The word "Emergency" gets thrown about a lot in the Indian political discourse. Today, however, marks the only time in India's democracy that it was officially imposed in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
India observes Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas on June 25 as a reminder of the events that unfolded when the Constitution of India was undermined. The day also serves to honour and remember all those who endured hardships during the Emergency period.
Paying homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the "darkest chapters in India's history", PM Modi on Thursday said Emergency also revealed the extraordinary courage of countless citizens who refused to remain silent and upheld the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.
"Constitution Murder Day today reminds us of that dark era when Indian democracy was brutally crushed. It inspires us to always remain committed to protecting democracy, the Constitution, and citizens' rights. My respectful salutations to all the luminaries who opposed the Emergency," PM Modi said in a post on X.
The formal declaration of Emergency marked a turning point in Indian constitutional history. The executive acquired overriding powers, and state authority was brought under central control.
Following the proclamation, constitutional safeguards were systematically suspended. The Emergency saw strict control over the press and public information through institutional mechanisms and administrative orders. The Emergency continued till March 21, 1977.
"The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution. It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers and an assault on institutions that are the bedrock of our democracy," PM Modi said.
"Whenever the BJP government is in power in a state or in the Centre, they try to present the history the way they want... The challenge faced by democracy has never been seen before in the history of independent India. The way voices are being oppressed using social media, media, judiciary, bureaucracy, Election Commission. This is the first time a government is misusing such institutions," Sachin Pilot said.
Uddhav Thackeray's party Shiv Sena (UBT), a Congress ally, smarting from the loss of its MPs to the BJP, also hit out at the Centre.
"The situation in this country for the last 12 years should also be discussed. Indira Gandhi did not break any political party or abolish the Constitution...The Emergency is not just a subject for study, but it is also provided for in the Constitution. The Constitution gives the Prime Minister the right to impose an Emergency if anarchy spreads in the country. This does not mean that you should not respect the Constitution," Sanjay Raut, lone Rajya Sabha MP of Shiv Sena (UBT), said.
"I want to ask why demonetisation was implemented? Why were stringent restrictions and emergency measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic? All of these measures were implemented based on the provisions available under the Constitution and the law. But today, the same people who talk about the Constitution do not truly respect its spirit," Raut added.
