PM Modi Criticizes 1975 Emergency as “Black Spot” on Democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the 1975 Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, describing it as a 'black spot' on democracy. The controversial period saw a crackdown on civil liberties following a Supreme Court decision affecting Gandhi's election. The era was marked by forced mass sterilizations, press censorship, and suspension of constitutional rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday criticized the 1975 Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Modi described it as a 'black spot' on democracy when the Constitution was 'discarded.'

The comments brought back memories of the 21-month period during which civil liberties were suspended following a Supreme Court decision that challenged Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha. During a late-night broadcast on June 25, 1975, Gandhi announced the imposition of Emergency via All India Radio.

Known for its excesses, the Emergency period saw forced mass sterilizations, press censorship, and suspension of constitutional rights. Opposition leaders, including JP, L K Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Morarji Desai, were arrested. The controversial period remains a significant event in India's political history.