Harvard Signatories Raise Concerns, Alumni Club Disavows Endorsement

A statement signed by 44 Harvard-affiliated individuals expressed concern about rhetoric targeting India’s constitutional institutions, while the Harvard Club of India said it had not issued or endorsed the signatories’ views. The signatories, who described themselves as lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists and academics, said public accusations against institutions including the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, the office of the Chief Justice of India and Parliament should not replace evidence, due process or accountability. Their statement argued that dissent is a democratic right, while unsupported claims about constitutional authorities could undermine public trust. The statement also raised concern about the use of Harvard University’s name to lend credibility to a political campaign without proper authorisation. The signatories said law enforcement actions to maintain public order should face fair scrutiny, while urging respect for constitutional rights and public institutions. The Harvard Club of India clarified on October 12 that it had neither issued nor endorsed a statement about the Delhi protests or authorities’ actions.