The Indian Emergency was a 21-month period of authoritarian rule in India from 1975 to 1977. It was declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who suspended civil liberties and fundamental rights, effectively establishing a state of emergency across the country. The Emergency was a highly controversial and turbulent period in Indian history. Here's an overview of its history:
1. Background:
- In the early 1970s, India was facing various challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, and widespread corruption.
- In 1971, India had also faced a war with Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
- By 1974, protests against the government's policies were increasing, with opposition parties and social movements gaining momentum.
2. Declaration of Emergency:
- On the night of June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency, citing threats to national security and stability.
- She invoked Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, which granted the President the power to proclaim Emergency on the grounds of internal disturbance.
- Civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly, were suspended, and censorship was imposed on the media.
3. Suppression of Opposition:
- During the Emergency, political opponents, activists, and journalists were arrested and detained without trial.
- The government launched a massive crackdown on political dissidents, particularly targeting leaders of opposition parties, including Jayaprakash Narayan and Morarji Desai.
- Many civil liberties organizations and student movements were also suppressed.
4. Sanjay Gandhi and the 5-Point Program:
- Indira Gandhi's son, Sanjay Gandhi, emerged as a powerful figure during the Emergency and played a significant role in implementing controversial policies.
- Sanjay Gandhi initiated a 5-Point Program, which aimed to address issues like poverty, family planning, and slum clearance.
- However, the program was criticized for its forced sterilization campaign, known as "The Compulsory Sterilization Program," which violated human rights and led to widespread abuses.
5. Media Censorship and Forced Sterilizations:
- During the Emergency, media censorship was implemented to control the dissemination of information and suppress dissent.
- Journalists and newspapers were heavily censored, and unfavorable reporting was discouraged.
- The government's family planning policies resulted in forced sterilizations, primarily targeting the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
6. Opposition and Resistance:
- Despite the crackdown, opposition to the Emergency continued to grow.
- The opposition parties, under the coordination of the Janata Party, formed a coalition against the Congress government.
- Public discontent with the Emergency grew, leading to protests, strikes, and civil disobedience movements across the country.
7. End of the Emergency:
- The Emergency was lifted on March 21, 1977, following growing public pressure and Indira Gandhi's decision to call for general elections.
- In the subsequent elections held in 1977, the Congress party suffered a significant defeat, and the Janata Party coalition came to power with Morarji Desai as the Prime Minister.
The Indian Emergency remains a contentious period in Indian history, symbolizing a significant erosion of civil liberties and democratic values. It led to a reevaluation of political processes and emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.
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