1975 Emergency explained: A look back at India's 'dark days of democracy'
Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency on June 25, 1975, which lasted for 21 months. This decision, announced in a broadcast on All India Radio, came shortly after the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay on the Allahabad High Court verdict, declaring Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha null and void. The Supreme Court also asked Gandhi to stay away from parliamentary proceedings.
Imposition of Emergency
Gandhi justified the Emergency by citing a «deep and widespread conspiracy» against her government. During this period, civil liberties were suspended, and the government imposed strict censorship on the press. The Emergency also witnessed the centralization of power and the mass arrest of opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, L K Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Morarji Desai. These actions were met with widespread criticism and protests, both domestically and internationally.
1975 Emergency: Timeline of Key Events
- January 1966: Indira Gandhi elected prime minister.
- November 1969: The Congress splits after Gandhi is expelled for violating party discipline.
- 1973-75: Surge in political unrest and demonstrations against the Indira Gandhi-led government.
- 1971: Political opponent Raj Narain lodges complaint of electoral fraud against Indira Gandhi.
- June 12, 1975: Allahabad High Court found Gandhi guilty over discrepancies in the electoral campaign.
- June 24, 1975: Supreme Court rules that MP privileges no longer apply to Gandhi. She is barred from voting but allowed to continue as Prime Minister.
- June 25, 1975: Declaration of Emergency by president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the advice of Indira Gandhi.
- June 26, 1975: Indira Gandhi addresses the nation on All India Radio.
- September 1976: Sanjay Gandhi
