New Delhi: A group of 44 Indian scholars, alumni and professionals affiliated with Harvard University has expressed concern over what it described as a “negative public discourse” and a “concerted campaign” targeting India’s constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Supreme Court, the Office of the Chief Justice of India and Parliament.
In a joint statement titled “Statement on Constitutional Responsibility, Rule of Law, and Institutional Integrity”, issued on October 14, the signatories said that criticism of constitutional authorities must be based on evidence and addressed through due process rather than sweeping allegations and abusive rhetoric.
The group also raised concerns over reports that Harvard University’s name was being used to lend credibility to a political campaign without appropriate authorisation.
The statement objected to descriptions portraying India as being under “siege” and to the use of terms such as “thieves” and “compromised” for constitutional authorities. According to the signatories, such language risks undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.
“We are deeply concerned by the negative public discourse and concerted campaign against India’s constitutional institutions,” the statement said, stressing the importance of constitutional responsibility and respect for the rule of law.
‘Criticism cannot substitute for evidence’
The signatories acknowledged that the actions of law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order deserve fair scrutiny. However, they argued that allegations against institutions and public authorities must be supported by evidence and assessed through established legal processes.
“Sweeping accusations and abusive rhetoric cannot substitute for evidence, due process or institutional accountability,” the statement said.
It also emphasised that the dignity of public servants and the offices they hold should be respected, alongside constitutional principles and civil liberties.
Indian students in Harvard write an open letter!
Harvard students stand with Indian Constitution, Rule of Law!
Harvard students expose the negative politics around Indian Constitution Bodies!
Rahul Gandhi’s PR driven anarchy being called out by Indians globally! https://t.co/WlB0sWhvvQ
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) October 14, 2026
The signatories said citizens’ commitment should remain rooted in the Constitution, justice and democratic institutions rather than selective outrage or political convenience.
Those named among the signatories include Rajat Sethi, A K Raghawan and Abhigyan Satyam.
Statement follows protests over SIR
The October 14 statement comes amid a political confrontation over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Opposition parties and members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) staged protests in New Delhi on October 10 over the voter roll revision exercise. A subsequent statement issued on October 12 by 100 Harvard University alumni, students, faculty members and staff expressed solidarity with protesters detained during the demonstrations.
The latest statement by the 44 Harvard-affiliated individuals serves as a response to that intervention, placing the emphasis on institutional integrity, evidence-based criticism and constitutional processes.
The signatories also stressed the need to distinguish statements made by individuals associated with a university from the official position of the institution itself. The October 14 statement represents the views of its signatories and does not, by itself, constitute an official position of Harvard University.
