50 Years Since the Declaration of Emergency (1975–77)

Half a Century Since India’s Emergency Era

Source: DD News
Syllabus: Indian Polity & Governance | Modern History

Why In News: Emergency

On 25th June 2025, India marks the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Emergency (1975–1977), a critical period that significantly impacted the country’s democracy and constitutional framework.

What was the Emergency?

Declared under Article 352 of the Constitution on 25th June 1975, citing “internal disturbance.”
It led to the suspension of civil liberties, curtailment of Fundamental Rights, and significant changes in governance.
Duration: 25th June 1975 to 21st March 1977.

Events Leading to the Emergency:

Rising public unrest due to:
- Student agitations
- Inflation and unemployment
- Allegations of corruption
Jayaprakash Narayan’s Total Revolution movement, especially in Bihar and Gujarat, intensified mass protests.
On 12th June 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice, triggering demands for her resignation.

Key Developments During the Emergency:

Suspension of Fundamental Rights:
- Article 358 and 359 invoked to suspend rights under Articles 14, 19, 21, and 22.
Mass Arrests:
- Over 35,000 political leaders and activists detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
Media Censorship:
- Strict control over newspapers, films, and other publications.
Coercive Sterilisation Drive:
- Over 1.07 crore sterilisation procedures conducted, many reported under coercion.
42nd Constitutional Amendment:
- Expanded powers of the executive.
- Weakened judicial review.
- Extended the term of the Lok Sabha from 5 to 6 years.

Aftermath and Reforms Post-Emergency:

The Emergency ended in March 1977 following the Congress party’s defeat in the general elections.
Shah Commission (1977):
- Investigated human rights abuses, arbitrary detentions, forced sterilisation, and media suppression during the Emergency.
44th Constitutional Amendment (1978):
- Made Emergency provisions stricter.
- Replaced “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion” as a ground for declaring Emergency.
- Restored judicial oversight and protection of Fundamental Rights.

Conclusion:

The Emergency period remains a crucial chapter in India’s democratic journey, reminding the nation of the need to safeguard constitutional values, civil liberties, and institutional checks on executive power.