From 1975 Emergency to Irregularities in Competitive Exams: President Draupadi Murmu’s Address to joint session of the Parliament at a glance

President Droupadi Murmu denounced the Emergency of 1975 as a "direct attack on the Indian Constitution" during her address to a joint session of Parliament on Thursday. She also raised concerns about paper leaks and alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, amid spirited sloganeering of "NET" and "NEET" from the Opposition.

“Even after the Constitution was implemented in the country, there have been many attacks on the Constitution. The emergency implemented on 25th June 1975 was a direct attack on the Constitution. When it was imposed, there was uproar in the entire country. But the country has shown victory over such Constitutional forces,” said Draupadi Murmu.

Acknowledging concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive exams, the President of India promised a thorough investigation and stated that stringent punishment will be given to those found guilty. “My government is committed to a fair investigation of the recent incidents of paper leaks as well as stringent punishment for the guilty. Even before this, we have seen paper leaks in different states. Rising above partisan politics, a nationwide concrete solution is needed for this. Parliament has formed a strict law against irregularities in examinations,” said the President.

Addressing Parliamentarians, she urged them to prioritize public interest over political disagreements. "Opposing policies are different from disrupting Parliament's proceedings. People's interest should be paramount for all members,” she said. President Murmu also highlighted the upcoming national budget, promising major economic and social decisions. She underscored India's economic achievements despite global challenges.

“When Parliament conducts its business smoothly, when healthy deliberations take place here, when far-reaching decisions are taken, then the people repose confidence not only in the Government but also in the entire system,” said Murmu stressing on the role of Parliament in fostering productive debates and decisive actions that reinforce public trust in governance.​