Emergency 

The Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975, marking one of the darkest periods in Indian history. This 21-month period saw the suspension of civil liberties, press freedom, mass arrests, election cancellations, and rule by decree.

Historical & Social Context

• Indira Gandhi gained power with an electoral landslide in 1971, but her government faced several crises, including economic challenges from the 1971 India-Pak war, droughts, and the 1973 oil crisis.
• Corruption, misgovernance, and state excesses fueled public discontent.
• In 1974, student movements in Gujarat and Bihar, led to significant political unrest, with Jayaprakash Narayan spearheading the call for "sampoorna kranti" (total revolution).
• On June 12, 1975, Indira Gandhi was convicted of electoral malpractice, leading to demands for her resignation.

Imposition of Emergency

• The proclamation was signed by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on June 25, 1975, and announced via All India Radio.
• The Emergency lasted until March 21, 1977, transforming the federal structure into a de facto unitary system.
• Almost all opposition leaders were imprisoned, and approximately 1.12 lakh people were detained under draconian laws.

Constitutional Amendments and Repercussions

• The 42nd Amendment of 1976 restricted the judiciary's powers and allowed Parliament to amend the Constitution without judicial review.
• Fundamental rights were curtailed, press censorship was imposed, and journalists were jailed.
• Sanjay Gandhi's "five-point programme" included controversial actions like forced sterilizations and slum clearances, leading to significant public backlash.

End of Emergency and Aftermath

• In 1977, Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency anticipating electoral success, but faced a major electoral defeat.
• The Janata Party's government reversed many of the constitutional changes made during the Emergency.
• Judicial review of the Proclamation of Emergency was reinstated, requiring a special majority for future proclamations.

Emergency's Enduring Legacy

• The Emergency catalyzed political changes, diminishing Congress's dominance and ushering in new political leaders.
• The appointment of the Mandal Commission by the Janata government laid the groundwork for the rise of OBCs in North India.