NationalWednesday, 23 September 2026·The Hindu - National
Shah Commission report on Emergency cites MISA misuse against DMK members in Tamil Nadu
The Shah Commission said MISA was used extensively against DMK members in Tamil Nadu during the Emergency and cited 1,027 detentions in the state.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In its final report on the Emergency period of June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977, the Shah Commission said MISA was used in Tamil Nadu against DMK members after President’s Rule was imposed on January 31, 1976.
Key specifics
- The Commission was headed by Justice J.C. Shah, former Chief Justice of India.
- Tamil Nadu recorded 1,027 detentions under MISA.
- Of these, 419 were DMK members and associates.
- Section 16A(3) of MISA was mentioned in the detention process.
- The report said vague and general grounds were used, against the spirit of MISA provisions.
Exam lens
Polity and history question type: Emergency, MISA, President’s Rule, and detention statistics. TNPSC may ask which commission examined Emergency excesses and how MISA was used in Tamil Nadu.