PM Modi: Those Behind Emergency Tried to Crush Constitution, Control Courts

On the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated a significant portion of his Mann Ki Baat address to reflecting on what he called one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic journey. Speaking with visible resolve, the Prime Minister took a direct swipe at the Congress Party without naming it, asserting that the Emergency was not just a political aberration but a deliberate attempt to crush constitutional values and enslave independent institutions, particularly the judiciary.

Remembering the Emergency: A Cautionary Reflection

During the 104th edition of his monthly radio program, PM Modi reminded the nation that the Emergency, declared on June 25, 1975, was a “black spot” on India's vibrant democratic fabric. “Emergency was not just a blot on our democracy,” he said, “it was an open assault on the Constitution, on the fundamental rights of citizens, and on the soul of our democratic institutions.”

While recounting the events, Modi paid tribute to the countless citizens, journalists, students, and political workers who, despite severe repression, stood up against authoritarianism. “We must never forget how lakhs of people were thrown into jail without trial, newspapers were silenced, and voices of dissent were brutally suppressed,” he noted.

The Judiciary Under Threat

In perhaps the most pointed part of his address, the Prime Minister spoke of how the Emergency wasn’t just about gagging the press and jailing political opponents—it was also about subjugating the judiciary. “Those who imposed Emergency didn’t just stop at trampling the Constitution—they wanted to enslave the judiciary,” Modi said.

He added that the independence of the judiciary, a cornerstone of any functioning democracy, was under systematic attack. Appointments were manipulated, verdicts were overturned, and judicial dissent was treated as defiance. “It was a time when judges were punished for their integrity and loyalty to the Constitution,” Modi stated.

Although he refrained from naming specific individuals or parties, the reference was clearly to the Congress regime under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, during whose tenure the Emergency was declared and constitutional rights suspended.

Lessons for the Future

Calling on young Indians to educate themselves about the Emergency era, Modi said that understanding this period is critical to appreciating the value of democracy and freedom. He encouraged students and youth to read first-hand accounts of the time, listen to stories from survivors, and reflect on how easy it is for rights to be taken away when institutions are weakened.

“We must always remain vigilant,” he said. “It is not enough to celebrate democracy once every five years during elections. We must nurture it daily by holding power accountable, standing up for truth, and respecting the separation of powers among institutions.”

Tributes to the Undeterred

The Prime Minister also lauded those who refused to bow to the regime during the Emergency. From opposition leaders to student activists, he spoke about how the “soul of democracy survived in the hearts of ordinary citizens.”

He mentioned that many political prisoners were jailed for over a year, with no formal charges, no legal recourse, and in many cases, subjected to torture. “The sacrifices of those brave individuals must be remembered—not as history, but as a warning and a lesson,” he stated.

Media and Freedom of Speech

Modi’s Mann Ki Baat also touched on the role of the free press during the Emergency. “The newspapers were the first victims,” he said. “Censorship was not just imposed—it was internalized. Newsrooms were turned into echo chambers for government propaganda, and journalists were threatened or arrested for telling the truth.”

He emphasized how, despite such efforts, many courageous editors and reporters managed to smuggle stories out, write between the lines, and inform the public about the truth behind the government narrative.

Modern-Day Vigilance

Drawing a parallel to the present, the Prime Minister reminded the public that while India’s democracy is strong today, it should never take its freedoms for granted. “Today, we are in a much stronger position—but that strength came from struggle,” he said.

He added that freedom of expression, judicial independence, and citizen rights must be constantly safeguarded. “Democracy doesn’t defend itself—we, the people, must defend it every single day.”

Opposition Reacts

Though the Prime Minister did not directly name the Congress party, the opposition responded swiftly. Several Congress leaders accused the Prime Minister of using the anniversary of a tragic chapter in Indian history to settle political scores. Some pointed out that while the Emergency was a constitutional overreach, today’s democratic institutions are also being “subtly undermined” by excessive executive control.

Others welcomed the Prime Minister’s remarks, stating that remembering the Emergency is crucial to preventing such misuse of power in the future—by any party, at any time.

Context of the 50th Anniversary

This year marks 50 years since the Emergency was declared in India, which lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. It was imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after a court invalidated her election, citing electoral malpractice. During this 21-month period:

• Civil liberties were suspended

• Opposition leaders, activists, and students were arrested

• Newspapers were censored

• Parliament was effectively bypassed

The episode remains one of the most controversial and debated periods in India’s post-Independence history.

Final Words from the PM

In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his belief in India’s democratic strength. “It is because of the will of our people, the strength of our Constitution, and the courage of those who resisted tyranny that India remains the largest and most vibrant democracy in the world,” he said.

He closed his remarks with a call to action: “Let us pledge that we will never allow such a chapter to be repeated again. Let us promise that our Constitution, our freedom, and our institutions will always come before power.”

A National Reminder

PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat served not just as a political message, but as a historical reminder to citizens across the country. On the 50th anniversary of one of India's most fragile democratic moments, his words were both a warning and a tribute—underscoring the resilience of the Indian people and the enduring power of the Constitution they protect.