New Delhi: on this day (June 25), 47 years ago, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi A nationwide state of emergency was imposed which went down as one of the most infamous events in Indian history. It eased restrictions on civil liberties, press freedom, and took action against Congressional political protests. The imposition of emergency was ordered by President Fakhruddin Ali under Article 352 of the Constitution.
Why did Indira Gandhi impose emergency in 1975?
He cited “internal disturbances” to enforce the order that canceled the election and gave unprecedented powers to the prime minister. The Indira Gandhi government also argued that there were threats to national security that required such strict measures. At that time, a war with Pakistan had recently ended, causing protests and strikes to the economy. The government said that due to this the country has suffered to a great extent.
It is believed that the Emergency was imposed following the 1975 judgment of the Allahabad High Court, in which Gandhi was convicted of electoral malpractice and disqualified from Parliament and said that he would not hold any office for the next 6 years. Will not be able to hold elected office. Soon after this decision, he declared a state of emergency.
What happened during the Emergency of 1975?
During the Emergency, apart from restrictions on civil liberties, trade unions were also cracked down. The government reportedly banned trade union activity, went on strike by workers and imposed fixed wages with no scope for bonuses. The activists who opposed this had to face severe repression. Another controversial aspect of this period was Sanjay Gandhi’s mass sterilization program across the country and the demolition of slums for ‘beautification’ of cities, with no prior notice to the slum dwellers.
The Emergency ended on March 21, 1977, before which Indira Gandhi had called for fresh elections on January 18, 1977. He also ordered the release of several opposition leaders from jail.
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