Archive · 25 Jun 2025
India Marks Emergency's 50th Anniversary Amidst Censorship Debate
Fifty years ago, India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared an emergency, taking away people's freedoms.
She arrested opponents, and the press was told what to write.
The government now remembers this time to remind everyone about democracy.
During this time, movies and news were heavily controlled, which continues to be an issue with film censorship.
The courts also had less power.
This period is seen as a dark spot in Indian history.
June 25, 1975, marked the beginning of the Emergency in India, a 21-month period of suspended rights.
Indira Gandhi declared the Emergency, citing threats to national security amidst political unrest.
The Emergency saw the arrest of political opponents, press censorship, and curtailment of judicial powers.
The government marks June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas,' reflecting on the events of the Emergency.
Film censorship continues to be a concern, with the Central Board of Film Certification scrutinizing content.
- Who
- Indira Gandhi, political opponents, citizens, and filmmakers.
- What
- The declaration and impact of the Emergency in India, including press censorship and its effects.
- When
- June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Declared due to political and economic unrest, a court ruling against Indira Gandhi and perceived threats to national security.
Supporters of Emergency
Opponents of Emergency
Justification of Emergency
Supporters of Emergency
Argued the Emergency was necessary for national stability and to counter unrest.
Opponents of Emergency
The viewpoint that the Emergency was undemocratic and suppressed civil liberties, including press freedom, is presented in the articles.
- Emergency Start Date
- June 25, 1975
- Emergency End Date
- March 21, 1977
- Duration
- 21 months
- Key Figure
- Indira Gandhi
- Event
- Suspension of Rights, Censorship
- Associated Event
- Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
Sources
Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?
Was Sanjay proving too wild even for Indira Gandhi, asks former PM’s principal secretary in book
'Rajiv Gandhi had no sympathy for his brother, Sanjay'
Flattened homes, forced sterilisation: Delhi’s Turkman Gate residents recall horrors of Emergency
Was Sanjay proving too wild even for Indira Gandhi: Former PM’s principal secretary in book
Was Sanjay Gandhi Proving Too Wild Even For Indira Gandhi? Ex-Aide's Book
How Indira Gandhi’s emergency silenced India’s free press
Raj Narain: The unlikely hero who couldn’t stop fighting, including his own side
Social unrest, SC order, dictatorial tendencies led to Emergency in 1975
Timeline of events leading to Emergency
Emergency made part of school syllabus during UPA rule, 3 decades after imposition
Emergency 1975: The Court Verdict That Pushed Indira Gandhi to Declare 'Apaatkaal'
Janata Party: The giant slayer slayed by own giants
50 Years Since Emergency: What Really Fuelled Indira Gandhi's Insecurity
Emergency horrible mistake, darkest period for liberty: Legal experts
Emergency: When Prakash Karat went underground, took refuge in AIIMS
Social unrest, SC order: What led to Emergency in 1975
Congress Party: A Habitual Assaulter Of Democracy
Opinion | Never Again: Why The Emergency Must Remain In Our Collective Memory
No Indian will ever forget how spirit of Constitution was violated, Parliament muzzled: PM Modi on Emergency
