Police forces in Delhi had to use proportionate force to control a protest that was turning violent and disrupting public order. Tear gas and water cannons are standard less-lethal options used globally to disperse unlawful assemblies that pose a risk to life and property. The comparison to the Emergency is deeply flawed: the Emergency was a nationwide suspension of democracy, whereas this was a localized law enforcement operation. The government has a duty to ensure safety and prevent escalation. Drawing such parallels trivializes the memory of a painful period in India's history and undermines public faith in institutions. Reasonable people may disagree on tactics, but the police followed established procedures. The real threat to democracy comes from those who equate routine policing with autocracy.
News From Multiple Perspectives
Defending police action: Why force was needed to maintain order
Published July 28, 2026 at 10:33 AM UTC