'Detention Illegal, Unconstitutional': Singhvi Slams Police Action
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi calls recent police detentions of demonstrators unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights.
Senior Advocate and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi has launched a scathing attack on the police following the detention of demonstrators in the national capital. Singhvi characterized the administrative crackdown as "completely illegal, unconstitutional," and a direct assault on the fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
"Preventive Detentions" Criticized
Speaking to reporters regarding the recent protest march, Singhvi expressed outrage over what he described as preemptive measures taken by authorities. He alleged that individuals were being picked up before any actual assembly had even taken place.
"The detention is absolutely illegal and unconstitutional. There is no question of the protesters having done anything wrong," Singhvi stated. He highlighted specific instances of what he termed as arbitrary arrests, noting, "Somebody was picked up from Gurugram, and somebody else was picked up from a plane. This is a complete violation of the fundamental right to protest peacefully in the Gandhian manner."
The senior parliamentarian further dismissed the justification used by authorities, stating that such actions cannot be permitted under the guise of "so-called special security measures."
Clarifying the Protest Motive
Addressing concerns regarding the target of the demonstrations, Singhvi clarified that the movement was aimed at raising critical issues concerning democratic values before the country's constitutional institutions. He emphasized that the protest lacked any political motive directed at the judiciary.
"It is intended to bring to the attention of all the heads of the organs of the state what we believe is affecting the very foundations of democracy," he explained. "There is nothing political about it as far as the Supreme Court is concerned. We are simply presenting a particular point of view to what we believe is a vital organ of the state."
Rahul Gandhi Calls for Unity: "Daro Mat"
The legal criticism comes alongside a massive call to action from the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Following a day of heavy police deployment and widespread detentions across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), Gandhi urged citizens to overcome their fear.
In a post on X, Gandhi called upon the youth, opposition parties, and civil society groups to unite for a march to the Supreme Court. "We will march together, with love, brotherhood and patriotism. Daro mat. Tomorrow, all of India will march to the Supreme Court," Gandhi wrote, using the phrase "Daro mat" (Do not be afraid) to encourage participation.
Gandhi stated that the march would transcend party, gender, caste, and community lines. He outlined several key demands to be submitted via a memorandum to Chief Justice Surya Kant, including:
- An end to "vote chori" (vote theft)
- The halting of SIR
- The resignation of Gyanesh Kumar
"Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval and Mohan Bhagwat cannot silence India's voice. These cowards cannot intimidate us," Gandhi added, asserting that the march would represent those who stand by the Constitution of India.
Activists Released Under Conditions
The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), have seen significant friction with law enforcement. While some activists, including Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das, were released after appearing before an Executive Magistrate at the Delhi Cantt Police Station, the atmosphere remains tense.
According to CJP Legal Affairs Head Ratna Singh, the release was subject to a condition of "no breach of peace for one year." However, activist Abhijeet Dipke has challenged the validity of these proceedings, claiming he did not sign any bond and stating he would not be deterred by such tactics, even daring authorities to arrest him repeatedly.