VIJAYAWADA — In a stirring defense of democratic principles, renowned legal scholar G. Mohan Gopal declared Saturday that dissent isn't just permissible—it's essential. Speaking at a constitutional rights seminar, the former National Judicial Academy director warned that India's democratic foundations are facing unprecedented pressure from growing authoritarianism.

  • Mohan Gopal addressed seminar on "Right to Dissent and the Constitution of India" on September 5, 2026
  • He serves as founder-chairman of National Court Management Systems Committee
  • Event organized by All India Lawyers' Union State Committee in Vijayawada

The Oxygen of Democracy

Gopal didn't mince words. He called differences in thinking a "biological reality"—something inherent to human nature. The freedoms guaranteed under Article 19—speech, expression, assembly, association—are like oxygen for democracy, he insisted. Without them, the system suffocates.

His voice carried urgency as he described "brazen attacks" on these constitutional channels. The recent Jantar Mantar protests by what he called "cockroaches"—ordinary citizens pushed to resistance—showed that youth won't silently endure suppression anymore. This wave of peaceful dissent, he warned, must not be allowed to dissipate.

Courts as Silver Lining

Amid what he called growing gloom, Gopal pointed to one hopeful avenue: the courts. He urged citizens to approach Supreme Court and High Courts through petitions when rights are threatened. Some judges, he noted, have already been "exercising their right to dissent" through their judgments in cases involving democratic principle violations.

"This wave of peaceful protests should not be allowed to dissipate as otherwise the very foundations of Indian democracy could crumble"

Unlike countries where constitutional protections exist only on paper, India's framework provides functional safeguards, Gopal emphasized. But they must be actively secured by the people themselves.

Culture of Obedience

The legal scholar attributed the stifling of dissent to what he called a "culture of obedience" and a dangerous misconception that disagreement leads to anarchy. Nothing could be further from truth, he argued. Open debate strengthens nations; suppression weakens institutional integrity.

Dissent, protests, differences of opinion—these aren't threats to democracy but its very cornerstone. And right now, that cornerstone needs defending.