A group of 100 Harvard University alumni, students, faculty members and staff has condemned the Delhi Police action against protesters during demonstrations in the national capital on October 10, 2026, alleging police brutality, unlawful detention and violations of constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on October 12, the signatories expressed solidarity with peaceful protesters and urged the government and law enforcement agencies to uphold the right to peaceful assembly, ensure access to legal assistance and hold those responsible for alleged abuses accountable. Describing the police and paramilitary deployment in Delhi as an “unprecedented siege,” the statement criticised what it termed arbitrary and unconstitutional police action.
The protests were organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supporting student groups against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators demanded his resignation and opposed the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which critics say could exclude eligible voters. Opposition parties have alleged that the revision disproportionately benefits the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a claim that remains politically contested.
Authorities deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel, imposed restrictions around Jantar Mantar and detained protesters before they could reach the designated demonstration site. With access to the area restricted, groups attempted to organise smaller demonstrations at locations across Delhi, including Dilli Haat, Connaught Place and Rajghat.
The Harvard-affiliated signatories specifically highlighted the cases of senior advocate Shadan Farasat, a 2009 Harvard Law School alumnus, and Mehr Pasricha, a 2025 Harvard Kennedy School graduate.
According to the statement, Farasat was detained and manhandled while attempting to prevent the detention of a peaceful protester. The signatories warned that preventing lawyers from providing legal assistance undermines the rule of law.
Pasricha, identified in the statement as a Harvard Kennedy School alumna, was reportedly detained while having breakfast at Laxmi Nagar Market, away from a protest site. The statement said she was held for 13 hours without being informed of the grounds for her detention or given any paperwork.
The statement concluded by urging authorities to stop violations of constitutional rights and ensure accountability.
The controversy has also drawn attention to press freedom. Millat Times and other media outlets reported that journalists covering the October 10 demonstrations were detained, while press organisations criticised restrictions on reporting.
The statement adds to growing criticism of the police response, placing renewed focus on the right to peaceful protest, due process and access to legal representation in India.
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