There is no doubt that the internal Emergency imposed on the country on June 25, 1975, remains a dark chapter in its post-Independence history. For 21 long months, democratic rights were curtailed, press freedom was muzzled, and fundamental rights were virtually suspended.

The move by prime minister Indira Gandhi, triggered by the threat of losing office after the Allahabad High Court found her guilty of electoral malpractice, was widely condemned both in India and abroad.

However, the protests against the Emergency were limited, even symbolic. There was no mass uprising anywhere in India. In fact, a significant section of the population welcomed the Emergency, citing improved discipline and the timely running of........

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