On the anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to those who defended democratic values, describing the period as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the Emergency represented a direct attack on the Constitution, marked by the suspension of civil liberties, restrictions on free expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists and activists, and weakening of democratic institutions.
Modi said the period highlighted both the suffering of citizens and the courage of those who resisted authoritarian measures. He reaffirmed that the Constitution embodies the rights and aspirations of 140 crore Indians and called for continued commitment to protecting democratic values such as justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
India also observes the day as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas”, marking the imposition of Emergency on June 25, 1975, which lasted until March 21, 1977. The government said the declaration led to major constitutional changes, restrictions on the press, and allegations of misuse of power.
Meanwhile, a political controversy has emerged following the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) decision to include the Emergency in a Class 9 Social Science textbook for the first time.
The new textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond, presents the Emergency as a major challenge in India’s democratic journey. The inclusion comes as the country marks 50 years since the Emergency was imposed.
The move has triggered political debate. Congress leader Sachin Pilot accused the government of attempting to shape historical narratives, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut argued that democratic concerns in recent years should also be examined alongside historical events.
The Emergency remains one of the most debated chapters in India’s political history, with ongoing differences over its interpretation and legacy.
