Explained: Why Emergency Came Up In Parliament Today, 49 Years On

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, which is considered one of the most controversial periods in India's political history.

In his address to the house today re-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla condemned the Congress-led government's decision to impose the Emergency in 1975, calling it a "dark chapter in India's democracy." This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, which is considered one of the most controversial periods in India's political history. 

Mr Birla said remembering and educating the younger generation about such critical historical events is imperative. "Awareness towards the Constitution will only strengthen when the young generation knows about democracy," Mr Birla remarked. "The Emergency is a dark chapter in India's democracy. Then PM Indira Gandhi imposed an Emergency and attacked the Constitution."

The Indian Emergency was a 21-month period marked by unprecedented political turmoil in India. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a state of emergency across the nation, citing "internal disturbance" as the reason, with President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed officially issuing the order under Article 352 of the Constitution. During this period, civil liberties were suspended, elections were cancelled, and the Prime Minister ruled with an iron fist. Political opponents were imprisoned, dissidents were forced into hiding and the press faced severe censorship.