India was placed under a state of Emergency from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, under Article 352 of the Constitution. The proclamation granted overriding powers to the executive and brought state authority under central control, significantly altering the functioning of democratic institutions during the period.
Marking the anniversary of the Emergency, Radhakrishnan said the period serves as a solemn reminder of a time when constitutional values were subjected to severe challenges. In a message posted on X, he stated that civil liberties were suspended, freedom of expression was curtailed, and institutions central to the country’s democratic framework were undermined.
Since 2025, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been observing the anniversary of the Emergency’s imposition as “Constitution Murder Day,” commemorating what it describes as a critical assault on democratic and constitutional principles.
The Vice President urged citizens to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and to continue building an India founded on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
His remarks came as the nation reflected on the legacy of the Emergency, a period that remains one of the most debated and consequential phases in independent India’s political history. The observance serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions, constitutional values, and fundamental freedoms.
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