The concept of militant democracy, which emerged in the 1930s, is a crucial framework for understanding the dynamics of democratic governance in the face of existential threats. Militant democracy is predicated on the idea that democracies must sometimes employ forceful measures to safeguard their fundamental institutions and values against those who, while operating within the legal framework, seek to undermine the democratic process. In the Indian context, the role of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, one of India's most celebrated military leaders, offers a compelling case study in the application of militant democratic principles. Manekshaw's leadership during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 is particularly illustrative.
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