Modi government should play by the rules, not misuse power against citizens | The Hindu editorial

The sequence of events surrounding the October 10 protests has once again brought to the surface the tension within India's constitutional framework between fundamental rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly, and the limits of state power. Immediately following the incident, administrative measures targeting thousands of activists, students, political leaders, and general protesters—including arrests, travel bans, and extensive security protocols—have entrenched the roots of intense controversy across the country. In this context, serious questions are being raised as to whether the central government is adhering to constitutional ethics or misusing its power against citizens.

Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution grants citizens the fundamental right to assemble peacefully and without arms. However, this right is not absolute, and the state is permitted to impose reasonable and necessary restrictions for the protection of public order, morality, or the rights of other citizens. Yet, the administrative response to the October 10 events has shattered this balance. While protesters adopted the constitutional path to voice their concerns, the administration responded with a heavy hand. The sudden arrest of students and activists, the imposition of travel bans, and the aggressive behavior of security forces indicate that the government intended to thwart the protest at any cost, even if it meant sacrificing fundamental rights.

Political analysts and legal experts believe that in a democratic system, the authority of officials does not reside in their persons but in their adherence to the law. When the government misuses power against citizens, it undermines its own democratic foundation. The actions taken during the October 10 protests have raised the question of whether the administration is using its powers in favor of the law or to silence voices of dissent. The situation of the thousands of citizens arrested, including many students and social workers, has generated deep concern in society. The application of travel bans and security measures, typically reserved for cases of crime or serious threats, to a socio-political protest reflects an alienating and intimidating trend.

The Modi government must understand that in a democracy, adherence to the rule of law is the paramount duty. The misuse of power should not be directed against citizens but for the protection of their rights. As long as the government complies with constitutional standards and recognizes the right to protest, political stability and citizen trust will be maintained in the country. The events of October 10 serve as a warning bell that if the misuse of administrative powers continues, the constitutional compact between citizens and the state may be jeopardized. The government must now change its stance, respect the fundamental rights of citizens, and demonstrate that it stands on the side of the principles of law, not the side of the misuse of power.