On the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed a strong resolution condemning the imposition of Emergency by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Cabinet observed two minutes of silence to pay homage to the victims who suffered during the 21-month long constitutional crisis that began on June 25, 1975, and ended on March 21, 1977.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at a cabinet briefing, highlighted that the resolution marked a solemn remembrance of a time when fundamental rights, civil liberties, federalism, and democratic ethos were suspended. The government emphasized that the “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Kill Day) should serve as a historical lesson for every generation in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his cabinet colleagues, said:

“It is our duty to ensure a strong and thriving democracy. Today’s generation must understand the perils of the Emergency.”

The resolution read out by Vaishnaw stated,

“The year 2025 marks 50 years of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, an unforgettable chapter in the history of India where the constitution was subverted, and democratic spirit was attacked. The people of India continue to repose faith in the Constitution and the democratic ethos of the country. It is vital for both young and old to draw inspiration from those who resisted dictatorship and defended the Constitution.”

PM Modi Recalls the 'Dark Days' of Indian Democracy

On X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi issued a message on the 50th anniversary, recalling how the Congress government of the time had jailed opposition leaders, imposed press censorship, and practically arrested Indian democracy.

He invited people to share their family experiences and memories of the Emergency on social media to create awareness among youth. He wrote:

“I call upon all those who remember those dark days or whose families suffered to share their experiences. It will educate the younger generation about one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.”

‘The Emergency Diaries’ Book Released

To mark the day, the book titled ‘The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader’ was released. Published by BlueKraft, the book details PM Modi’s personal journey as an RSS pracharak during the Emergency. It outlines his underground activism, evasion of arrest, and commitment to defending democratic values when constitutional machinery was dismantled.

PM Modi reflected emotionally, saying the Emergency period was a “learning experience” and reaffirmed the need to preserve the democratic framework. The book aims to serve as a motivational document for India’s youth about the cost of freedom and the value of civil liberties.

What Happened in the 1975 Emergency?

The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975, after the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay on the Allahabad High Court’s verdict which nullified Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha. Within hours, a nationwide Emergency was announced via All India Radio, citing internal disturbances.

During the Emergency:

• Opposition leaders were imprisoned without trial.

• Media was heavily censored.

• Civil liberties were suspended.

• Mass sterilization campaigns and slum demolitions occurred.

• Political dissent was crushed using the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).

The Emergency ended on March 21, 1977, following intense domestic and international pressure, and a landslide electoral defeat for the Congress party.

Legacy and Government Stance in 2025

In 2024, the Central Government formally declared June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, drawing parallels between 1975 and contemporary threats to democracy. This annual observance aims to ensure that the history of the Emergency is not forgotten and serves as a reminder of the fragility of democratic systems if unchecked power goes unchallenged.

The Union Cabinet’s resolution in 2025 reaffirms the belief that democracy is a living entity which must be nurtured and protected by every citizen, especially the youth who may not have lived through those times. PM Modi stated:

“This date must remind us that our Constitution and democratic rights should never be taken for granted.”

He also noted that many young Indians today do not know the gravity of those events, and this lack of awareness could be dangerous if history were to repeat itself.

Cultural and Political Reactions

The release of PM Modi’s book, combined with the Cabinet’s official stance, has sparked widespread discussion. Historians, political observers, and survivors of the Emergency have weighed in on social media, sharing their accounts of arrests, torture, and resistance.

Many political leaders from the BJP and other opposition parties, barring Congress, have echoed the government’s sentiments, calling for educational reforms that include a more detailed account of the Emergency in school and college curricula.

Conclusion

The condemnation of the 1975 Emergency by the Union Cabinet and Prime Minister Modi’s call for democratic awareness marks a significant moment in Indian political discourse. The Emergency Diaries, PM Modi’s personal memoir from that period, offers a first-person account of resistance during one of the most authoritarian phases in India’s post-independence history.

As India marks 50 years since that infamous declaration, the message from the top echelons of the government is loud and clear:

“Democracy is not inherited. It must be defended every single day.”

Let me know if you’d like a visual infographic timeline of the Emergency or a regional language version for wider circulation.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Silky Overseas, Vandan Foods, Pushpa Jewellers, Cedaar Textile, Adcounty Media India, Marc Loire Fashions, Indogulf Cropsciences, Moving Media Entertainment, Valencia India, Neetu Yoshi, PRO FX Tech, Suntech Infra Solutions, Ace Alpha Tech.

The Current active IPO are Rama Telecom, Supertech EV, Sambhav Steel Tubes, HDB Financials, Abram Food, Shri Hare-Krishna Sponge Iron, Icon Facilitators, Globe Civil Projects, Ellenbarrie Indutrial Gases, Kalpataru, AJC Jewel.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.