Congress MP K. C. Venugopal wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, urging him to seek Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement regarding reported police brutalities against students protesting in Delhi. Venugopal’s appeal highlights the urgency for parliamentary accountability concerning the actions taken by law enforcement during recent demonstrations.
In his letter, Venugopal expressed concern over the reported excessive force by the police, including the use of pellet guns against youthful protesters. He called for Shah to provide a comprehensive explanation on the floor of the House, given the serious nature of these incidents.
“I am writing to draw your attention to the deeply distressing reports of police brutality and the disproportionate use of force against students and youth in Delhi,” Venugopal stated in his letter. He underscored that the heavy-handedness displayed by the Delhi Police raises significant national concerns that warrant immediate scrutiny from Parliament.
As the Delhi Police operates directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Venugopal emphasized that Amit Shah bears ultimate responsibility for the police’s actions. He reminded the Speaker that under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, the Home Minister oversees all matters related to his ministry.
According to Article 75(3) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers must answer to the House of the People collectively, which ensures the Executive’s accountability to the Legislature for every action taken under its command.
“Consequently, it is the clear constitutional duty of the Home Minister to appear before this House and answer for the actions of the police force,” Venugopal asserted. He highlighted the critical role of the Speaker in upholding the rights and privileges of the House, urging Birla to direct Shah’s attendance to clarify the situation surrounding the police response to the protests.
Invoking relevant constitutional mandates, Venugopal stressed, “If the Minister does not present himself voluntarily, it becomes the duty of the Speaker to ensure his presence to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary accountability.”
In closing, Venugopal expressed hope for prompt action from the Speaker to defend democratic traditions in the Lok Sabha. He shared his letter on social media platform X, showcasing the urgency of the appeal with a direct mention of the Home Minister’s needed accountability.
“The Delhi Police and the CRPF, who were present during the violence against students, fall under his Ministry,” he posted. “Our Constitution mandates that the Council of Ministers, which includes Shah, is collectively responsible to the citizens of India. Therefore, making a statement in Parliament is his constitutional duty.”
The opposition in both Houses has continuously pressed for Shah to come forward and address police excesses associated with the protest stemming from a paper leak issue on July 20. Legislative business has faced disruptions as discussions around this issue continue amidst growing tensions.
As parliamentary debates remain deadlocked over demands for Shah’s statement, Venugopal’s initiative underscores the broader issues surrounding police actions and the imperative for governmental accountability in a democratic framework.
