The Government of India has decided to observe 25th June every year as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.'
‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ is a mark of honour to millions of people who struggled to revive democracy – Shri Amit Shah.
Why the need to observe "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" on June 25th every year ?
To safeguard democracy and keep alive the immortal flame of individual liberty in every Indian, June 25th every year to be observed as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’. On 25 June 1975, the spirit of Indian democracy was strangulated to death by imposing Emergency and millions of people were unreasonably put behind bars. During Emergency, the dictator govt subjected people to innumerable tortures and muzzled the voice of media.
On June 25, 1975, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a state of emergency across India, a significant and controversial event in the country's history. The period, known as "The Emergency," lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, and had profound impacts on Indian democracy and civil liberties.
Background Leading to the Emergency
Political Turmoil and Legal Challenges:
Judicial Verdict: The immediate trigger for the Emergency was the verdict on June 12, 1975, by the Allahabad High Court, which found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices during the 1971 elections and invalidated her election to the Lok Sabha. The court barred her from holding any elected office for six years.
Political Unrest: There was widespread political unrest and protests against her leadership, spearheaded by opposition parties and movements like the one led by Jayaprakash Narayan, a veteran freedom fighter and political leader.
Economic and Social Strains:
Economic Challenges: India was facing economic challenges, including high inflation, scarcity of essential goods, and unemployment.
Social Movements: There were numerous strikes and protests by workers, students, and various organizations, contributing to a climate of instability.
Declaration of the Emergency
Presidential Proclamation: On June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi advised President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to declare a state of emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing "internal disturbance" as the reason. This proclamation gave the central government extraordinary powers and suspended many civil liberties.
Consequences of the Emergency
Suspension of Civil Liberties:
Censorship: The government imposed strict censorship on the press. Publications critical of the government were banned, and journalists were arrested.
Arbitrary Arrests: Thousands of political opponents, activists, and dissenters were arrested without trial under preventive detention laws like the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
Political Repression:
Dissolution of Governments: Several state governments ruled by opposition parties were dissolved, and the central government took direct control.
Banning of Organizations: Organizations critical of the government, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jamaat-e-Islami, were banned.
Constitutional Changes:
Amendments to the Constitution: The government passed several amendments to the Constitution to legitimize the Emergency and curtail judicial review of emergency proclamations.
Extension of Parliamentary Terms: The term of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) was extended beyond its normal five-year term.
Forced Sterilizations and Slum Demolitions:
Population Control Campaign: A controversial and coercive sterilization campaign was launched, led by Indira Gandhi’s son, Sanjay Gandhi. Many people were forcibly sterilized.
Urban Development: There were mass demolitions of slums and resettlement drives in cities like Delhi, leading to significant displacement and hardship for the urban poor.
End of the Emergency and Aftermath
Elections and Defeat:
1977 Elections: Under mounting pressure, Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency in January 1977 and called for general elections in March. The elections resulted in a resounding defeat for Indira Gandhi and her party, the Indian National Congress.
Victory of the Janata Party: The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, won a majority, and Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister, marking the first non-Congress government in India.
Restoration of Democracy:
Repeal of Emergency Laws: The new government repealed many of the repressive laws and constitutional amendments passed during the Emergency.
Investigations and Accountability: Commissions were set up to investigate abuses of power during the Emergency, although concrete accountability was limited.
Legacy of the Emergency
The Emergency period remains a contentious chapter in Indian history. It is often cited as a stark reminder of the importance of democratic principles, civil liberties, and the need for vigilance against authoritarianism. The political, social, and legal repercussions of the Emergency continue to influence Indian politics and society to this day.
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