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Ex-Judge Slams Youth Congress AI Summit Protest as Harming India's Global Image

Former Delhi High Court judge S.N. Dhingra has criticized the Indian Youth Congress protest during a major international AI summit, stating it undermined national dignity. He emphasized that while protest is a democratic right, its timing and location during a business-focused global event were inappropriate. The judge argued such disruptions at diplomatic and economic forums can negatively impact foreign investment and international cooperation. He concluded that dissent should not be framed in a way that appears hostile to the nation's interests.

Key Points: Ex-Judge: Protest at AI Summit Undermined India's Dignity

  • Protest timing hurt national dignity
  • Summit was business, not political forum
  • Actions may have legal implications
  • Disorder affects foreign investment climate
  • National interest and dissent must be balanced
2 min read

Dssent should not undermine India's global image, says former Delhi HC judge on Youth Congress protest

Former Delhi HC judge S.N. Dhingra criticizes Youth Congress protest timing at global AI summit, warning it hurt national image and investment climate.

"Protest is a democratic right, but staging it in a manner that affects national honour... is problematic. - Justice S.N. Dhingra (retd)"

Noida, Feb 24

Former Delhi High Court judge S.N. Dhingra on Tuesday expressed concern over the protest by Indian Youth Congress members during the recent AI summit, saying the timing, location, and manner of the demonstration affected national dignity and could have legal implications.

Speaking to IANS, Justice Dhingra (retd) said that while the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy, exercising that right in a way that undermines the country's image -- especially during a major international event -- raises serious questions.

"Protest is a democratic right, but staging it in a manner that affects national honour, particularly when top global leaders and business heads are present, is problematic. It was also wrong from a legal standpoint," he said.

He noted that the summit was attended by Prime Ministers and Presidents from around 20 countries, along with CEOs, diplomats and foreign delegates, making it a significant diplomatic and economic platform rather than a political gathering.

According to him, disruptions at such business-focused forums can influence the investment climate and international cooperation. "If this had been a political summit or a forum for political debate, the protest might have been understandable. But this was a business-oriented event centred on artificial intelligence and its future impact," he added.

The former judge added that freedom of expression and national interest are not mutually exclusive, but dissent should not be framed in a way that appears hostile to the nation itself. Criticism of the government or a political party, he said, is a legitimate democratic right, but actions perceived as harming national interest may invite legal scrutiny.

Dhingra also pointed out that law enforcement agencies invoke provisions they consider appropriate under prevailing circumstances, while courts ultimately decide their validity.

Emphasising the importance of discipline at high-level international gatherings, he said that disorder at such events affects India's global image. "Foreign delegates observe not only the government but also the conduct of opposition groups and citizens. Their impressions shape how India is viewed internationally," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I respectfully disagree. The right to protest is absolute. If the government's policies are causing issues, citizens should be able to highlight them, especially when the world is watching. That's real democracy.
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Rohit P
Fully agree with the former judge. What were they thinking? This was about AI and investment, not politics. Such antics make us look like a chaotic country. There are better ways to register dissent without embarrassing the nation on a global stage.
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Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector, this is frustrating. We're trying to attract global AI talent and investment. Disruptions like this create negative perceptions. The Youth Congress could have chosen a different forum.
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Vikram M
It's a delicate balance, na? Protest is our right, but national image matters too. Maybe the protest could have been held outside the venue, not inside. That way the message is sent without disrupting the event itself.
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Karthik V
The judge is correct about legal scrutiny. If you break the law during a protest, you must face the consequences. Freedom of expression doesn't mean freedom from the law. The courts will decide what was appropriate.
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Michael C
Interesting perspective. In many countries, protests during international events are common.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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