History Today: The day Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency and history took a dark turn

On this day in 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked special constitutional powers to declare a national emergency. It remained in effect from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, and is seen as one of the darkest periods in India’s history. It was also a turning point for the Indian National Congress. During this time, several opposition leaders were imprisoned, fundamental rights, including the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a), were suspended, and the press came under strict censorship

Explainers