Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975, the Union Cabinet has strongly condemned the event, describing it as a "murder of democracy" perpetrated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet passed a resolution to commemorate and honor the sacrifices of those who resisted the Emergency and its attempt to subvert the spirit of the Indian Constitution. The cabinet also observed a two-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives during the Emergency.

Prime Minister Modi has been vocal in his criticism of the Emergency, stating that no Indian will ever forget how the spirit of the Constitution was violated during that period. He emphasized that fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and numerous political leaders, social workers, students, and ordinary citizens were unjustly jailed. Modi described the Congress government at the time as having "placed democracy under arrest."

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi called the Emergency "one of the darkest chapters" in India's democratic history and designated June 25th as "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" (Constitution Murder Day). He also launched a book titled "The Emergency Diaries," chronicling his experiences during those years as a young RSS Pracharak and how they shaped his journey as a leader. The book relies on first-person accounts of associates who worked with him and other archival material. Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the book.

PM Modi saluted those who stood firm against the Emergency, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and ideologies but united aim to protect India's democratic fabric and preserve the ideals for which freedom fighters devoted their lives. He noted that their collective struggle ensured the restoration of democracy and led to the Congress government's defeat in fresh elections.

The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, enacted during the Emergency, has been a particular point of contention. PM Modi has referred to it as a prime example of the Congress government's "shenanigans," noting that it made extensive changes to the Constitution that were later reversed. He added that the poor, marginalized, and downtrodden were particularly targeted during the Emergency, and their dignity was insulted.

The condemnation of the Emergency and the emphasis on preserving democratic values come at a time when there are concerns about the state of democracy around the world. PM Modi has reaffirmed his government's commitment to strengthening constitutional principles and working towards a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He has called upon citizens to share their experiences of the Emergency to create awareness among the youth about that period.