What Is Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas? Know Why June 25 Is Observed As Constitution Murder Day
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June 25 is now officially observed as ‘ Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas ’ across India, marking the anniversary of the declaration of the Emergency in 1975. Initiated by the third Modi government, the day pays tribute to those who opposed the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and mass detentions during one of the darkest periods in India’s democratic history.
Why June 25 Is Called ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’
The date June 25, 1975, marks the beginning of the Emergency, imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Centre has now officially named this day Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, meaning " Constitution Murder Day ". It aims to acknowledge the constitutional violations and state-led oppression that occurred during the 21-month Emergency period which lasted until 21 March, 1977.
“Gross Abuse of Power” and National Directive
A government gazette notification declared that the day will serve as a reminder of the "gross abuse of power" and a tribute to the countless individuals who resisted the Emergency.
The notification reads:
Whereas, a proclamation of Emergency was made on 25th June, 1975, following which there was gross abuse of power by the Government of the day and people of India were subjected to excesses and atrocities;
And whereas, people of India have abiding faith in the Constitution of India and the power of India's resilient democracy;
Therefore, Government of India declares 25th June as "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" to pay tribute to all those who suffered and fought against the gross abuse of power during the period of Emergency and to recommit the people of India to not support in any manner such gross abuse of power, in future.
PM Modi’s Remarks on the Emergency
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his statement, sharply criticised the Emergency’s impact on democracy:
"I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social media. It will create awareness among the youth of the shameful time from 1975 to 1977."
The Emergency was declared under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing “internal disturbance”. However, this period saw fundamental rights suspended, journalists imprisoned, laws passed without debate, and political opposition crushed.
Shocking Events: Forced Sterilisation and Custodial Deaths
One of the most controversial aspects of the Emergency was the forced sterilisation drive, led by Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s son. Lakhs of men, particularly from poor and marginalised backgrounds, were subjected to sterilisation under coercion. Rukhsana Sultana, a close associate of Sanjay Gandhi, played a major role in implementing the campaign, particularly in Muslim-dominated areas of Delhi.
Another tragic case was that of Rajan, a young engineering student from Kerala who disappeared after being taken into police custody. His alleged torture and death became a symbol of the unchecked police brutality during the Emergency.
Was 1975 the First Emergency in India?
India has declared a national emergency three times: during the 1962 Sino-Indian war, the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, and the 1975 Emergency. However, the 1975 proclamation remains the most controversial—not due to war or external aggression, but because of internal political suppression.
During this time, opposition leaders, journalists, social activists, and students were arrested en masse. Civil institutions, including the media and judiciary, were rendered ineffective under political pressure.
Controversy Over the Modi Government’s Declaration
While many have welcomed the formal recognition of June 25 as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, critics argue it could be politically motivated. Nevertheless, others believe commemorating this event is essential to educate citizens and ensure that such mistakes are never repeated.
Indira Gandhi Centre Launches Year-Long Programme to Mark 50 Years of the Emergency
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the Union Ministry of Culture, has initiated a year-long programme to educate the younger generation about the erosion of civil liberties and the strength of India's democratic spirit during the Emergency. This initiative commemorates 50 years since the Emergency was declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 25 June 1975.
The programme kicks off with nationwide exhibitions, beginning in Delhi. These displays will feature archival material and visual storytelling that capture the turbulence and challenges of that era. The physical exhibition will be inaugurated at the Ambedkar International Centre on 26 June, followed by mobile exhibitions that will travel to different parts of the city.
Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the price paid by those who resisted authoritarianism. The Emergency remains a defining moment in Indian political history, and the observance of this day seeks to honour that legacy—and warn against its return.
Why June 25 Is Called ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’
The date June 25, 1975, marks the beginning of the Emergency, imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Centre has now officially named this day Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, meaning " Constitution Murder Day ". It aims to acknowledge the constitutional violations and state-led oppression that occurred during the 21-month Emergency period which lasted until 21 March, 1977.
“Gross Abuse of Power” and National Directive
A government gazette notification declared that the day will serve as a reminder of the "gross abuse of power" and a tribute to the countless individuals who resisted the Emergency.
The notification reads:
Whereas, a proclamation of Emergency was made on 25th June, 1975, following which there was gross abuse of power by the Government of the day and people of India were subjected to excesses and atrocities;
And whereas, people of India have abiding faith in the Constitution of India and the power of India's resilient democracy;
Therefore, Government of India declares 25th June as "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" to pay tribute to all those who suffered and fought against the gross abuse of power during the period of Emergency and to recommit the people of India to not support in any manner such gross abuse of power, in future.
PM Modi’s Remarks on the Emergency
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his statement, sharply criticised the Emergency’s impact on democracy:
"I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social media. It will create awareness among the youth of the shameful time from 1975 to 1977."
The Emergency was declared under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing “internal disturbance”. However, this period saw fundamental rights suspended, journalists imprisoned, laws passed without debate, and political opposition crushed.
Shocking Events: Forced Sterilisation and Custodial Deaths
One of the most controversial aspects of the Emergency was the forced sterilisation drive, led by Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s son. Lakhs of men, particularly from poor and marginalised backgrounds, were subjected to sterilisation under coercion. Rukhsana Sultana, a close associate of Sanjay Gandhi, played a major role in implementing the campaign, particularly in Muslim-dominated areas of Delhi.
Another tragic case was that of Rajan, a young engineering student from Kerala who disappeared after being taken into police custody. His alleged torture and death became a symbol of the unchecked police brutality during the Emergency.
Was 1975 the First Emergency in India?
India has declared a national emergency three times: during the 1962 Sino-Indian war, the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, and the 1975 Emergency. However, the 1975 proclamation remains the most controversial—not due to war or external aggression, but because of internal political suppression.
During this time, opposition leaders, journalists, social activists, and students were arrested en masse. Civil institutions, including the media and judiciary, were rendered ineffective under political pressure.
Controversy Over the Modi Government’s Declaration
While many have welcomed the formal recognition of June 25 as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, critics argue it could be politically motivated. Nevertheless, others believe commemorating this event is essential to educate citizens and ensure that such mistakes are never repeated.
Indira Gandhi Centre Launches Year-Long Programme to Mark 50 Years of the Emergency
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the Union Ministry of Culture, has initiated a year-long programme to educate the younger generation about the erosion of civil liberties and the strength of India's democratic spirit during the Emergency. This initiative commemorates 50 years since the Emergency was declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 25 June 1975.
The programme kicks off with nationwide exhibitions, beginning in Delhi. These displays will feature archival material and visual storytelling that capture the turbulence and challenges of that era. The physical exhibition will be inaugurated at the Ambedkar International Centre on 26 June, followed by mobile exhibitions that will travel to different parts of the city.
Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the price paid by those who resisted authoritarianism. The Emergency remains a defining moment in Indian political history, and the observance of this day seeks to honour that legacy—and warn against its return.
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