PM Modi marks Emergency anniversary, calls it an assault on Constitution

Newdelhi,UPDATED: Jun 25, 2026 10:42 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Emergency was a direct assault on the Constitution, saying the period saw the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression and an attack on institutions that are the bedrock of Indian democracy.

Paying homage to those who defended democratic values during what he called one of the darkest chapters in India's history, PM Modi said the period between June 25, 1975 and March 21, 1977 also showed the courage of citizens who refused to remain silent. Since 2025, the Centre has been observing June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'.

In a post on X, referring to the proclamation of Emergency on this day in 1975, PM Modi said, "The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution. 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."

He said the 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 said.

In another post on X, the PM said, 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' reminds everyone of that dark period when "Indian democracy was brutally crushed". "It inspires us to always remain committed to protecting democracy, the Constitution, and citizens' rights. My respectful salutations to all the luminaries who opposed the Emergency," he said in the post in Hindi.

A gazette notification issued by the government said the Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975, following which there was "gross abuse of power by the government of the day and people of India were subjected to excesses and atrocities".

The formal declaration of Emergency marked a turning point in India's constitutional history. The executive acquired overriding powers and state authority was brought under central control.

Constitutional safeguards were systematically suspended, while the press and public information came under strict control through institutional mechanisms and administrative orders.

Parliament also passed a series of constitutional amendments during the period that weakened judicial review and institutional checks. One of the most controversial aspects of the Emergency was the forced sterilisation campaign.

The Emergency formally ended in March 1977 after a political shift triggered by general elections. Recalling the period, PM Modi said the day stands as a reminder of the assault on democratic institutions and of the resolve of those who stood up to defend constitutional values.

- Ends