'One Of Darkest Chapters In India's History': PM Modi On 51st Anniversary Of 1975 Emergency

Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 09:32 IST

An emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975, by the then-PM Indira Gandhi. It lasted until March 21, 1977, a period widely regarded as one of the darkest phases in India’s history

On the 51st anniversary of the emergency imposed in 1975, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the period as “one of the darkest chapters in India’s history" and vowed the government’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional values.

On June 25, 1975, the then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued the Emergency Proclamation under Article 352, citing “internal disturbance."

Subsequently, an emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975, by the then-PM Indira Gandhi. It lasted until March 21, 1977, a period widely regarded as one of the darkest phases in Independent India’s history.

In a post on ‘X’, PM Modi wrote: “Today, we pay homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history, the Emergency. The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution."

The Prime Minister recalled the period was marked by curbs on freedom of expression, arrested of political leaders, and an assault on democratic institutions.

“It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers and an assault on institutions that are the bedrock of our democracy. At the same time, it also revealed the extraordinary courage of countless citizens who refused to remain silent and upheld the ideals enshrined in our Constitution", he said.

PM Modi expressed his government’s commitment to safeguarding the Constitutional values. “For all of us, our Constitution is an embodiment of the aspirations, rights and duties of 140 crore Indians. We reaffirm our collective commitment to safeguarding constitutional values. Guided by the spirit of our Constitution, we will build an India that remains ever committed to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity", he added.

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