Lok Sabha Adopts Resolution Condemning Emergency 1975

By Legal Wires 4 Minutes Read

On 26th June the 18th Lok Sabha adopted a resolution condemning the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Om Birla who was re-elected as the new speaker for the second term of the House of People read out the resolution condemning the Emergency of 1975.

India marked the 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of Emergency on June 25 this year. Om Birla said “This house strongly condemns the decision to impose emergency in the country in 1975. Along with this we appreciate the determination of all those people who strongly opposed the emergency, fought an unprecedented struggle and took the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India.”

He added “The day of June 25, 1975 will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India. On this day, then prime minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in the country and attacked the Constitution made by Babasaheb Ambedkar.”

The Speaker said the democratic values of India were crushed and freedom of expression was strangled during the dark period of India’s Emergency. He further stressed upon the need to pass the resolution and asserted that the youngsters should be aware of the Emergency period. He said “On this day in 1975 , the then cabinet has post-facto ratified the Emergency, approving the dictatorial and unconstitutional decision. Therefore to reiterate our commitment to our parliamentary system and this second independence achieved after countless sacrifices, its necessary to pass this resolution today. We also believe that our young generation must know about this dark chapter of democracy.”

Further, the house observed two minutes of silence in the memory of those who lost their lives during the emergency.

On June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency in India, alleging a “deep and widespread conspiracy” against her administration. This action came after the Supreme Court suspended a ruling that had invalidated her election and prohibited her from participating in parliamentary proceedings. The Emergency, which lasted until March 21, 1977, was a 21-month period during which She imposed direct rule by decree, suspending constitutional rights. This period saw widespread censorship of the press, the arrest of political opponents, and the restriction of civil liberties. She justified the Emergency by claiming a threat of internal disturbance, though many view it as a means to maintain her political power following the court decision. It is often remembered for its significant curtailment of democracy and human rights.