After India gained independence, several events significantly impacted its development. One of the most notable and controversial periods in Indian history is the Emergency of 1975-77, often referred to as the darkest period of India.
In 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, marking a shocking and controversial period in India’s history. However, this wasn’t the first time India had faced an emergency. Earlier emergencies were declared during wars in 1962 and 1971.
In 1962, India faced a severe military confrontation with China along its Himalayan borders, leading to the Sino-Indian War. On October 26, 1962, President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan declared a National Emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution. The emergency was declared due to “external aggression,” giving the central government sweeping powers to manage the war effort and maintain internal security.
In 1971 The 1971 National Emergency in India was declared during the Indo-Pakistani War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. On the same topic we have already created article to know more about it click on the link https://www.globetact.com/geopolitical/from-conflict-to-independence-the-1971-war-and-the-birth-of-bangladesh/ .On December 3, 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a National Emergency under Article 352, citing “external aggression.”
In both cases reason of emergency was external aggression. But at the third time the reason was internal instability.
What does “emergency” mean according to the Constitution of India?
Emergency as per constitution of India
In simple terms, an emergency, as per the Indian Constitution, is a situation where the central government gains special powers to handle serious threats like war, external aggression, or internal unrest. It allows the government to take extraordinary measures to ensure stability and security across the country.
In the constitution it is provision of emergency in 3 situations.
Article 352: This article allows the President of India to declare a National Emergency in the following circumstances:
War: When India is at war with another country.
External Aggression: When there is external aggression against India.
Armed Rebellion: Previously termed “internal disturbance” until the 44th Amendment in 1978, it now specifically refers to armed rebellion within the country.
Background behind the emergency situation:
- In the 1970s, India faced significant social issues such as poverty, inflation, and food shortages. The situation worsened after the war with Pakistan, further straining the country’s resources and stability. Leading to growing distrust in the Indian government.
- In 1969, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced a plan aimed at alleviating poverty through the nationalization of 14 private banks in India. This decision was met with significant opposition from the shareholders of these banks. Indira Gandhi’s government believed that nationalizing banks would help channel funds towards priority sectors such as agriculture, small industries, and rural development. Shareholders of the 14 private banks were unhappy because the government’s decision meant that their privately owned banks would now come under state control.
- On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices in the 1971 elections and declared her election to the Lok Sabha invalid. The court also disqualified her from holding any elected office for six years. This decision threatened her position as Prime Minister.
Every Prime Minister values their position, as it represents power. Some leaders, to maintain this power, may resort to undemocratic means, resembling a dictatorship. This trend can also be observed in present-day India.
On the result of above situations:
June 25, 1975: Indira Gandhi, on the advice of her loyalists, decided to impose a state of emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing internal disturbances.
President’s Proclamation: The then President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, issued the proclamation, which suspended civil liberties, elections, and significantly curtailed the judiciary’s power.
Impact and Consequences of emergency of 1975
Political Repression: Opposition leaders and activists were arrested and detained without trial. Notable figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee were among those arrested.
The media was heavily censored, with many newspapers either shut down or forced to publish content approved by the government.
Administrative Actions:
The government initiated a series of controversial policies, including forced sterilization campaigns and slum demolitions under the guise of family planning and urban development.
Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s son, played a significant role in these initiatives, which led to widespread public resentment.
Suspension of Fundamental Rights:
Fundamental rights of citizens were suspended. This included the right to move the courts for the enforcement of fundamental rights, resulting in widespread human rights violations. For know more about fundamental rights click on the link https://www.globetact.com/cross-cultural/social/know-about-fundamental-rights-as-per-indian-constitution/.
Economic Impact:
Despite the political turmoil, some economic measures, like the 20-point program aimed at reducing poverty and improving productivity, were implemented. However, the overall economic situation remained precarious.
End of the Emergency
Elections Announced: In January 1977, amidst growing dissent and pressure, Indira Gandhi announced general elections, lifting the emergency in March.
Election Results: The elections held in March 1977 saw the Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, win a landslide victory. Indira Gandhi and her party were decisively defeated, and Morarji Desai became the new Prime Minister.
Aftermath
Legal and Political Repercussions:
The actions during the Emergency led to widespread criticism and a significant loss of support for Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party.
The period is often remembered for its authoritarian excesses and the curtailment of democratic rights.
Subsequent governments took steps to prevent such an event from recurring by amending the constitution, making it more difficult to declare a state of emergency in the future.
The Emergency of 1975-77 remains a controversial and highly debated period in India’s political history, highlighting the tensions between authority and democratic freedoms.