Delhi High Court Upholds 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' Declaration

The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition challenging the Centre's decision to declare June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'. The court ruled that the term 'hatya' was used in context of misuse of power during the Emergency and is not an insult to the Constitution.

Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Centre's decision to declare June 25, the day the Emergency was imposed in 1975, as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'.

The petitioner argued that the decision was unconstitutional and insulting for using the word 'hatya (murder)' in reference to the 'Samvidhan (Constitution)', which is a 'living document'.

A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan stated that the Centre's notification did not violate constitutional principles, clarifying that the term 'hatya' referred to the abuse of power and legal excesses during the Emergency period, and did not disrespect the Constitution itself.