Forum for Constitutional Democracy condemns criminal cases against Rahul Gandhi and MPs

The Forum for Constitutional Democracy (FCD) has expressed concern over criminal charges filed against former Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other parliamentarians by the Delhi Police. These allegations, presented in First Information Reports (FIRs), have sparked controversy. In a statement released from Hyderabad, FCD convenor K. Ramachandra Murthy, along with former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy and others, deemed the criminal cases against Mr. Gandhi and other lawmakers as an "overreach" by law enforcement.

The FCD denounced the denial of peaceful assembly, describing it as an "attack on democracy" and a violation of constitutional rights. On October 7, the FCD accused the police of heavily policing Jantar Mantar, a recognized space for peaceful dissent, and detaining opposition leaders who sought guidance on staging a peaceful demonstration.

The FCD emphasized that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest, a legacy from the country's freedom struggle. The forum questioned the democratic structure when elected representatives of opposition parties are denied the right to protest. The statement, signed by several prominent figures including G. Haragopal, Shantha Sinha, and MLC M. Kodandaram, condemned the police's "authoritarian actions and hostile posture."