In a significant move, the Modi government has officially designated June 25 as 'Constitution Killing Day' to mark the imposition of Emergency by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The announcement came through a notification issued by the central government, aiming to highlight what it calls the stifling of democracy and violation of fundamental rights during that period.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media to announce the decision, condemning the Emergency as a dark chapter in India's democratic history. He emphasized how the Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, suppressed dissent, incarcerated millions without cause, and curtailed media freedom. Shah stated that commemorating this day annually would honor those who courageously resisted the authoritarian regime's excesses.
"This decision underscores our commitment to uphold democracy and individual liberties," Shah asserted in his post, using the hashtag #SamvidhaanHatyaDiwas (Constitution Killing Day). He further warned against the recurrence of such dictatorial tendencies, attributing them to what he described as a "dictatorial mentality" akin to the Congress party during the Emergency era.
The move has sparked renewed debate about the role of Emergency provisions under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, which grants the President the authority to declare a national emergency upon Cabinet's recommendation. Emergency suspends fundamental rights, transferring administrative and political powers to the President during crises such as internal turmoil or external aggression.
The backdrop to the 1975 Emergency included a landmark decision by the Allahabad High Court, which had invalidated Indira Gandhi's election to Parliament, triggering widespread protests demanding her resignation. The subsequent imposition of Emergency led to nationwide dissent, with civil liberties groups and opposition parties condemning it as undemocratic and authoritarian.
The declaration of 'Constitution Killing Day' is seen as a deliberate move by the Modi government to underscore its commitment to safeguarding democratic values and remembering the sacrifices made to uphold them during India's tumultuous political past.
