On June 25, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed the day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. He called the 1975 Emergency a direct assault on the Constitution and highlighted the courage of citizens who resisted the curbs on freedom.
Key Developments
- The Emergency was proclaimed on June 25, 1975 under Article 352 and lasted until March 21, 1977.
- During this period, civil liberties were suspended, political leaders, journalists and social workers were arrested, and the press was tightly controlled.
- Parliament passed amendments that weakened judicial review, reducing institutional checks.
- A forced sterilisation campaign was launched as part of the government's population control drive.
- In 2025 the Modi administration issued a gazette notification labeling the Emergency as a "gross abuse of power" and began observing the day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.
Important Facts
The Emergency affected a population of about 140 crore Indians, curbing their rights to speech, assembly and press. The executive acquired overriding powers, and state governments were placed under central control. The period is remembered as one of the "darkest chapters in India's history".
Exam Relevance
This episode is crucial for GS2: Polity (understanding constitutional provisions, emergency powers, and the balance of centre‑state relations) and GS1: History (post‑independence political developments). Aspirants should study the legal basis of Emergency, the role of Article 352, and the impact on democratic institutions.
Way Forward
PM Modi’s reminder urges a continued commitment to protect democratic values. For policymakers, strengthening safeguards against misuse of emergency powers, ensuring robust judicial review, and promoting civic awareness are essential. Citizens must remain vigilant, remembering the lessons of the 1975‑77 Emergency to safeguard the Constitution for future generations.