Congress MP K C Venugopal wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, urging him to demand Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement regarding ‘police brutalities’ against protesting students. The letter emphasizes the need for Shah to address the House about the excessive use of force, including pellet guns against young demonstrators in Delhi.
In his correspondence, Venugopal described the actions of law enforcement as grave national concerns, demanding immediate parliamentary scrutiny. “I am writing to draw your attention to the deeply distressing reports of police brutality and the disproportionate use of force against protesting students,” he stated.
The Public Accounts Committee Chairperson highlighted that since the Delhi Police operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, accountability for these actions ultimately falls to Amit Shah. Venugopal reinforced this point by citing constitutional guidelines that place the Home Minister in charge of all matters pertaining to his ministry.
He referenced the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules established under Article 77 of the Constitution, underscoring the Home Minister’s obligation to respond for every police action under his command. “Article 75(3) of the Constitution mandates that the Council of Ministers must be collectively responsible to the House of the People,” Venugopal added.
Venugopal asserted that this foundational principle ensures that the Executive remains answerable to the Legislature. “It is the clear constitutional duty of the Home Minister to appear before this House and answer for the actions of the police force,” he stated confidently.
By acknowledging his powers as the custodian of Parliament’s rights, Venugopal appealed to the Speaker. He requested Birla to ensure the Home Minister’s presence to maintain parliamentary accountability in the face of pressing issues.
“If the Minister does not voluntarily present himself, it is the responsibility of the Speaker to compel his appearance in the interest of maintaining the sanctity of parliamentary processes,” Venugopal urged.
Sharing his letter on social media platform X, Venugopal reiterated his call for accountability. “The Delhi Police and the CRPF, both reporting to the Ministry of Home Affairs, were integral to the violence against students,” he emphasized.
He pointed out that the Constitution holds the Council of Ministers, including the Home Minister, collectively accountable to the electorate. “Therefore, Shah must address these concerns in Parliament,” Venugopal pressed, insisting on the urgent need for transparency.
The opposition has persistently called for Shah to speak in Parliament regarding the alleged police excesses during the July 20 student protests triggered by a paper leak controversy. This demand has led to significant deadlock in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with legislative business proceeding amidst ongoing disruptions.
In summary, Venugopal’s proactive stance underscores a mounting call for accountability from the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning police conduct against students. As tensions linger, the plea for clarity in Parliament remains crucial for democratic integrity.
