Anniversary of Emergency: 25 June 1975 Constitution assassination day – Delhi CM Delhi CM On Emergency Anniversary A Dark Chapter In Indian Democracy

New Delhi [भारत]June 25 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday described the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, as the “darkest chapter” in the history of Indian democracy, and said it dealt a serious blow to democratic institutions and constitutional values.

Called Emergency as “Constitution Murder Day”

On the 51st anniversary of the Emergency, which the Center observes as “Constitution Murder Day”, CM Gupta said the period saw suppression of civil liberties, restrictions on press freedom and curbs on freedom of expression.
In a post on Twitter, the Delhi Chief Minister said the decision taken by the then Congress government led by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi reflected the “dictatorial mentality” of the party.

Scroll to load tweet…

“That night of 25 June 1975 is the darkest chapter in the history of Indian democracy, which the country is remembering today as ‘Constitution Murder Day’. The Emergency was the biggest attack on India’s democracy and Constitution.

Emergency: guard over the press

This decision of the Congress government led by the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi dealt a deep blow to the democratic systems. During that period, civil rights were crushed, freedom of the press was restricted and freedom of expression was strangled.

Ad3

This decision taken in arrogance of power is the biggest symbol of the dictatorial mentality of the Congress Party. Unfortunately, Congress still suffers from this mentality. Many people who struggled to protect democracy faced repression and unbearable torture.

This day inspires us to strengthen our resolve to protect democratic values, constitutional norms and civil rights,” the Delhi CM wrote on Instagram.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar paid tribute to those who opposed the Emergency, and described June 25, 1975 as a day whose consequences the country could never forget.
In a post on Twitter, Khattar said that Congress prioritized power over democratic principles by imposing emergency.

Ad4

25 June 1975 is a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, the horrors of which the nation can never forget. By imposing emergency on the country overnight, Congress proved that for it power is supreme, not democracy and the Constitution.
Today remembering that dark chapter all those democracies… pic.twitter.com/4W1vZLnMqu

— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) June 25, 2026

• “June 25, 1975, is a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, the horror of which the nation can never forget. By imposing emergency on the country overnight, Congress proved that power is paramount for it, not democracy and the Constitution.
  Today, remembering that horrific chapter, I pay tribute to all those democracy warriors who dedicated their lives to revive democracy despite the dictatorship and brutal tortures of the Congress government. The sacrifice of every democracy warrior who fought against dictatorship during the Emergency is an invaluable asset of this nation.
  We must take a firm resolve that we will stand unwavering in every situation to protect democracy, so that such dictatorship can never be repeated again.”
• The Emergency, considered one of the most controversial periods in the history of independent India, was imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from June 25, 1975 to March 1977. It brought significant changes in the constitutional, legal and administrative systems of India. Political arrests, large-scale forced sterilizations and beautification campaigns, among other things, occurred during this period.
• Following its withdrawal, an investigation was established and legal provisions were amended to regulate the use of emergency powers in the future.

misuse of government machinery

• The Government of India officially designated 25 June as Constitution Killing Day to commemorate this historic event and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democratic values.
  Between June 25, 1975, and March 21, 1977, India was placed under a state of emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution. It was announced against a backdrop of growing political unrest and judicial developments that had shaken the legitimacy of the ruling leadership.
• In the early 1970s, opposition to the then government intensified. Protests led by Jayaprakash Narayan gained momentum in Bihar and Gujarat. Student-led movements, unemployment, inflation, and perceptions of corruption fueled discontent.
• On June 12, 1975, Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court ruled that then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had misused the government machinery in her 1971 Lok Sabha election campaign.
  Supreme Court granted a conditional stay
• The court found him guilty under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and disqualified him from holding any elected office for six years. The case was filed by socialist leader Raj Narayan, who had lost to Gandhi in Rae Bareli. His legal challenge resulted in this historic decision.
• The Supreme Court granted a conditional stay. Gandhi could remain Prime Minister and participate in Parliament, but she was barred from voting. The political crisis deepened with demands for his resignation.
• On June 25, 1975, the then President Mr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued a proclamation of emergency under Article 352 citing threats from internal unrest. The decision came after a press note from the government accused individuals including Jayaprakash Narayan of inciting the police and armed forces to disobey orders. It was the third emergency in the history of India, but the first to be declared in peacetime. Earlier declarations had taken place during wars with China (1962) and Pakistan (1971). At that time, Article 352 allowed the President to declare emergency on three grounds: war, external aggression, or internal disturbance.
• The Press Information Bureau states that the phrase “internal disturbance” was used in place of what was later amended to “armed rebellion” through the 44th Constitutional Amendment in 1978. The executive acquired overriding powers, and state authority was brought under central control.
• On June 27, 1975, Articles 358 and 359 were enacted. Article 358 suspended protection under Article 19, affecting freedom of speech, expression, assembly and movement. Article 359 allowed the state to suspend enforcement of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 21, and 22, including equality before law, right to life and liberty, and protection against detention.
• Citizens were prevented from approaching courts for redress. Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Opposition leaders including Advani and others were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). MISA was used extensively, and according to the Shah Commission, approximately 35,000 people were detained under preventive detention without trial.
• According to the PIB, from June 26, 1975, pre-censorship was imposed on all newspapers. Editors had to obtain government approval before publishing news, editorials and photographs. The government appointed a national censor along with regional censors to monitor press content. Radio-photo broadcasting was also brought under government approval. The Emergency was lifted on March 21, 1977, and general elections to the Lok Sabha were held between March 16–20, 1977.