50 Years On: The Emergency and Its Shadow Over Indian Democracy

The Emergency imposed 50 years ago on June 25, 1975, marked one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. The 21-month period saw the suspension of democratic institutions and fundamental rights, altering the country’s governance.

The Economic Crisis and Social Unrest

• Expenses from the 1971 war strained the treasury.
• Droughts and the 1973 oil crisis impacted the economy.
• Rising inflation, unemployment, and corruption fueled discontent.

Student Movements and Political Opposition

• Navnirman student movement in 1974 sparked opposition.
• Bihar student movement united socialists and right-wing groups.

Jayaprakash Narayan’s Total Revolution

• Narayan called for “sampoorna kranti” against Gandhi’s rule.
• His movement gained momentum nationwide.

Railway Strike and Labor Unrest

• George Fernandes led a railway strike in 1974.
• The strike highlighted the opposition’s power.

Judicial Verdict and Constitutional Crisis

• Allahabad High Court’s judgment triggered the Emergency.
• The verdict threatened Indira Gandhi’s position as PM.

The Night of June 25, 1975

• Gandhi declared the Emergency to subvert the court’s decision.
• The government orchestrated the announcement for control.

Constitutional Subversion and Federal Destruction

• The Emergency altered India’s constitutional framework.
• Centralization of power weakened federalism.

Mass Arrests and Political Repression

• Opposition leaders were imprisoned under draconian laws.
• The government detained over 1.12 lakh people.

Constitutional Amendments and Judicial Emasculation

• Parliament passed amendments consolidating authoritarian power.
• The judiciary’s oversight was curtailed.

Press Censorship and Media Suppression

• Freedom of speech was restricted, and newspapers faced censorship.
• Journalists were jailed for opposing the regime.

Sanjay Gandhi’s Authoritarian Program

• Sanjay Gandhi implemented programs with brutal efficiency.
• Forced sterilizations and slum clearances were carried out.

Electoral Manipulation and Unexpected End

• The government postponed elections and extended its term.
• Gandhi lifted the Emergency in 1977 but faced electoral defeat.

Constitutional Reforms and Long-term Political Consequences

• The Janata government reversed many Emergency changes.
• The Emergency reshaped Indian politics and social dynamics.

Enduring Legacy

• The Emergency ended Congress’ one-party dominance.
• It highlighted the resilience of Indian democracy.

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams

• The Emergency in India led to the suspension of democratic institutions and fundamental rights.
• Student movements, political opposition, and judicial verdicts triggered the crisis.
• The period saw mass arrests, press censorship, and authoritarian programs.
• Constitutional reforms post-Emergency reshaped Indian politics and governance.
• The Emergency marked a significant shift in Indian democracy, leading to lasting changes and reforms.