Congress MP K C Venugopal Demands Amit Shah’s Statement on Police Brutality

Congress MP K. C. Venugopal took a significant step on Monday by writing to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding that Home Minister Amit Shah be compelled to make a statement regarding the alleged police brutality against students. This urgent appeal follows reports of excessive force used by law enforcement against young protesters in Delhi.

In his letter, Venugopal articulated the need for Shah’s comprehensive statement to address the use of pellet guns during student protests. He highlighted the gravity of these reports, stating, “I am writing to draw your attention to the deeply distressing reports of police brutality and the disproportionate use of force, including the firing of pellet guns, against protesting students and youth in Delhi.”

These actions by law enforcement have spurred national concern regarding the democratic rights of students. Venugopal, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, emphasized that the heavy-handed actions by the police reveal a disturbing trend of using force against citizens engaging in peaceful protests.

Venugopal pointed out that the Delhi Police operates under the direct purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Thus, he asserted, responsibility for the police’s actions ultimately falls on Amit Shah. He referenced the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules and dived deep into constitutional mandates, emphasizing Shah’s obligation to address Parliament concerning the actions of law enforcement.

“Under the Government of India rules, the Home Minister is fundamentally in charge of all matters falling under the purview of his ministry,” stated Venugopal. Furthermore, he invoked Article 75(3) of the Constitution, which underscores that the Council of Ministers must collectively respond to the legislature.

Venugopal argued that this principle of parliamentary democracy is essential to ensure the Executive remains accountable to the Legislature. He urged Speaker Birla to use his powers to compel the Home Minister to answer for police actions. “As the custodian of the rights and privileges of this House, you are vested with inherent powers to ensure accountability,” he wrote.

He further conveyed that if Shah does not voluntarily appear to address these critical issues, then it becomes the Speaker’s duty to uphold the integrity of parliamentary accountability and ensure Shah’s presence in the House.

On social media platform X, Venugopal shared his letter and reiterated his call for Shah to make a statement in Parliament. He poignantly remarked, “The Delhi Police and the CRPF, which were at the forefront of the violence against students, report to his Ministry.”

Venugopal’s letter resonates with broader demands from the opposition parties, which have been vocal in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha about the need for accountability and transparency regarding police actions during the protests held on July 20 over the paper leak issue.

As the ongoing deadlock in Parliament continues, the opposition’s demands for Shah’s statements have added urgency to the legislative discourse. Most business in both houses has been overshadowed by the turmoil surrounding these protests.

With public attention keenly fixed on democratic processes, K. C. Venugopal’s appeal represents a critical moment for parliamentary engagement on issues of civil liberties. He expressed hope for prompt action from Speaker Birla, urging him to uphold the traditions of democracy that define the Lok Sabha.