Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 25

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the 1975-77 Emergency as a “direct assault” on India’s Constitution and democratic institutions, marking the 51st anniversary of its proclamation with a renewed attack on one of the country’s most controversial political periods.

In messages posted on social media, Modi said the Emergency witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, and the arrest of political leaders, journalists, and civil society activists.

“The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution,” Modi wrote. “It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers, and an assault on institutions that are the bedrock of our democracy.”

The Emergency, imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, under Article 352 of the Constitution, remained in force until March 21, 1977, and is widely regarded as one of the defining episodes in independent India’s political history.

PM Modi paid tribute to those who opposed the Emergency, saying their resistance reflected an enduring commitment to democratic values and constitutional principles.

“We reaffirm our collective commitment to safeguarding constitutional values,” he said, adding that India remained committed to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.

The BJP-led government has, since last year, officially observed June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ (Constitution Murder Day), describing the Emergency as a period marked by abuse of power and suppression of democratic rights.

In another message, Modi said the observance served as a reminder of a “dark period” when “Indian democracy was brutally crushed” and called on citizens to remain vigilant in protecting constitutional institutions and civil liberties.

During the Emergency, the central government assumed sweeping executive powers, civil liberties were suspended, press censorship was imposed, and Parliament approved constitutional amendments that significantly expanded executive authority while limiting judicial oversight.

The period also witnessed controversial measures, including large-scale forced sterilisation campaigns and mass detentions under preventive detention laws.

The Emergency ended after the general elections in 1977, which resulted in the defeat of Indira Gandhi’s government and the restoration of normal constitutional governance.