The history of Emergency in India refers to a 21-month period from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country. It is one of the most controversial and debated periods in Indian democratic history.
ЁЯФ┤ Background to the Emergency
- Political Situation:
- Indira GandhiтАЩs popularity had peaked after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, but soon after, economic and political challenges started mounting.
- Unemployment, inflation, corruption, and shortages of basic goods led to widespread public discontent.
- Judicial Crisis:
- On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections and invalidated her election.
- The court banned her from holding office for 6 years.
- The opposition demanded her resignation, and mass protests erupted across the country.
- JP Movement:
- Led by Jayaprakash Narayan, a former Gandhian, the Total Revolution Movement gathered momentum, calling for the dismissal of Indira Gandhi and restoration of democracy.
тЪая╕П Proclamation of Emergency
- On the night of June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of Indira Gandhi, declared a national emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing internal disturbances.
- This gave the central government sweeping powers.
ЁЯФТ Major Features of the Emergency
- Suspension of Fundamental Rights:
- Articles 14, 19, 21, and 22 were effectively suspended.
- People lost their right to approach courts for the protection of their rights.
- Censorship:
- Strict press censorship was imposed. Newspapers had to get approval before publishing anything.
- Prominent publications like The Indian Express and The Statesman protested by leaving editorials blank.
- Arrests and Detentions:
- Over 100,000 people were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
- Leaders from all opposition parties were jailed, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, George Fernandes, and Jayaprakash Narayan.
- Forced Sterilization Campaign:
- Led by Sanjay Gandhi (Indira GandhiтАЩs son), a controversial family planning program was implemented.
- Poor people, especially in rural areas, were coerced into sterilization surgeries, sparking outrage.
- Centralization of Power:
- Democratic institutions like Parliament, state governments, and even the judiciary became subservient to the executive.
- Constitutional Amendments:
- The 42nd Amendment (1976) was passed, giving vast powers to the Prime Minister and reducing judicial oversight.
ЁЯЧ│я╕П End of Emergency and Aftermath
- Emergency was lifted on March 21, 1977.
- General elections were held in March 1977.
- Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party suffered a massive defeat.
- The opposition Janata Party, led by Morarji Desai, came to power тАФ the first non-Congress government in India.
- It was a historic moment for Indian democracy, showing that people could decisively vote out authoritarian rule.
ЁЯУЪ Legacy of the Emergency
- Democratic Lessons:
- It remains a reminder of how fragile democracy can be and how constitutional mechanisms can be misused.
- It prompted greater awareness about civil liberties and judicial independence.
- Judicial Reforms:
- The Habeas Corpus case (ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla) during the Emergency, where the Supreme Court sided with the government, was later widely criticized.
- In later years, the Supreme Court acknowledged the mistake and strengthened protections for fundamental rights.
- Constitutional Safeguards:
- Future governments made changes to ensure Emergency powers are more restricted.
- The 44th Amendment (1978) made it more difficult to declare a national emergency, requiring written advice and cabinet consensus.
ЁЯз╛ Summary Table
Feature | During Emergency (1975тАУ77) |
---|---|
Declared by | Indira Gandhi (PM), approved by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed |
Constitutional Article Used | Article 352 (Internal Disturbance) |
Civil Liberties | Suspended |
Opposition Leaders | Arrested without trial |
Press Freedom | Heavily Censored |
Key Protest Movement | JP Movement (Total Revolution) |
End of Emergency | March 21, 1977 |
Resulting Election | Congress defeated, Janata Party wins |