Congress MP K C Venugopal wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, urging him to demand Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement regarding the alleged “police brutalities” against protesting students in Delhi.
Venugopal emphasized the necessity for Shah to address the House on serious incidents involving police action, including the use of pellet guns against students participating in peaceful protests.
In his letter, Venugopal remarked, “I am writing to draw your attention to the deeply distressing reports of police brutality and the disproportionate use of force against protesting students and youth in Delhi.” This pressing issue, he noted, requires immediate parliamentary scrutiny.
As the Delhi Police operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Venugopal confirmed that Amit Shah bears ultimate responsibility for these actions. He argued that under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, the Home Minister must be held accountable for the use of force against young citizens exercising their democratic rights.
Venugopal stated, “Under Article 75(3) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers must be collectively responsible to the House of the People.” This tenet ensures that the Executive remains accountable for its actions.
The Congress MP stressed that it is Shah’s constitutional duty to provide a detailed account of the police actions in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the need for the Speaker to hold the Executive responsible to Parliament.
“As the custodian of the rights and privileges of this House, you are vested with the appropriate powers to ensure that the Executive remains accountable to Parliament,” Venugopal asserted.
He further appealed to Birla, stating, “If the Minister does not present himself voluntarily to address such serious matters, it becomes your duty to secure his presence in order to preserve parliamentary accountability.”
In his letter, Venugopal expressed hope for a prompt response, saying, “Therefore, on behalf of the opposition, I earnestly urge you to exercise your powers under these provisions of the Constitution to compel the Home Minister’s attendance in the House.”
Shared on X, Venugopal noted, “Wrote to the Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker urging him to demand Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on the police brutalities on students – on the floor of the House.”
He reiterated, “The Delhi Police and the CRPF, which were at the forefront of the violence against students, report to his Ministry.”
The Congress leader encapsulated the constitutional aspects, saying, “Our Constitution states that the Council of Ministers, including Shah as a senior member, are collectively responsible to the people. Thus, it is his obligation to respond to this critical matter in Parliament.”
The opposition has consistently demanded that Shah address both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha regarding the alleged police excesses that occurred during the protests on July 20 over a paper leak issue.
Despite ongoing demands, both Houses of Parliament remain in deadlock, with most legislative business taking place amid a tumultuous environment of discontent.
