“The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy. We cannot demand that right for ourselves in Delhi and deny it to others in Bengaluru,” Shivakumar said in a media statement, endorsing Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s position on protecting peaceful demonstrations.
The protest was organised by students, lawyers and others who marched towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) office in Bengaluru to condemn the Delhi Police’s handling of demonstrations. Protesters alleged that Bengaluru police resorted to similar action, claiming that about 100 people were affected and that some women, students and lawyers were manhandled.
Shivakumar said he had sought a detailed report on the circumstances that led to the police action. “Disagreement with the Election Commission, disagreement with my government, or disagreement with me personally does not diminish anyone’s right to peacefully express it,” he said, adding that action would follow if the inquiry established that excessive force had been used.
Kharge said he had instructed the police to ensure that peaceful demonstrations were not disrupted. He also urged protesters to cooperate with the police and inform the authorities about their plans to help protect their safety and the rights of others.
“The police are here to protect your rights, not to stand in the way of your voice,” Kharge said, adding that maintaining law and order also required creating an environment where citizens could express dissent peacefully and without fear.
