Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas
Source: Business Standard
GS II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
Overview
- News in Brief
- What Is Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas?
- The 1975 Emergency: A Dictatorial Regime
- Types of Emergencies
- Conclusion
Why in the News?
The government announced on Friday that June 25 will be observed every year as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.
News in Brief
- The Government of India has decided to observe the 25th of June every year as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.’
- This day will commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency.
- The Constitution and the Emergency also dominated the special session of Parliament, which began on June 24.
- The Emergency was a part of President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament as well.
- The Congress party criticized the move, calling it a “headline-grabbing exercise” and highlighting their own defeat in 2024 as ModiMukti Diwas.”
What Is Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas?
- Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas translates to Constitution Murder Day.
- It commemorates a dark chapter in Indian history.
- The imposition of the Emergency by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975.
- During this period, civil rights were suspended, dissent was stifled, and thousands of people were unjustly imprisoned.
Why Remember Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas?
- Historical Reminder: Observing this day serves as a reminder of the consequences when the Constitution is trampled upon.
- Honouring Victims: It pays homage to those who endured the inhuman pains of the Emergency.
- Government Perspective: The Prime Minister emphasized that June 25 honours those who suffered due to Emergency excesses.
The 1975 Emergency: A Dictatorial Regime
- Background: In 1975, India faced political turmoil, and Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency, citing internal disturbances.
- Duration: The Emergency, which lasted for 21 months.
- Impact: The Emergency led to the suspension of fundamental rights, censorship of media, and widespread abuses of power.
- Mass Arrests: Lakhs of people, including political activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens, were thrown behind bars without due process.
- Media Suppression: The voice of the media was silenced, and censorship was rampant.
- Democracy Under Siege: The Emergency was seen as an assault on democracy and the Indian Constitution.
- Decree Rule: The order bestowed upon the prime minister the authority to rule by decree, allowing elections to be cancelled and civil liberties to be suspended.
- Political Opponents: For much of the Emergency, most of Gandhi’s political opponents were imprisoned, and the press faced censorship.
Types of Emergencies
- National Emergency (Article 352)
- Grounds for Declaration: The President can declare a national emergency when the security of India or a part of it is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
- External Emergency: Declared due to war or external aggression.
- Internal Emergency: Declared due to armed rebellion.
- Approval: The proclamation of emergency must be approved by both houses of Parliament within one month.
- Judicial Review: The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 restored the judicial review of National Emergency declarations.
- State Emergency (Article 356)
- Governor’s Report: If the President is satisfied that the governance in a state cannot be carried out according to the Constitution, the President can impose President’s Rule.
- Approval: The proclamation of State Emergency must be approved by both houses of Parliament within two months.
- Judicial Review: The Supreme Court can review the imposition of the President’s Rule.
- Financial Emergency (Article 360)
- Grounds: If the financial stability of India or any state is threatened.
- Approval: The President can proclaim a Financial Emergency without parliamentary approval, but it must be ratified within two months.
Conclusion
- The Emergency remains a pivotal chapter in India’s history, marked by media censorship, restrictions on civil rights, and a forced mass sterilization campaign.
- It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security and individual freedoms during critical times.
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