The Delhi High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Centre's decision to observe June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas,' a day marking the imposition of Emergency by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The court found no violation or disrespect of the Constitution in the government's notification.
The decision came from a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, with Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. The petition argued that the declaration of June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' was derogatory since the Emergency was imposed according to constitutional provisions. However, the bench dismissed this argument, upholding the notification issued on July 13.
The notification stated that 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' aims to pay tribute to those who suffered and fought against the gross abuse of power during the Emergency. It is intended to recommit the people of India to oppose any such abuse of power in the future.
The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, emphasised that the observance of this day would honour the sacrifices of those who endured the hardships of the 1975 Emergency and help maintain the spirit of individual freedom and democracy.
Home Minister Shah stated that 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' would keep the flame of individual freedom and democracy alive, preventing dictatorial forces from repeating the horrors of the past. The notification highlights the importance of remembering this period in history to ensure such abuses of power do not recur.
The Emergency, declared by Indira Gandhi, lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. It was a period marked by the suspension of civil liberties, censorship of the press, and the arrest of political opponents. The government's decision to observe 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' every year aims to remind the nation of this dark chapter and honour those who fought against the repression.
The High Court's decision to dismiss the PIL underscores the importance of recognizing and commemorating historical events that have shaped the country's democratic principles. The observance of 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' serves as a reminder of the need to uphold constitutional values and protect individual freedoms.
The Delhi High Court's dismissal of the PIL against 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' reinforces the government's stance on commemorating the struggles during the Emergency. The observance of this day is seen as a tribute to the resilience of those who opposed the authoritarian measures of the time and as a pledge to safeguard democratic values in the future.
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