Lawyers’ Forum of Religious and Priests Condemns Police Violence Against Youth, Calls for Independent Probe

New Delhi, July 24, 2026: The National Lawyers Forum of Religious and Priests (NLFRP) has condemned the alleged use of excessive force against young people protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and in other cities, calling for an independent and time-bound investigation into the incidents.

In a statement issued on July 24, the forum said the use of force against citizens exercising their democratic and constitutional rights was deeply disturbing and raised serious concerns about the protection of democracy, the rule of law and human dignity.

The NLFRP highlighted the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and the right to assemble peacefully under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India. It also referred to Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty and protects the dignity and bodily integrity of individuals.

According to the forum, the State has a constitutional responsibility to protect citizens and maintain public order through measures that are lawful, necessary and proportionate. It maintained that peaceful dissent and democratic protest should not be met with violence, intimidation or arbitrary use of force.

The forum called on the government and competent authorities to order an independent, impartial, transparent and time-bound investigation into the alleged violence and excessive use of force. It also demanded that responsibility be fixed and appropriate legal action initiated against officials or individuals found to have violated the law or abused their authority.

The NLFRP further urged the authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance to those injured and provide appropriate compensation and rehabilitation to victims. It called for stronger safeguards to ensure that law-enforcement agencies exercise restraint and operate within constitutional and legal limits while dealing with peaceful protests.

The forum also expressed concern over what it described as the circulation of false, defamatory and malicious content targeting members of minority communities. It condemned attempts to spread disinformation and create an atmosphere of hostility and fear, calling for accountability under the law for those responsible for deliberate misinformation and defamatory campaigns.

Expressing solidarity with the affected youth and others who may have suffered injury or harassment, the NLFRP reaffirmed their right to seek justice and accountability through constitutional and democratic means.

The forum also appealed to citizens to maintain peace and communal harmony and to pursue grievances through lawful and democratic channels. At the same time, it cautioned that appeals for peace should not be used to suppress legitimate dissent or undermine fundamental rights.

“Democracy is strengthened not by silencing those who disagree, but by respecting the constitutional rights of every citizen,” the forum said, reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution of India, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and the dignity of every human person.

By PRO Fr. Benjamin D'Souza

National Lawyers Forum of Religious and Priests (NLFRP)