India is now the only major nation to observe a Constitution Day on November 26 and a Constitution Murder Day. The declaration came alongside an announcement about an upcoming movie on the Emergency period, directed by Kangana Ranaut, a Member of Parliament from the BJP.
Historical Context of 1975 Emergency
On June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a state of Emergency across the country. For 21 months, fundamental rights were suspended, elections were postponed, the press was censored, and political opponents were jailed without trial. This period is considered one of the darkest chapters in Indian democratic history.
The provisions for declaring an Emergency were inspired by the German Constitution and are detailed in Articles 352 to 360 of the Indian Constitution. President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, acting on the advice of Indira Gandhi, invoked Article 352, leading to the suspension of civil liberties and significant amendments to the Constitution.
The most notable of these amendments was the 42nd Amendment, often called a "mini-Constitution." This amendment introduced substantial changes, including adding the terms "Secular" and "Socialist" to the Preamble.
International Comparisons and Lessons
The 1975 Emergency is not an isolated incident on the global stage. Many countries have faced turmoil due to frequent and significant changes to their Constitutions. For instance, China has repeatedly overhauled its Constitution, with substantial amendments consolidating power under leaders like Xi Jinping.
In 2016, Turkey implemented a new constitution granting expansive powers to President Erdogan. This led to economic instability and record-high inflation. Similarly, countries like Congo, Pakistan, Venezuela, and Nepal have faced severe financial challenges following constitutional suspensions or significant amendments.
The recent coups in Myanmar and instability in countries like Egypt, Thailand, Sudan, and Myanmar further illustrate the potential dangers of undermining constitutional integrity.
Moving Forward
The Indian government emphasises the importance of learning from historical mistakes and the experiences of other nations. By observing Constitution Murder Day, India aims to highlight the value of constitutional democracy and the necessity of safeguarding civil liberties.
Under the Indian Constitution, the country has achieved significant economic growth and aims to continue by respecting and protecting its democratic framework.
This announcement serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of constitutional protections in fostering a stable and prosperous society.
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