The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, won a decisive victory.

The Emergency period significantly altered the Indian political landscape. It led to the rise of the Janata Party and the first non-Congress government in India. Indira Gandhi’s image was severely tarnished, although she eventually returned to power in 1980.
Constitutional and Legal Reforms

Post-Emergency, there were significant amendments to the Indian Constitution aimed at preventing the misuse of Emergency powers in the future.

The 44th Amendment Act (1978) was enacted to make it more difficult to declare an Emergency and to safeguard civil liberties.
The Emergency is often viewed as a dark period in Indian democracy, highlighting the vulnerabilities of democratic institutions. However, it remains a critical point of reference in discussions about civil liberties, governance, and the balance of power in India.

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