Emergency in India (1975-1977)

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Context

• The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, lauded the Honourable Lok Sabha Speaker for strongly condemning the emergency and the ensuing excess committed.

The Emergency in India (1975-1977)

Background and Declaration

• Period: The Emergency in India was a 21-month period from 1975 to 1977.
• Prime Minister: The state of emergency was declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Reason for Declaration: The Emergency was declared citing internal and external threats to the country, which were perceived as severe enough to justify extraordinary measures.

Official Proclamation

• Issued by: The official proclamation of the Emergency was made by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.
• Legal Basis: The declaration was made under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.
• Official Reason: The reason given for the Emergency was the prevailing "internal disturbance."
• Duration: The Emergency was in effect from 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977.

Powers and Actions

Prime Minister's Authority:

• Rule by Decree: The Emergency bestowed upon the prime minister the authority to rule by decree.
• Cancel Elections: It allowed for the cancellation of elections.
• Suspend Civil Liberties: It also permitted the suspension of civil liberties across the country.

Political Opponents:

• Imprisonment: Most of Indira Gandhi's political opponents were imprisoned during this period.
• Detentions: Preventive detentions were carried out under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).

Press:

• Censorship: The press was censored to prevent any opposition or criticism of the government.
• Control: Strict control over media and communication was enforced to maintain the narrative in favor of the Emergency.

Population Control Campaign:

• Mass Vasectomy Campaign: A controversial mass campaign for vasectomy was spearheaded by Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi's son. This campaign aimed at population control but was widely criticized for its coercive methods.

Decision-Making and Rationale

• Proposer: The final decision to impose the Emergency was proposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Agreement: The proposal was agreed upon by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

Ratification:

• Cabinet and Parliament: The decision was ratified by the Cabinet and the Parliament from July to August 1975.
• Legal Formalities: The formal processes to endorse the Emergency were completed swiftly, reinforcing the government’s control.

Stated Rationale:

• Imminent Threats: The Emergency was justified on the grounds of imminent internal and external threats to the Indian state.
• Political and Social Unrest: The government cited the need to restore order in the face of political and social unrest, which included strikes, protests, and opposition movements.

Impact and Legacy

• Civil Liberties: The suspension of civil liberties led to widespread human rights violations.
• Political Landscape: The period of the Emergency had a lasting impact on India's political landscape, with increased awareness and vigilance against the misuse of constitutional provisions.
• Judiciary and Media: The role of the judiciary and media came under scrutiny, highlighting the importance of their independence in a democratic setup.
• Public Perception: The Emergency remains one of the most controversial periods in Indian history, evoking strong reactions about the balance between authority and freedom in a democracy.

READ MORE:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/national-emergency-of-1975

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/article-356

SOURCE: PIB