New Delhi, 14 October (H.S.): A broad group of Harvard-affiliated individuals has expressed concern over what it described as a negative public discourse and a concerted campaign against India’s constitutional institutions. The group warned that attempts to undermine public confidence in institutions such as the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Chief Justice of India and Parliament were a matter of serious concern.

The statement has been endorsed by more than 44 individuals associated with Harvard University, including lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists and academics. The signatories represent various Harvard schools and departments, including Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Kennedy School. They also questioned the alleged unauthorised use of Harvard University’s name to lend credibility to a political campaign.

The statement read: “We, as concerned citizens of India, the world’s largest and one of its oldest democracies, write with a profound sense of responsibility. At moments such as these, silence cannot be justified as indifference. The language used to portray India as being held hostage and to depict constitutional authorities as ‘thieves’ or as being ‘compromised’ raises serious concerns about attempts to erode public trust in democratic institutions.”

The signatories emphasised that law enforcement agencies’ actions to maintain public order should be subject to impartial scrutiny. However, they maintained that sweeping allegations and derogatory language could not substitute for evidence, due process or institutional accountability. They also stressed the importance of respecting public servants and the dignity of the offices they hold.

The statement further underscored that respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and civil liberties must remain paramount under all circumstances.

According to the signatories, a genuine commitment to democracy must be guided by constitutional principles rather than convenience, justice rather than selective outrage, and respect for democratic institutions rather than the politics of accusation.

The statement highlights concerns about the impact of public rhetoric on institutional credibility and reinforces the importance of evidence-based criticism, due process and accountability in a constitutional democracy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar