Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council Backs Jantar Mantar Student Protest, Condemns Restrictions

CHENNAI, July 25, 2026: The Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council has expressed solidarity with students and young people protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, condemning what it described as measures to restrict and suppress their peaceful demonstrations.

In a statement issued on July 24, the Council voiced concern over the action taken against protesters demanding accountability over the alleged NEET examination question paper leak. The protesters have also called for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, holding him responsible for the issue.

“The measures taken to restrict and suppress the voices of students and youth, who are peacefully protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to assert their democratic rights, are deeply concerning,” the Council said.

The bishops emphasised that the Constitution of India guarantees citizens the freedom of speech, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to raise demands through democratic means. Any attempt to forcibly deny these rights, they said, raises serious questions about the country’s commitment to its fundamental democratic values.

The Council also underlined the importance of young people as stakeholders in social change, describing students and youth as not only the future of the nation but also an important force in shaping its present.

“Instead of listening to their demands and engaging in dialogue, attempts to silence their voices through police action, denial of permissions, intimidation and administrative restrictions are not in keeping with democratic principles,” the statement said.

The Council maintained that suppressing dissent cannot provide a lasting solution to public grievances and called for dialogue and mutual respect between the government and the protesting students.

It urged the Union Government to respect the democratic rights of the students and youth gathered at Jantar Mantar, withdraw restrictive measures against them, ensure the safety of those participating in peaceful protests and address their concerns through open and meaningful dialogue.

Reaffirming the importance of constitutional values, the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council said justice, freedom and democracy can be strengthened only when the voices of citizens are respected. It called for a renewed commitment to safeguarding the fundamental values of the Indian Constitution and respecting the hopes and aspirations of the country’s youth.

By Archbishop George Antonysamy, President, TNBC