Archive · 29 Jun 2025
Gujral's Emergency Ouster: A Clash Over Press Control
After India's leader, Indira Gandhi, put in place strict rules called the Emergency, she wasn't happy with how the media was being handled.
The person in charge of sharing news, Mr. Gujral, didn't want to control the press as strictly.
He was then replaced by someone who would do what she wanted, which led to big changes and discussions about freedom and power.
I.K. Gujral was removed as I&B Minister by Indira Gandhi for being "soft" on media censorship during the Emergency.
Gujral recounted how Gandhi gave him her raincoat at a rally, saying he "could not do any other work".
Gujral was not informed about the Emergency declaration beforehand, learning of it at a Cabinet meeting.
Gujral refused to impose press censorship and disagreed with the handling of the media during the Emergency.
Gandhi replaced Gujral with V.C. Shukla, who was seen as more compliant.
- Who
- I.K. Gujral, Indira Gandhi, V.C. Shukla, and other government officials.
- What
- The removal of I.K. Gujral as Information and Broadcasting Minister during the Emergency and the events surrounding it.
- When
- The Emergency period in India (1975), with recollections in the early 2000s.
- Where
- India, particularly New Delhi and Gujarat.
- Why
- To discuss the events leading up to Gujral's removal and the media control during the Emergency.
Critics of the Emergency
Supporters of the Emergency
Justification of the Emergency
Critics of the Emergency
The Emergency was a period of political repression that stifled free speech and democratic institutions.
Supporters of the Emergency
The Emergency was a necessary measure to address the instability in the country.
Gujral's Removal
Critics of the Emergency
Gujral's removal reflects the authoritarian tendencies of the Emergency.
Supporters of the Emergency
Gujral's removal was a pragmatic decision to ensure effective media control during a crisis.
- Event
- Emergency in India
- Key Figures
- Indira Gandhi, I.K. Gujral
- Gujral's Role
- Information and Broadcasting Minister
- Reason for Removal
- Perceived softness on media censorship
- Replacement
- V.C. Shukla
- Gujral's Stance
- Against press censorship
Sources
L K Advani’s prison diaries: Constitutional morality, Indira Gandhi, and Thomas Jefferson
Tavleen Singh writes: In praise of Democracy
Shy of a ‘sorry’, Congress came to power again after Emergency, but never regained its authority
