After gaining independence, India established itself as a democratic republic. The Constitution of India guarantees citizens democratic values such as fundamental rights, an independent judiciary, free and fair elections, and freedom of expression. However, there was a period in the history of independent India when serious questions were raised regarding these democratic institutions and rights. This was the period of the national Emergency imposed from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. Background of the Emergency The late 1960s and early 1970s were a period of numerous challenges for India. The split in the Congress party in 1969 created a new political landscape in the country. Subsequently, in the 1971 general elections, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi achieved a historic victory with the slogan "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty). India played a pivotal role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which significantly boosted the government's popularity. However...