Dehradun, Uttarakhand — Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday described the 1975 Emergency as the “darkest period” in India’s democratic history, urging students to learn about its consequences so that such an episode is never repeated.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kumaon University in Nainital, Dhankhar addressed students and faculty, underscoring the critical role of youth in safeguarding democracy.
“Youth today cannot afford to be unaware of the Emergency. A lakh and forty thousand people were put behind bars. They had no access to the justice system, no means to vindicate their Fundamental Rights,” he said.
Reflecting on the judiciary’s role during the Emergency, he pointed out that nine High Courts ruled in favour of protecting Fundamental Rights even during a state of emergency. However, he noted that the Supreme Court reversed those verdicts, declaring that the Emergency’s declaration and its duration were executive decisions, beyond judicial scrutiny.
“It was a major setback to the people at large,” Dhankhar remarked.
He hailed Justice HR Khanna’s historic dissent in the Supreme Court — the only judge who stood for civil liberties at the time.
“A leading American newspaper wrote that if democracy ever returns to Bharat, a monument will surely be built for HR Khanna,” he said.
Calling June 25 “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Murder Day), Dhankhar said the day must serve as a reminder to the nation, especially students.
“Those who were jailed went on to become Prime Ministers and Presidents of the country. You are the most vital stakeholders in democracy. The government has thoughtfully decided that this day will serve as a reminder — so it never happens again,” he said.
Describing the Emergency as an “earthquake that shook democracy,” Dhankhar recounted how the then Prime Minister imposed Emergency for personal gain after an adverse High Court ruling, bypassing the Cabinet and constitutional principles.
“The night was dark, and the declaration was signed. What followed for nearly two years was unimaginable — a period that must never be forgotten,” he said.
Shifting his focus to higher education, the Vice President emphasised the transformative potential of campuses:
“Academic institutions are not just for earning degrees. They are the organic crucibles of innovation, ideation, and national change. Fear of failure should never stand in the way of creativity.”
Dhankhar also spoke about the importance of alumni engagement, urging Kumaon University to establish a robust alumni network.
“If 1 lakh alumni of Kumaon University contribute ₹10,000 annually, you generate ₹100 crore a year. It will make the institution self-sustaining and help build stronger alumni connections,” he said, encouraging the university to lead such efforts from “Dev Bhoomi.”