About People's Union for Civil Liberties
People’s Union of Civil Liberties aims to bring together all those who are committed to the defence and promotion of civil liberties in India, irrespective of any differences which they may have in regard to political and economic institutions suitable for the country. PUCL strives to uphold and promote by peaceful means civil liberties and the democratic way of life throughout India.
What’s New
The Past as Present
Remembering the Emergency and Living in an Undeclared Emergency
The 48th anniversary of the declaration of emergency by Indira Gandhi on 26th June, 1975 provides an appropriate historical vantage point for reflecting upon our current challenges as we confront the ‘undeclared emergency’ under the Modi regime.
Commentators have described the emergency of 1975-77 and the current moment as the two lowest points of Indian democracy. Though many succumbed to the fear generated by the infamous midnight knock on the door during the emergency, there were many others who kept the lamp of freedom alive.
Right from the courageous dissenting judgment by Justice Khanna in ADM Jabalpur to courageous journalists, politicians, activists, trade union leaders, student leaders, human rights activists as well as ordinary people - many stood up for constitutional values in difficult circumstances.
We believe that remembering and recounting the role of those who did not give in to fear and continued to believe in the promise of freedom can serve as an inspiration in our present time.
In this section of the website, find the testimonies and memories of those who were arrested, resisted and fought the emergency. Inevitably, we will reflect on today’s challenges to Indian democracy, Constitutional values and human rights.
