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Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood: No Consequences for Peacefully Protesting Students, Law Will Address Violent Behavior
New Delhi: Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood declared that neither legal actions nor punitive measures would be imposed on students presumably protesting peacefully. The government expressed its desire to sustain the democratic freedoms of all citizens. However, he also warned that participants in violent protests will be subject to the full extent of the law.
The comments were made in response to students’ fears of being prosecuted after the protests that erupted in the country’s capital. The Delhi Government stated that partaking in peaceful protests will bear no consequences, while lawbreaking individuals will be prosecuted.
No Prosecution of Students for Peaceful Protests
Responding to these concerns, the Home Minister of Delhi, Ashish Sood, stated that the Government of India’s public stance is that no student will be prosecuted for participating in peaceful protests. He outlined that students should not fear any form of prosecution for exercising their democratic right to participate in peaceful protests and lawful forms of dissent.
The minister stated that the government perceives peaceful protests to be democratic expressions and will uphold that right.
Criminal Activity and Violence Remain Non-Negotiable
While addressing peaceful demonstrators, the minister stated that the exemption does not include people breaking the law. Ashish Sood stated that people who:
- Participated in violence for the sake of the protests,
- Participated in vandalism or destruction of public property,
- Attempted to disrupt law and order,
- Have pending criminal cases,
- Will face the law.
These people cannot feign the student protests in order to claim exemption.
Clarification by the Delhi Home Department
The Delhi Home Department issued an official press statement, indicating that peaceful protesters have no reason to worry. The department stated that the government respects the citizens' right to a peaceful protest. It also stressed that public order is of the utmost importance and that strict action will be taken against those who engage in violence or criminal activity.
Government Confirms the Law and Continued Rights of the People
Ashish Sood stated that the government differentiates unlawful conduct and the exercise of a democratic right. While the expression of views is protected, those who seek to exploit the protests to engage in criminal acts or disrupt the order of the public will be prosecuted.
The statement is intended to give assurance to the students that the government respects the right to a peaceful protest, but violence and vandalism cannot be allowed.
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