As India marks the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, saints recall the 'dark days' under Indira Gandhi and draw contrasts with the current democratic climate under Prime Minister Modi.
India Observes 50 Years Since the Emergency: Saints Recall ‘Dark Days’, Praise Today’s Democracy
New Delhi, June 25, 2025 — As India marks the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Emergency on June 25, 1975, prominent saints and spiritual leaders have drawn sharp comparisons between the past authoritarian rule under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the present-day democratic governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Referring to the Emergency as one of the darkest chapters in Indian democracy, saints from Ayodhya and other regions reflected on how the political climate has shifted in the past five decades—from fear and suppression to what they call democratic expansion and public-centric development.
Saints Recall Trauma of Emergency Era
Mithlesh Nandani Sharan Ji Maharaj of Hanumant Residence, Ayodhya, described the Emergency period as a time of widespread suffering and repression.
“Back then, people were unhappy, tortured, and starving. Today, under PM Modi, citizens are content and benefit from various welfare schemes. There is peace, prosperity, and happiness now,” he told IANS.
He added that June 25, 2025, stands in stark contrast to the same date 50 years ago, and reflects how far India has come in terms of democratic maturity.
Similarly, Diwakar Acharya Maharaj of Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya, criticized the motives behind the 1975 Emergency:
“It was declared not for national interest but to protect Indira Gandhi’s political future. Nationalists were jailed, the Constitution was compromised, and the voice of the people was silenced,” he said.
Satendra Das Vedanti: “Emergency Was a Power-Driven Act”
Saint Satendra Das Vedanti Ji Maharaj emphasized that the Emergency was a result of political fear, not a national threat:
“It violated constitutional norms and trampled democratic institutions. Today’s India prioritizes citizens’ safety, growth, and global pride,” he said.
He urged the youth to stay informed about the past and appreciate the democratic systems in place today.
“Citizens must understand both — the misuse of power in 1975 and the democratic commitment in 2025,” he said.
What Happened on June 25, 1975?
On June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a national Emergency, citing “internal disturbances”. The move, signed off by then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352 of the Constitution, led to:
- Suspension of civil liberties
- Press censorship
- Arrest of political opponents without trial
- Crackdown on public protests and dissent
This Emergency, which lasted until March 21, 1977, was India's third national emergency after the 1962 India-China war and the 1971 India-Pakistan war. However, unlike the previous ones, it was not triggered by external conflict but political instability and court rulings.
Key Trigger: Allahabad High Court Verdict
The immediate catalyst for the Emergency was the June 12, 1975 verdict by the Allahabad High Court. Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice during the 1971 general elections, disqualifying her from holding office for six years.
Though the Supreme Court allowed her to continue as Prime Minister with limited powers, the verdict significantly damaged her political standing. Facing growing public unrest, led by leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Indira Gandhi moved swiftly to declare Emergency.
Political Fallout and End of the Emergency
The Emergency ended on March 21, 1977, just days before general elections were held. The Indian public responded strongly:
- Congress was voted out of power
- The Janata Party, led by Morarji Desai, formed the first non-Congress government
- Key opposition leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, and Jayaprakash Narayan were released from jail
This transition reinforced the resilience of India’s democratic institutions and marked a major turning point in Indian politics.
Why This Story Matters Today
The 50th anniversary of the Emergency is not just a historical milestone. It serves as a powerful reminder of:
- The fragility of democratic rights
- The importance of constitutional checks and balances
- The role of citizen awareness in safeguarding democracy
By reflecting on past mistakes, India continues to evolve as a participatory democracy. The voices of saints and spiritual leaders add a moral dimension to the conversation, emphasizing not just governance, but also ethical leadership.
Fifty years after the Emergency, India stands at a crossroads of memory and progress. While the events of 1975 serve as a cautionary tale of political overreach, today’s leaders and citizens are being reminded of the value of freedom, accountability, and public welfare.
As saints put it, democracy may be tested, but it ultimately triumphs when citizens remain aware, active, and united.