“Equally, if any individual raised slogans that amount to incitement to violence, threaten India’s sovereignty or violate the law, such acts must be investigated and prosecuted without hesitation. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental rights, but they are not a licence to promote unlawful conduct. Genuine students seeking justice should not have their movement overshadowed by those who use protests to spread hatred, provoke violence or advance extremist agendas. The law must distinguish between peaceful dissent and criminal acts, and act firmly against the latter.
The larger issue remains the integrity of India’s examination system. Students came onto the streets because they believed the system had failed them. That loss of confidence cannot be restored merely by making arrests or granting relief. It requires an impartial and credible investigation into every allegation of examination malpractice, irrespective of where it occurred.”
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant interim protection to students detained during the recent NEET protests reflects its constitutional duty to safeguard individual rights. No democracy can allow peaceful protesters, especially minors, to become victims of arbitrary action. Every citizen has the right to dissent peacefully, and the courts are right to ensure that this right is protected.
But justice must never be one-sided.
The debate should not end with the release of students. It must also include the police personnel who suffered injuries while performing their duty. Reports indicate that several security personnel were hurt during the protests. They, too, deserve justice. Their families deserve answers. If the law is expected to protect students from excesses, it must also protect police officers from violence.
The Constitution does not distinguish between victims based on the uniform they wear.
Equally important is the presence of anti-social elements who often infiltrate genuine public movements. Every major protest attracts people who have little interest in the original cause but exploit the situation to create violence, destroy public property or attack law enforcement personnel. Such individuals cannot be allowed to hide behind the banner of a legitimate student movement. Peaceful protesters and violent offenders must never be treated as one and the same.
There is another concern that deserves national attention. Student movements frequently become platforms for political parties to advance their own agendas. Whether it is the ruling party or the opposition, every political formation has a responsibility to keep students away from partisan politics. Young people fighting for a fair examination system should not become instruments in political battles. Their genuine concerns must not be overshadowed by slogans designed for electoral gains.
Equally, if any individual raised slogans that amount to incitement to violence, threaten India’s sovereignty or violate the law, such acts must be investigated and prosecuted without hesitation. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental rights, but they are not a licence to promote unlawful conduct. Genuine students seeking justice should not have their movement overshadowed by those who use protests to spread hatred, provoke violence or advance extremist agendas. The law must distinguish between peaceful dissent and criminal acts, and act firmly against the latter.
The larger issue remains the integrity of India’s examination system. Students came onto the streets because they believed the system had failed them. That loss of confidence cannot be restored merely by making arrests or granting relief. It requires an impartial and credible investigation into every allegation of examination malpractice, irrespective of where it occurred.
This is where consistency becomes crucial.
Whenever allegations of paper leaks emerge in any State, the response should be uniform. Investigations should not depend on political considerations or public pressure. Whether the allegations arise in Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab or any other State, the standard should remain the same. Every credible allegation deserves an impartial investigation that inspires public confidence.
The judiciary has repeatedly emphasised that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. That principle applies equally to examination scandals. Public faith in institutions is strengthened when there is a perception that every case is treated with equal seriousness, irrespective of geography or politics.
The same principle applies to the handling of protests. Any police officer found guilty of using excessive force should face the law. Likewise, anyone who attacked police personnel, damaged public property or incited violence should also face legal consequences. Accountability cannot be selective. Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand.
India’s students deserve a transparent examination system. Parents deserve confidence that merit, not manipulation, determines success. Police officers deserve protection while maintaining law and order. Citizens deserve assurance that those who exploit public protests for violence will not escape accountability.
The nation should not be forced into choosing between civil liberties and public order. A mature democracy is capable of protecting both. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right. Violence is not. Police accountability is essential. So is accountability for those who assault security personnel or vandalise public property.
Ultimately, the credibility of every institution depends on its commitment to fairness. The country does not need selective compassion or selective accountability. It needs equal justice for every victim, equal scrutiny for every allegation and equal standards in every investigation. Only then will public confidence in the justice system and the examination system truly be restored.
