Bombay Bar Association Condemns Use Of Force On Students Protesting At Jantar Mantar, Calls For "Meaningful Dialogue"

The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) on Wednesday (July 22) condemned the "use of force" by police authorities against students protesting exam paper leaks, and also the damage caused to public property by a 'section' of protestors.

The BBA in a statement has urged the protesting students and also the Government to engage in a meaningful dialogue instead of confrontation.

In a statement issued by the senior advocate Nitin Thakker, the President of BBA, it is stated that the issue raised by the students concerning the future of education system in India, is immensely important.

"The Association notes with grave concern the videos and newspaper reports which appear to depict students being subjected to lathi charges and the use of tear gas by the police. If these reports are accurate, the use of force against students exercising their constitutional rights is deeply disturbing and cannot be countenanced in a society governed by the rule of law," the BBA said.

The Association further stated that law enforcement authorities are expected to act with restraint, proportionality, and with due regard to the constitutional rights and dignity of every citizen.

"The BBA expresses its deep concern over the recent incidents involving students protesting on issues relating to the future of education. The Association is of the considered view that in a constitutional democracy, the right of citizens to assemble peacefully and to express dissent is an integral facet of the freedoms guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. Peaceful protest is not merely a constitutional right but an essential feature of democratic governance," the BBA statement reads.

At the same time, the BBA has unequivocally condemned "any acts of violence, vandalism, or destruction of public or private property by any section of the protesters as reported."

"Resort to violence undermines the legitimacy of a peaceful movement and cannot be justified under any circumstances. The exercise of constitutional freedoms carries with it a corresponding obligation to act peacefully and responsibly," the statement reads.

The Association has also deprecated measures adopted like using force or using intimidation tactic of filing FIRs.

The issues raised by the students concerning the future of education are of immense public importance and have far-reaching consequences for the country's youth, the BBA pointed out.

"Such concerns deserve careful consideration through meaningful engagement rather than confrontation. The Association believes that the present situation calls for constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and reasoned discussion between the students and the Government. Therefore, the BBA calls upon all concerned to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law, refrain from violence in every form, and engage in an open, sincere, and meaningful dialogue so that the issues raised may be addressed in a manner consistent with the values of our Constitution and international convention as well as the democratic traditions of our nation," the statement reads.