1975 – 1977

Regarded as one of the most controversial periods of independent India's history, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across India in response to imminent internal and external threats to the Indian state from 1975 to 1977. The 21-month period is characterized by unbridled state incarceration and government curbing on civil liberties and fundamental rights, as well as censorship on the media. Despite being dubbed as India's darkest phase, many academics highlighted the need to bring checks and balances in the Indian constitution through amendments, preventing future states of emergency.