It was on this day in 1975 that the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of corruption (link to BBC story).
The judgement was to prove a turning point in modern history of India, as Indira did not accept the judgment kindly. She rejected the justice system, suspended the constitution, assumed dictatorial powers, and imposed press censorship. The subsequent years saw dilution of democratic opposition (they were all jailed), abuse of power by those who had access to Indira Gandhi, violent mixing of caste and religion in India's politics and increased use of military to maintain civilian law or order.
People opposed to Indira were harassed, and those who praised her were rewarded with Government grants and contracts. This is how the sycophant nation of India was born.
See Also:
• What I Really Think of Indira Gandhi
• Speaking of Indira Gandhi
