25th June (Emergency) : The black day in Indian History

The declaration of Emergency in India on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi marked one of the darkest periods in the country’s democratic history. For 21 months, the world’s largest democracy witnessed a significant erosion of civil liberties, political repression, and a series of human rights abuses that left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective memory. This article delves into the context of the Emergency, the atrocities committed during this period, and the opposition leaders who were arrested and silenced.

The Context of the Emergency

The political and social landscape of India in the mid-1970s was fraught with instability. The Congress government, led by Indira Gandhi, was increasingly perceived as corrupt and inefficient. Economic challenges, such as soaring inflation, unemployment, and food shortages, compounded the discontent. The political opposition, galvanized by these issues, mounted pressure on the government.

The immediate precursor to the Emergency was a landmark judicial verdict. On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices during her 1971 election campaign. The court invalidated her election to the Lok Sabha and barred her from holding any elected office for six years. This judgment threatened Gandhi’s political career and her hold on power.

In response, Indira Gandhi, advised by her closest aides, sought to circumvent this existential threat by declaring a state of emergency. On the night of June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, at Gandhi’s behest, signed the proclamation of Emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing internal disturbances as the reason.

Atrocities Committed During the Emergency

The Emergency period witnessed widespread atrocities and blatant disregard for democratic norms and human rights. Some of the most egregious actions included the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and forced sterilization campaigns.

Suspension of Civil Liberties

One of the first casualties of the Emergency was the suspension of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. The right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to form associations were curtailed. Habeas corpus, a legal remedy against unlawful detention, was also suspended. This meant that individuals could be detained indefinitely without trial.

Press Censorship

The government imposed stringent censorship on the press, effectively gagging the media. Newspapers were required to submit their content for pre-approval by government censors before publication. Prominent newspapers, such as “The Indian Express” and “The Statesman,” left their editorial columns blank in protest against the censorship. Journalists who dared to criticize the government faced arrest and harassment. The free flow of information was severely restricted, and the public was fed a steady diet of pro-government propaganda.

Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions

The Emergency saw the arrest of thousands of political opponents, activists, and dissenters under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and other draconian laws. The list of those detained reads like a who’s who of Indian politics and activism. Key opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and George Fernandes, were arrested and imprisoned without trial.

• Jayaprakash Narayan (JP): A veteran freedom fighter and socialist leader, JP was one of the most vocal critics of Indira Gandhi’s government. He led the call for a “total revolution” to address corruption and misgovernance. His arrest was a significant blow to the opposition movement.
• Morarji Desai: A senior leader of the Congress (O) and later the Janata Party, Desai was imprisoned during the Emergency. He played a pivotal role in the post-Emergency political landscape, eventually becoming the Prime Minister of India in 1977.
• Charan Singh: A prominent leader from Uttar Pradesh and a former Chief Minister, Singh was known for his advocacy of farmers’ rights. His detention during the Emergency only strengthened his resolve to oppose Indira Gandhi’s regime.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The future Prime Minister of India and a key figure in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party), Vajpayee’s arrest highlighted the breadth of the crackdown on political dissent.
• L.K. Advani: Another prominent leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Advani was imprisoned along with Vajpayee. He later became a central figure in Indian politics, serving as Deputy Prime Minister.
• George Fernandes: A firebrand socialist leader, Fernandes went underground to evade arrest and orchestrated a series of anti-Emergency activities. He was eventually captured and charged with plotting to blow up railway tracks, an accusation he vehemently denied.

Forced Sterilization Campaign

One of the most notorious aspects of the Emergency was the forced sterilization campaign, ostensibly aimed at controlling India’s population growth. Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s son, spearheaded this initiative with ruthless zeal. Under his directives, government officials were given targets for sterilizations, leading to widespread coercion and human rights abuses.

• Coercion and Brutality: People, particularly from poor and rural backgrounds, were coerced into undergoing sterilization. Incentives such as food rations, housing, and monetary rewards were offered, but more often than not, the campaign involved outright force. Reports of men and women being rounded up, transported to sterilization camps, and operated on under unsanitary conditions abounded.
• Tragic Consequences: The drive led to numerous deaths and complications due to botched surgeries. The brutality of the campaign generated widespread fear and resentment among the populace. The memory of forced sterilizations remains a haunting legacy of the Emergency.

Demolition and Relocation

Another aspect of Sanjay Gandhi’s draconian measures during the Emergency was the demolition of slums and unauthorized colonies in Delhi and other cities. The rationale given was urban beautification and development, but the reality was the forced eviction and relocation of thousands of poor families.

• Demolition of Turkman Gate: One of the most infamous instances was the demolition of the Turkman Gate area in Delhi. Residents were forcibly evicted, their homes destroyed, and many were injured or killed in the process. The brutality of the operation highlighted the regime’s disregard for human rights and dignity.

The Opposition’s Struggle

Despite the severe repression, the spirit of resistance and opposition did not die. Many opposition leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens continued to fight against the draconian measures of the Emergency, often at great personal risk.

Underground Resistance

Some opposition leaders went underground to evade arrest and continue their activities. George Fernandes, for example, managed to evade capture for a significant period, organizing clandestine meetings and planning protests. The underground resistance played a crucial role in keeping the spirit of opposition alive and mobilizing public sentiment against the Emergency.

International Condemnation

The Emergency attracted widespread international condemnation. Global leaders, human rights organizations, and the international press criticized the Indian government for its authoritarian measures and human rights abuses. This external pressure added to the growing domestic discontent and played a role in the eventual lifting of the Emergency.

The End of the Emergency

By early 1977, the pressure on Indira Gandhi’s government had become untenable. The widespread discontent, combined with international condemnation and the resilience of the opposition, forced Indira Gandhi to reconsider her position. On January 18, 1977, she announced the lifting of the Emergency and called for general elections in March.

The elections of 1977 were a watershed moment in Indian politics. The electorate delivered a resounding verdict against the Emergency and the Congress Party. The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, won a decisive victory, and Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister of India.

The end of the Emergency marked the restoration of democracy and the reaffirmation of India’s commitment to civil liberties and democratic norms. Indira Gandhi’s defeat was a clear signal that the Indian populace would not tolerate authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values.

Legacy of the Emergency

The Emergency of 1975-77 remains a deeply controversial and much-debated period in Indian history. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the ease with which civil liberties can be curtailed under the guise of maintaining order. The lessons from this period underscore the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic freedoms and the rule of law.

Institutional Safeguards

The post-Emergency period saw significant efforts to strengthen institutional safeguards against the abuse of executive power. Amendments to the Constitution, such as the 44th Amendment Act, were introduced to prevent the recurrence of such an authoritarian episode. These amendments made it more difficult for a future government to impose a state of emergency and curtailed the executive’s ability to suspend fundamental rights.

Public Awareness

The memory of the Emergency also heightened public awareness and vigilance regarding civil liberties and democratic rights. The media, civil society organizations, and the judiciary have played crucial roles in holding the government accountable and protecting democratic norms. The press, in particular, emerged stronger and more resilient, recognizing the critical importance of its role as the fourth pillar of democracy.

Political Ramifications

The Emergency had long-lasting political ramifications. It led to the fragmentation and eventual weakening of the Congress Party, as many leaders and workers left the party in protest against Indira Gandhi’s authoritarianism. It also paved the way for the rise of regional parties and the emergence of coalition politics in India.

Moral and Ethical Reflections

For many, the Emergency remains a period of moral and ethical reflection. It is a time to remember the courage and sacrifices of those who stood up against tyranny and fought for the restoration of