This book unflinchingly documents one of the most turbulent and controversial periods in modern Indian history. Imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 25 June 1975, the Emergency marked the suspension of democracy and the rise of authoritarian rule. It explores the political events that led to it and the human cost that followed—mass arrests, media censorship, custodial torture, forced sterilisations, and brutal slum demolitions. Drawing on historical events and public sentiment, it also captures the fear, resistance, and eventual resurgence of democracy that followed. A sobering account, it serves as a critical reminder of freedom’s fragility in any democracy.

Sebastian Joseph is an award-winning journalist and author.

Radhika P. Menon is a prolific translator, known for rendering major Malayalam works into English across genres and publishers.