Emergency Anniversary: Comparative Analysis of Democratic Erosion and Media Freedom
Contents4
Indian Express - Opinion · 28 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Polity and constitution High relevance
The 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency prompts reflection on contemporary democratic erosion, media freedom, and institutional independence, highlighting parallels and differences with today's governance challenges.
Key points
1975 Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi saw draconian measures like prior censorship, indefinite detentions without trial, and suspension of habeas corpus, marking a dark period in India's constitutional history.
Contemporary Media Freedom faces challenges through self-censorship, government narratives dominating TV debates, and harassment of dissenters using investigative agencies, though not as overt as 1975's censorship.
Delhi High Court criticized Delhi Police for shutting down NewsClick and invoking anti-terror laws against its editor, reflecting misuse of legal frameworks to stifle dissent.
Social Media Trolling and harassment of dissenters have replaced overt censorship, with 'national security' often cited to justify invasive measures like amended IT rules.
Institutional Independence is declining, as seen in the Election Commission's exclusion of 90 lakh names from West Bengal SIR rolls and BJP's lack of internal democracy.
Political Defections like TMC and Shiv Sena MPs switching parties undermine democratic mandates, echoing Emergency-era political manipulations.
[GS2-Governance] The lack of accountability in NEET and CBSE exam mess-ups reflects a governance deficit, where public complaints are perceived as weaknesses.
[GS4-Ethics] The sycophancy in public discourse and advertisements mirrors Emergency-era practices, raising ethical concerns about democratic culture.
Way Forward: Strengthen institutional safeguards like the Election Commission and judiciary, enforce stricter anti-defection laws, and promote media pluralism through regulatory reforms to protect democratic values.
Key terms
- 1975 Emergency
- A 21-month period from 1975-1977 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, suspending civil liberties, imposing censorship, and jailing political opponents. It tested India's constitutional resilience and remains a cautionary tale about executive overreach.
- Habeas Corpus
- A legal writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge, safeguarding against unlawful detention. During the Emergency, its suspension allowed indefinite detention without trial, highlighting its role as a fundamental check on state power.
- Tenth Schedule
- The anti-defection law introduced in 1985 to prevent elected representatives from switching parties arbitrarily. Recent mass defections expose its loopholes, undermining democratic mandates and stability.
- Media Self-Censorship
- The practice of journalists avoiding sensitive topics due to fear of reprisal, often driven by economic or political pressures. It erodes media's watchdog role, a critical pillar of democracy under Article 19(1)(a).
Practice question
Compare and contrast the challenges to media freedom and democratic institutions during the 1975 Emergency with contemporary India. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: 1975 Emergency Habeas Corpus Tenth Schedule Media Self-Censorship MISA UAPA 42nd Amendment Article 19(1)(a)
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce the 1975 Emergency as a period of severe democratic backsliding, then transition to how modern challenges differ in form but not necessarily in impact.
Media Freedom
1975: Overt censorship, forced publication of government propaganda, arrests of journalists under MISA.
Today: Self-censorship due to economic pressures (e.g., advertising withdrawals), legal harassment (IT Act amendments, UAPA misuse), and orchestrated trolling campaigns.
Institutional Erosion
1975: Direct subversion (judiciary transfers, supersession of judges, suspension of habeas corpus).
Today: Gradual weakening (delayed judicial appointments, Election Commission controversies like voter roll exclusions, investigative agencies targeting opposition).
Political Manipulation
1975: Indira Gandhi's consolidation through constitutional amendments (42nd) and mass arrests of opposition leaders.
Today: Exploitation of anti-defection law loophures (TMC/Shiv Sena defections), misuse of sedition laws, and centralization of party decision-making.
Conclusion
While methods have evolved from brute force to legalistic coercion, the threat to democracy remains real. Strengthen institutions via judicial reforms, enforce the 10th Schedule strictly, and protect media pluralism through cross-ownership regulations.
Fact check
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