Lawyer calls for transparency in electoral roll revision, protection of peaceful protest and constitutional accountability
Mumbai: Advocate Sana Raees Khan has emphasised that the strength of a democracy lies in its ability to address dissent through transparency, dialogue and constitutional accountability, rather than treating questions and protests as threats.
Commenting on electoral integrity, the right to protest and the responsibilities of constitutional institutions, Khan said concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls must be addressed through transparent procedures, verifiable data and appropriate independent scrutiny.
“The strength of a democracy is not measured by how efficiently it controls dissent, but by how courageously it responds to it,” she said.
Khan stressed that public confidence in democratic institutions depends on citizens being assured that their electoral rights are protected. Every eligible citizen, she said, must have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, and concerns about electoral rolls deserve clear, evidence-based responses.
She also underscored the importance of peaceful protest as an essential component of a functioning democracy. While lawful restrictions may be necessary to maintain public order, she argued that dissent should not automatically be treated as a threat to the State.
Citizens have a constitutional right to question decisions, express disagreement and seek accountability, she said, adding that authorities must respond to public concerns through lawful engagement and proportionate measures.
“The answer to public distrust must be transparency, not silence; the answer to dissent must be lawful engagement, not disproportionate force,” Khan said.
Emphasising the relationship between electoral rights, civil liberties and the rule of law, she said the right to vote provides democratic institutions with their mandate, the right to protest enables citizens to express their concerns, and constitutional safeguards protect both.
Khan maintained that neither the State nor any political party stands above the Constitution. Preserving democratic trust, she said, requires institutions to remain accountable and responsive to citizens’ questions.
“When a citizen’s voice is weakened, democracy itself is weakened,” she said, highlighting the importance of protecting civil liberties and ensuring that democratic institutions remain open to scrutiny.
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