Mumbai Auxiliary Bishop Calls for Accountability and Educational Reform After Student Protest Crackdown

Mumbai, July 31, 2026: Auxiliary Bishop Savio Fernandes of the Archdiocese of Bombay has called for accountability, educational reforms and greater respect for the democratic rights of students following the police action against protesters at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, saying the images of injured students have "deeply stirred the conscience of the nation." 

In a reflection published by Catholic Connect, Bishop Fernandes said the country had witnessed with anguish students protesting against repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks being met with force. He described the scenes of students being lathi-charged, tear-gassed and injured as deeply disturbing and urged that peaceful voices be heard with dignity. 

The bishop said reports and videos indicated that the overwhelming majority of students had remained peaceful while expressing frustration over recurring failures in the examination system. While recognising the government's duty to maintain law and order, he stressed that such responsibility must always be exercised with restraint, proportionality and respect for the dignity of every citizen. 

Referring to allegations of excessive force, including the use of lathis, tear gas and pellet guns, Bishop Fernandes welcomed the Supreme Court's direction to preserve all relevant records and said the developments underscored the need for an impartial, transparent and credible inquiry. He added that if excessive or unlawful force was established, accountability should extend beyond those who carried out the orders to those who authorised them. 

The Auxiliary Bishop said the resignation of the Union Education Minister was an important political development but maintained that it could not by itself restore public confidence in the country's examination system. He said students were seeking transparency, accountability and meaningful reforms to ensure that merit, rather than manipulation, determines success. 

Calling for long-term reforms, Bishop Fernandes said stricter penalties for examination malpractices must be accompanied by stronger preventive measures, including secure examination systems, technological safeguards, institutional accountability and regular audits. He also emphasised the need to rebuild trust between citizens and the government through honest dialogue and fulfilment of public commitments. 

Describing young people as the nation's future, Bishop Fernandes urged authorities to listen respectfully to their legitimate concerns rather than respond with suspicion or force. He concluded by inviting the faithful to pray for the injured students, their families, law enforcement personnel and public authorities, expressing hope that India would remain a nation where justice, dialogue and peace prevail.

By Catholic Connect Reporter