Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered the Emergency imposed in 1975 as a grave attack on India’s democratic framework, paying tribute to those who opposed the period and reiterating the government’s resolve to uphold constitutional principles, democratic institutions and citizens’ freedoms.
On the occasion of “Constitution Murder Day,” observed annually on June 25 to mark the anniversary of the Emergency’s proclamation, Modi said the day serves as a reminder of a period when democratic values were suppressed and fundamental rights came under severe strain.
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, “Constitution Murder Day today reminds us of that dark period when Indian democracy was brutally crushed. It inspires us to remain forever committed to safeguarding democracy, the Constitution, and citizens’ rights. I pay my respectful tribute to all those distinguished individuals who opposed the Emergency.”
In another message, Modi honoured those who stood firm in defence of democratic ideals during what he described as one of the most challenging phases in the country’s history. “Today, we pay homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history, the Emergency,” he said.
Describing the Emergency as “a direct assault on our Constitution,” the Prime Minister said the period witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, restrictions on freedom of expression, the arrest of political leaders, journalists and social activists, and pressure on institutions that underpin India’s democratic system.
“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,” Modi said.
At the same time, he highlighted the courage displayed by ordinary citizens who resisted authoritarian measures and remained committed to constitutional values. According to Modi, the Emergency also demonstrated “the extraordinary courage of countless citizens who refused to remain silent and upheld the ideals enshrined in our Constitution.”
Reaffirming the central role of the Constitution in shaping the nation’s future, Modi said it reflects the aspirations, rights and responsibilities of India’s people. “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 said.
The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi under Article 352 of the Constitution on grounds of internal disturbances. The 21-month period, which continued until March 1977, saw the suspension of several fundamental rights, widespread arrests of opposition leaders and activists under preventive detention laws, press censorship and a significant expansion of executive authority. It remains one of the most debated and controversial periods in independent India’s political history.
The Bharatiya Janata Party and its ideological affiliates have long observed the anniversary of the Emergency as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic freedoms and constitutional protections. In recent years, the Union government has stepped up efforts to commemorate the period by highlighting the experiences of those who were jailed or actively participated in movements against the Emergency.
Modi’s remarks came as political parties and organisations across the country marked the anniversary through discussions, public programmes and tributes to individuals who resisted the Emergency, keeping alive the debate over its legacy and its enduring lessons for India’s democracy.