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Criticizing heavy-handed policing: Concerns over use of force against peaceful protest

Published July 28, 2026 at 10:33 AM UTC

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The use of tear gas and force against a peaceful protest in Delhi raises serious questions about the state of democratic dissent in India. Peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, and deploying such measures without clear provocation suggests a worrying readiness to suppress opposition. Akhilesh Yadav's comparison to the Emergency, while stark, captures a genuine fear: that the government is increasingly resorting to authoritarian tactics. The incident is not isolated; similar crackdowns on farmers' protests and student rallies have been criticized. When the state reacts with disproportionate force, it risks alienating citizens and eroding trust in institutions. Accountability is needed to ensure that law enforcement does not overstep its bounds. The heavy-handed response may discourage future peaceful protests, weakening democratic debate.