Emergency was direct assault on the Constitution: PM

📌 Summary:

• On the 51st anniversary of the Emergency (imposed 25 June 1975), PM Narendra Modi called it a "direct assault on the Constitution" and "one of the darkest chapters in India's history"
• He cited the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, and an assault on democratic institutions that are the bedrock of Indian democracy
• In a post on X, he paid homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during the period

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 (Polity) — Emergency provisions, protection of Fundamental Rights, and the resilience of democratic institutions; a recurring theme in post-Independence political history.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• National Emergency under Article 352 was first proclaimed on 25 June 1975 (then on the ground of "internal disturbance"), lasting till 21 March 1977
• The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 replaced "internal disturbance" with "armed rebellion" as a ground for Emergency
• Rights under Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended even during an Emergency (post-44th Amendment)

🔑 Key Term: National Emergency (Art. 352) — proclaimed when the security of India is threatened by war, external aggression or armed rebellion; allows the Centre to assume sweeping powers and suspend certain Fundamental Rights.