In a joint statement released today, the signatories, including several noted personalities from academia, also described reports of the use of Harvard University's name without appropriate authorisation to lend credibility to a political campaign as “troubling”.
Writing in their individual capacities as “concerned citizens from the world's oldest and largest democracy, India,” the signatories stressed that remaining silent in such circumstances should not become a reason for indifference.
“In moments such as these, silence cannot be an excuse for indifference,” the statement said.
“Our commitment must remain to the Constitution, not convenience; to justice, not selective outrage; and to democratic institutions, not the politics of accusation,” the signatories added.
The statement also raised objections to the language used in recent public discourse, particularly descriptions of India as being under “siege” and the characterisation of constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised”.
According to the signatories, such language raises serious concerns about an intent to undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
The statement acknowledged that the actions of law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order deserve fair scrutiny. However, it cautioned that sweeping accusations and abusive rhetoric cannot replace evidence, due process or institutional accountability.
“The actions of law enforcement agencies to uphold public order deserve fair scrutiny, but sweeping accusations and abusive rhetoric cannot substitute for evidence, due process or institutional accountability,” the statement said.
The signatories further emphasised that the dignity of public servants and the offices they hold must be respected. They also underlined that the Constitution and the rule of law must be upheld at all times, rather than only when doing so serves particular interests.
The joint statement comes amid the Opposition-led protest in Delhi seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the SIR controversy. By raising concerns over the language used against constitutional authorities and reports of Harvard University's name being used without appropriate authorisation, the signatories called for a commitment to constitutional principles, due process and respect for democratic institutions.
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