NEW DELHI: From organising mashaal/e-torch yatras, screening short films, and mass contact programmes to outreach in schools and colleges, the Centre has directed all state governments and Union Territories to undertake a year-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the ‘Emergency’ on June 25, as ‘Constitution Murder Day’.
In a letter to Chief Secretaries, the Union Culture Ministry said, “The occasion is not merely for remembrance but for deep reflection and renewed commitment to democratic values and constitutional morality. In this regard, the Ministry of Culture is undertaking a yearlong commemoration starting on June 25, 2025, till June 25, 2026”.
The highlight of the year-long events would be the Mashal/E-torch yatra, where six mashaals/e-torches representing the ‘spirit of democracy’ are to be flagged off from Delhi on June 25, 2025. The torch procession will culminate at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on March 21, 2026, and will be attended by Prime Minister Modi. The details of the route map were being worked out, said the ministry. Besides the yatras, the ministry has also charted out exhibitions, seminars, speeches, and outreach to schools and colleges as part of its programmes.
The ministry further asked the states to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the ministry regarding the events, The letter further states that on June 25, the ministry has planned mass public programmes to promote the spirit of democracy. “The participants can carry the national flag and placards bearing pre-approved messages such as: “More power to democracy’, ‘India: Mother of Democracy,” ‘Long Live Democracy, and ‘Salute to Sengol-in the Spirit of Democracy,” it said.
To evoke a patriotic mood, patriotic songs, short films, and street plays will be continuously played and performed at the venue, the ministry said.
A special enclosure will be created for invitees representing individuals directly affected by the Emergency, it said. A replica of the Sengol symbolising righteous rule will be placed prominently near the stage. There will be a large canvas to enable people to express their sentiments through approved slogans in the local language at the entrance, it said.
“A dedicated exhibition must be organised across 50 prominent high-footfall locations (such as malls, railway stations, post offices, petrol pumps, schools, and government offices. A balanced distribution between rural and urban areas is to be maintained for inclusive outreach,” it suggested.
It further said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will produce a short film on ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, which will be made available on its website after June 22.
It stated that the imposition of the Emergency from June 25, 1975, stands as a stark reminder of the darkest period in India’s democratic history.
“This day has been notified as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” vide Ministry of Home Affairs Notification dated July 11 2024. Emergency witnessed a sweeping suspension of civil liberties, erosion of constitutional safeguards and unprecedented centralisation of executive power. Fundamental rights were breached, press silenced under strict censorship, thousands of political leaders, journalists and civil society members were imprisoned,” said the letter.
Culture ministry guidelines for States
Centre asks all states/UTs to undertake a yr-long commemoration of 50th anniv of imposition of Emergency on June 25, as ‘Constitution Murder day’
Mashal/E-torch yatras
The torch procession will culminate at Kartavya Path on March 21, 2026, which will be attended by PM Modi
Screening of short films
Mass contact programmes
Outreach in schools and colleges
Chief secys of all states have been informed by culture ministry