New Delhi, July 12: The Narendra Modi government on Friday, July 12, declared June 25 as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Murder Day) to remember all those who suffered and fought against the imposition of Emergency 1975. A notification of such an effect was also published in the Gazette of India. The announcement was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Amit Shah took to X (formerly Twitter) and announced “This day will commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency." Amit Shah, in his tweet, criticised former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for imposing the Emergency on June 25, 1975, labelling it a dictatorial act that “strangled the soul of our democracy.” Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas: Centre Decides To Observe June 25 Every Year As ‘Constitution Murder Day’ To Pay Tributes to All Those Who Suffered During Period of Emergency 1975.

Amit Shah on Samvidhan Hatya Diwas

1975 Emergency

The 1975 Emergency in India lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, and was declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The emergency was declared without any warning at midnight on June 25, marked by the arrest of many political leaders who cited the breakdown of the country’s law and order situation due to massive protests. PM Modi on 1975 Emergency Anniversary: 'This Day Reminds How Congress Subverted Basic Freedoms, Trampled Over Constitution', Says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Unhappy with the ruling government, the opposition party's leader, Jayaprakash Narayan, protested, called for the government’s removal, and started the Sampoorna Kranti (total revolution) movement. He urged the police and the military to defy unconstitutional orders. As things got heated, Gandhi immediately arrested the opposition leaders and declared an emergency that led to the suspension of fundamental rights and freedom of the press. 

In January 1977, the government announced fresh elections, and all prisoners were released. In March 1977, the emergency was officially lifted. Both Indira Gandhi and her son were defeated in the election. 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2024 07:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).