That dark chapter of Indian democracy

On 25 June 1975, a dark chapter began in the country. It was the period of emergency, in which all the prominent opposition leaders of the country were sent to jail overnight. Along with press censorship, freedom of expression was also locked up. Whoever tried to speak against the government was put in jail. Oppression continued in the jail, and even outside the jail, people, especially the families of the protesters, were filled with fear. Arrests were made everywhere. However, it was not that the common man was happy with this. Emergency was a disaster for them too. Anyway, 19 months passed and one day the opposition leaders including Jayaprakash Narayan were released. The Lok Sabha was dissolved and new elections were held. After the victory of the Janata Party in this, Indira Gandhi had to leave power.

The country was freed from the shackles of emergency. Even today, remembering those days sends shivers down the spine. In such a situation, it is hoped that even if political conflict between the ruling party and the opposition continues in the country, the country should never again have to face an emergency imposed due to selfish motives, nor should freedom of speech be imposed on democracy, which creates fear among the common people. Shakuntala Maheshwaran, Commentator

The Emergency has become a notorious incident in the public and constitutional history of India. In the 1971 Lok Sabha elections, Indira Gandhi defeated socialist leader Raj Narain. After this, this election was challenged on the basis of malpractice. Raj Narain alleged that the government machinery and public money were misused for state benefits. The Allahabad High Court held Indira Gandhi guilty. The decision of the High Court was challenged in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, on June 25, 1975, the government nurtured a national emergency. After this, civil servants were suspended, censorship was imposed on the press and elections were postponed. Civil rights were violated and government orders were enforced through this. During this period, a lot of sterilizations were also done. Obviously, this art study has not been forgotten by anyone. The work that the British could not do, Indira Gandhi did it. Congress has no one to blame for it. Still, the arrogance of Congress is sky high.

Kantilal Mandot, Commentator