India Declares 'Constitution Murder Day' to Remember 1975 Emergency

Tags: Important Days

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Government of India, declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day)' to commemorate events during the Emergency of 1975.

An Overview of the News

• Starting from 2025, this day will be observed annually to honor those who opposed the abuse of power during that period.

Events of June 25, 1975

• On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.

• This action was in response to political instability, economic challenges, and a court ruling against the PM's 1971 election.

Impact of the Emergency

• The Emergency led to the suspension of constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and press.

• Thousands of opposition leaders, activists, and journalists were arrested without due process, fostering an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

• The period witnessed gross abuses of power, including forced sterilization programs and slum clearance drives in Delhi.

End of the Emergency

• The Emergency officially ended in March 1977 after 21 months, coinciding with general elections.

• The elections resulted in a significant defeat for Indira Gandhi's Congress party, marking a pivotal moment in Indian democracy.