The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the right to express dissent, conduct peaceful protests, and hold the government accountable for its policies and actions. These freedoms are not merely fundamental rights; they also reflect the basic spirit of a mature democracy. A healthy democracy is strengthened when governments engage with citizens, listen to differing opinions, and respond through dialogue rather than confrontation.
India has a long and respected tradition of peaceful protest. From Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom movement during the British rule to contemporary democratic movements, peaceful demonstrations have played an important role in shaping public policy. Hunger strikes, though sometimes considered an extreme form of protest, have been adopted by many leaders and activists to draw attention to issues of public concern. Notable examples include Irom Sharmila’s 16-year hunger strike against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur and Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, which sparked a nationwide debate on transparency and accountability. Baba Ramdev protested to bring back black money to the country.
Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian engineer, innovator, education reformer, and environmental activist from Ladakh, best known for promoting sustainable technologies and student-centred education. At Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike from June 20, to demand accountability for alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, including the paper leak controversy, and supported the demand of Gen Z and to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.He has also called for transparent reforms in the education system and urged the government to engage in dialogue with students and peaceful protesters over their concerns.
In such situations, the expected response of a democratic government is constructive engagement. History shows that governments, including the British administration during the freedom struggle, often entered into negotiations with protest leaders. When Anna Hazare and Ramdev, a yoga guru, were protesting, the then minister and government officials visited them for negotiations. Therefore, many have questioned why senior ministers or government representatives did not initiate meaningful dialogue with the protesters at an earlier stage.
The manner in which Sonam Wangchuk was reportedly detained by the police and taken to a hospital has also attracted criticism from sections of the public and several eminent personalities who believe that such situations should be handled with greater sensitivity and respect for democratic values. A government that truly represents the people should be willing to listen to citizens raising legitimate policy concerns rather than allowing mistrust to deepen.
Some of the issues highlighted by the CJP, particularly the recurring examination paper leaks and the need for reforms in the education system, deserve serious attention. The recent NITI Aayog report on education has itself identified several structural challenges and the need for comprehensive reforms. These concerns cannot simply be dismissed, especially when they directly affect millions of students and their future.
Ultimately, a welfare-oriented democratic government is one that treats its citizens as partners in governance, not merely as subjects to be administered. Peaceful dissent is not a threat to democracy; it is one of its greatest strengths. Governments and citizens alike share the responsibility of ensuring that disagreements are addressed through dialogue, mutual respect, and constitutional values. Only then can democracy remain vibrant, inclusive, and truly accountable.
– Syed Tanveer Ahmed