Harvard vs Harvard: Support from one, criticism from another over Delhi protests
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
A group of 44 Harvard scholars and professionals on Wednesday raised concerns over what they described as attacks on India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and the Supreme Court, asserting that while dissent is a right, questioning institutional credibility without evidence is not.
Adding to this, On Saturday, October 10, about 41,000 security personnel turned the Capital into a fortress on Saturday to thwart the planned protest and launched an unprecedented clampdown that saw the detention of 7,000 people and left large chunks of Delhi deserted. (File/ANI) In a statement, the signatories, who identified themselves as concerned citizens of India, the world's oldest and largest democracy, shared descriptions of the country as being under “siege” and constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised” raised serious questions about attempts to erode public trust in democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, The signatories include lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists and academicians.
Notably, "We are deeply concerned by the negative public discourse and concerted campaign against India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, the office of the Honourable Chief Justice of India, and Parliament," the statement shared, reported news agency PTI.
As per the latest buzz, The signatories reiterated that while dissent is a fundamental democratic right, making unsubstantiated allegations that damage the credibility of institutions is not. They shared the statement was issued out of a sense of responsibility, adding that silence in such circumstances should not be mistaken for indifference.
In further updates, The statement, titled “Constitutional Responsibility, Rule of Law, and Institutional Integrity”, also flagged concerns over reports that Harvard University's name was being used to lend legitimacy to a political campaign without proper authorisation.
On top of that, The scholars shared actions taken by law enforcement agencies to maintain public order should be subject to fair scrutiny, but argued that sweeping allegations and abusive language could not replace evidence, due process or accountability.
“The dignity of public servants and the offices they hold must be respected. The Constitution, rule of law, and civil liberties must be respected at all times, not just when it suits our interests,” the statement shared.
Source: Hindustan Times