PIL Challenges 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' Notification

Former Indian Police Service officer Amitabh Thakur has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Allahabad High Court against the central government's declaration of June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas', marking the imposition of Emergency in 1975. The PIL argues that the phrase implies the Constitution has been 'murdered', undermining its existence and causing public distress. Another PIL, filed by advocate Santosh Singh Dohrey, similarly challenges the notification, citing violations of the Constitution and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The central government's notification aims to pay tribute to those affected by the Emergency, but critics contend that its language is offensive and misleading. The High Court has requested the government to respond by July 31, 2024, as both petitions are heard. The matter raises significant concerns regarding the portrayal of constitutional integrity in political discourse.