The 1975 Emergency, one of the most debated and controversial episodes in India's democratic history, has completed 51 years. On the night of 25 June 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed declared a National Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution of India on the recommendation of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Emergency remained in force until 21 March 1977 and continued for nearly 21 months, affecting India's political, social and constitutional framework.
The Emergency continues to be the subject of political debate in India. While several political parties describe it as the biggest attack on democracy, some analysts have said that the government at the time presented it as a necessary measure to maintain national stability and law and order.
The Emergency followed several political and social developments. One of the principal reasons cited was the historic judgment of the Allahabad High Court, which found then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral irregularities during the 1971 Lok Sabha election campaign. The case originated from a petition filed by socialist leader Raj Narain.
The court set aside Indira Gandhi's election, raising questions over her political future. During the same period, the country was witnessing widespread public movements against inflation, unemployment and corruption. Opposition parties, led by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, were uniting against the government. Amid these circumstances, the Emergency was imposed on 25 June 1975.
Following the declaration of the Emergency, several constitutional and civil rights were restricted. Freedom of expression, political activities and public protests came under strict surveillance. Several prominent opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, were arrested. Thousands of political and social activists were also detained.
Media censorship was introduced during the Emergency. Newspapers and magazines were required to obtain government approval before publication, while critical reporting was restricted, affecting press freedom. The period also witnessed criticism over the forced sterilisation campaign and certain administrative measures undertaken in the name of urban redevelopment. In subsequent years, numerous reports and political debates examined these developments.
Former personal secretary to Indira Gandhi, R.K. Dhawan, made several claims related to the Emergency in various interviews. According to him, the prevailing political circumstances and the advice of certain senior leaders influenced the decision to impose the Emergency. Dhawan also said that Indira Gandhi had personally considered resigning, but her associates advised her to remain in office.
He further claimed that the decision to hold elections in 1977 was based on positive assessments from intelligence agencies, which had projected a possible Congress victory. However, the Congress suffered a decisive defeat in the 1977 general election, and the Janata Party formed the government. It was the first time since India's Independence that a non-Congress government assumed power at the Centre.
