Congress MP K C Venugopal wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, urging him to demand a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding police brutalities against students during recent protests. Venugopal’s letter highlights the urgent need for parliamentary scrutiny over the actions of law enforcement in Delhi.
In his correspondence, Venugopal asserted that Shah should be compelled to address the House, answering pressing questions about the use of pellet guns and excessive force against young protesters. “I am writing to draw your attention to the deeply distressing reports of police brutality and the disproportionate use of force,” he stated.
Venugopal, who is also the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, labeled the heavy-handed actions against citizens exercising their democratic rights as a grave national concern. He emphasized the necessity for prompt parliamentary examination of these incidents.
According to Venugopal, the Delhi Police operates directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs, making Shah ultimately responsible for their actions. He referenced the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, which assign the Home Minister duties over all matters related to his ministry. Furthermore, he noted that under Article 75(3) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers, including Shah, must collectively answer to the House of the People.
“This foundational principle of our parliamentary democracy ensures that the Executive remains accountable to the Legislature for every action it undertakes,” Venugopal asserted. Consequently, he argued that Shah has a constitutional duty to present himself before the House and clarify the police conduct.
He further urged Birla to utilize his authority to direct the Home Minister to attend the House and address the allegations regarding police brutality. Venugopal remarked, “As the custodian of the rights and privileges of this House, you are vested with the inherent powers to ensure that the Executive remains accountable to Parliament.”
If Shah fails to attend voluntarily, it becomes the Speaker’s responsibility to summon him, Venugopal added, reinforcing the necessity of upholding parliamentary accountability. Venugopal expressed hope for Birla’s cooperation, stating, “Anticipating your prompt and affirmative action in upholding the democratic traditions of this House.”
On social media platform X, Venugopal shared his letter, urging the Speaker to uphold democratic ideals. “The Delhi Police and the CRPF, which led the violence against students, report to his Ministry,” he stressed.
Highlighting the constitutional obligation of Shah, Venugopal said, “Our Constitution clearly states that the Council of Ministers, of which he is a senior member, are collectively responsible to the people of the country. He must be compelled to speak on this issue in the Lok Sabha.”
The opposition has consistently demanded Shah’s presence in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to address police excesses during the protests that occurred on July 20 concerning a paper leak incident. Due to ongoing tensions, both Houses have faced deadlock over the opposition’s demands, affecting legislative business.
