Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas: 1975 Emergency

Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas: Remembering the Indian Emergency of 1975

Observed on 25 June, Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas marks the day when the Constitution of India was severely undermined following the declaration of the Indian emergency in 1975. This emergency declaration was made by then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, under Article 352, citing internal disturbances.

This day serves as a tribute to those who suffered suppression, imprisonment, and censorship during the 21-month Indian emergency (1975–77), imposed under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The events leading to this dark period included a judgment by Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha that invalidated Indira Gandhi’s election, which ultimately triggered the declaration of the emergency of 1975.

Key Highlights of the Emergency of 1975 in India:

  1. Article 358 suspended Article 19, curbing fundamental rights like freedom of speech and expression during the Indian emergency period.
  2. Courts were barred from redressing grievances or challenging the emergency, effectively suspending judicial oversight.
  3. Pre-censorship was imposed on media, and the Press Council of India was abolished to control information flow during the emergency of 1975.
  4. Elections of the PM and Lok Sabha Speaker were placed beyond judicial scrutiny, consolidating power.
  5. The government implemented preventive detention laws, leading to widespread arrests and human rights violations throughout the Indian emergency.
  6. Indira Gandhi introduced the controversial 20 point program, ostensibly for economic and social reforms during the state of emergency.

Eminent journalist Ram Bahadur Rai, who was jailed during this emergency period, recalled the atrocities on pro-democracy citizens. Many resistance movements, including the Democracy Bachao Morcha, emerged to oppose the authoritarian measures imposed during the emergency of 1975. Some citizens, feeling helpless, chose to “do nothing” in the face of these oppressive measures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, termed the Indian emergency as the darkest era in India’s democratic history, emphasizing the importance of remembering this period to safeguard democratic values. As we approach 11 July 2024, which will mark the 49th anniversary of the emergency’s declaration, it’s crucial to reflect on these historical events.

Objective Type Questions with Answers and Explanation

Q1. Under which Article of the Constitution was the Emergency declared on 25 June, 1975?

A. Article 356

B. Article 360

C. Article 352

D. Article 368

Answer: C. Article 352

Explanation: The Indian emergency in 1975 was declared under Article 352 citing internal disturbance. This article allows the President to proclaim an Emergency when the security of India is threatened by war, external aggression, or internal disturbance (later amended to ‘armed rebellion’).

Q2. Which Article’s provisions were suspended under Article 358 during the Emergency of 1975?

A. Article 21 – Right to Life

B. Article 19 – Freedom of Speech, Expression, etc.

C. Article 32 – Right to Constitutional Remedies

D. Article 14 – Right to Equality

Answer: B. Article 19

Explanation: Article 358 suspended the enforcement of rights under Article 19 during the emergency, thereby affecting fundamental freedoms such as speech, movement, and peaceful assembly.

Q3. Which statutory body was abolished during the Indian Emergency?

A. Election Commission of India

B. Planning Commission

C. Press Council of India

D. National Human Rights Commission

Answer: C. Press Council of India

Explanation: As part of media censorship and suppression during the emergency, the Press Council of India was abolished, significantly impacting press freedom.

This summary of the Indian emergency of 1975 and its impacts serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic institutions and human rights. The events of 25 June, 1975, continue to be a significant chapter in India’s political history, highlighting the fragility of democracy and the need for constant vigilance against potential threats to constitutional rights.