Last Updated on June 25, 2026 8:31 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
Our Correspondent / New Delhi
A new book examining the impact of the 1975-77 Emergency on Indian democracy and human rights was released at the University of Delhi on Thursday, coinciding with the 51st anniversary of the Emergency. Titled “Democracy and Human Rights in India: Reflections from Emergency (1975–1977)”, the book has been authored by noted political scientist and Delhi University Professor Dr. Sudhir Singh.
The publication was formally released at Tagore Hall, Faculty of Arts, by former Maharashtra and Goa Governor and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Bhagat Singh Koshyari. Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh attended the event as the Guest of Honour. The programme drew academics, students, researchers, media professionals and public intellectuals.
The book offers a critical assessment of the Emergency period, focusing on its impact on constitutional institutions, democratic governance, civil liberties and human rights. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sudhir Singh described the Emergency as a period when democratic institutions came under severe strain. He said the experience underscored the importance of safeguarding justice, constitutional values and democratic freedoms.
Recalling his own imprisonment during the Emergency, Mr. Bhagat Singh Koshyari termed June 25 a “Constitution Killing Day” and said the lessons of that period should continue to be remembered by future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Yogesh Singh stressed the need to preserve historical memory to strengthen democratic institutions. He said younger generations must understand the challenges faced by Indian democracy during the Emergency to ensure such experiences are not repeated.
Several prominent academicians, including Prof. Bharti Sharma, Prof. B.K. Singh, Prof. M. Rahmatullah, Prof. Kumar Ashutosh, Prof. Ranjana Mukhopadhyaya and DUTA President Prof. V.S. Negi, were among those present at the event.
Title: Democracy and Human Rights in India: Reflections from Emergency (1975–1977)
Author: Dr. Sudhir Singh
Dr. Sudhir Singh is Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of Delhi. His research and writings focus on democracy, governance, public policy, human rights, and Indian political thought.
The book has been published by Kitabwale, led by publisher Prashant Jain, which publishes a wide range of cultural, historical, fiction, non-fiction, and trade books in both Hindi and English.
This version is suitable for newspapers, news portals, university websites, and media circulation.