New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the Emergency imposed in 1975 as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history and paid tribute to those who resisted it and defended constitutional values.
Marking the 51st anniversary of the Emergency, Modi said the period represented a direct attack on the Constitution and democratic institutions. In a post on social media, he recalled how civil liberties were curtailed, freedom of expression was restricted and several political leaders, journalists and social activists were jailed during the 21-month period.
“The Emergency was a dark chapter in India’s history, when democratic values and constitutional principles came under severe strain,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi praised the resilience and courage of citizens who opposed the Emergency despite facing immense pressure. “Countless people refused to bow down and continued their fight to safeguard democracy. Their courage ensured that democratic values ultimately prevailed,” he said.
Reaffirming the importance of constitutional principles, the Prime Minister said the Constitution reflects the aspirations, rights and responsibilities of 140 crore Indians. He called upon citizens to remain committed to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
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. It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2026
In a separate message, Modi referred to June 25 as “Constitution Hatya Diwas”, saying the day serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by attacks on democratic institutions and the need to remain vigilant in protecting constitutional values.
The Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975, during the tenure of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and remained in force until March 21, 1977. The period continues to be one of the most debated and controversial phases in independent India’s political history.
