Democracy and social responsibility

In a democratic society, the right to protest is a cornerstone of public discourse, enabling citizens to voice their concerns and demand change from the government. However, while protests are an essential tool for democratic engagement, the manner in which they are conducted can greatly influence their effectiveness and societal impact.
As seen in the ongoing protests led by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and Nagaland NET Qualified Forum (NNQF), the challenge lies in ensuring that protests remain ethical and do not negatively affect the daily lives of civilians.
The core principles of of ethical protest should be that it should not harm or violet the rights of others instead of targeting the government office, the concern minister incharge should be held accountable, if the negotiations fails and are unable to bring a good solution and justice are being delivered to the aggrieved party, the core issue should not be diverted by involving the 3rd party who might take advantage of the situation and create more confusion, striking a balance between Democratic protest and ethics should be handled properly inorder to bring profitable outcome where justice is being served to meet the demands of the public, peaceful protest/agitation/recement is needed to check the government and to remind them about government is for the people elected by the people.
Therefore basing on the ongoing issue let us try to reason what ethics have to do with Democratic protest and how it affects you and I…
1.The Importance of Protests in Democracy
Protests serve as a powerful mechanism for holding governments accountable, especially when there is a perception that certain decisions are unjust or lacking in transparency. the ongoing issue at hand is the government’s decision to regularize 147 contractual Assistant Professors and Librarians without following merit-based recruitment processes, which bypass established procedures like those overseen by the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC). For many, such decisions raise legitimate concerns about fairness and the integrity of the educational system.
The NSF and its supporters are right to call for a transparent, merit-based approach to recruitment, as this ensures that only the most qualified individuals fill important roles within the education sector.
The current protest is, therefore, not just about a single policy issue but about ensuring fairness, justice, and transparency in the governance of the state’s educational institutions.
2.The Ethics of Protests: When Advocacy Crosses the Line
While protests are an effective way of expressing dissatisfaction, they must be conducted in a manner that is ethically responsible. This includes ensuring that protests do not disrupt the daily lives of civilians or hinder economic activities that are essential for the functioning of society. The ethical concern arises when protest actions start targeting entities or individuals who are not directly responsible for the controversial decisions being protested.
For example, the government departments that are being affected by the protest are merely following the orders of the Cabinet. Holding them accountable for a decision that lies with the Cabinet itself is both unfair and counterproductive. When protesters block or lock down offices, it only leads to the suffering of innocent individuals who are not at the center of the decision-making process. These actions can also alienate the public, making it harder for the protestors to gain broader support for their cause.
Moreover, student bodies or pressure groups do not have the legal authority to lock government offices or disrupt the functioning of public institutions. Such actions are not only counterproductive but also illegal. The Supreme Court of India, in the Ram Manohar Lohia Case (1960), ruled that while protests are a fundamental right, disrupting public services or locking down offices constitutes a violation of the public’s right to access government services. Similarly, the K.K. Verma vs. Union of India (1974) case held that student agitations, though legitimate forms of protest, do not have the legal sanction to take actions such as forcibly closing institutions or obstructing government work.
These landmark verdicts underscore the importance of pursuing protests within the legal framework, ensuring that actions remain peaceful and respectful of the rights of others. When protests cross the line into unlawful actions, they risk losing public support and legitimacy, detracting from the original cause.
3.A More Ethical Path: Seeking Legal Recourse
In a situation like this, where the government seems unresponsive to public outcry, the next ethical step should be to pursue legal avenues. The judiciary, as an impartial body, has the responsibility to ensure that laws and policies are just and in accordance with the Constitution. By approaching the courts, the protesting groups can seek legal remedies without resorting to actions that harm civilians or damage public infrastructure.
Using the courts as a tool to seek justice ensures that the issue is addressed through appropriate legal channels. It is also a reflection of a society that values fairness and justice over the disruption of societal functions. Legal action, rather than disruptive protests, can lead to a more lasting and just resolution, providing the protesting groups with the victory they seek while maintaining public order and trust.
4.Balancing Democracy, Accountability, and Responsibility
The right to protest should never be taken lightly, as it serves as a critical check on the government’s actions. However, peaceful protests must be conducted in a way that aligns with democratic values—values that emphasize respect for all citizens, accountability for those in power, and the well-being of the community as a whole.
When protests become disruptive or unethical, they risk undermining the legitimacy of the cause. Protests that harm innocent people or target departments that are simply following orders create a cycle of resentment and mistrust. The solution lies in finding a balance between advocacy and social responsibility—ensuring that while the government is held accountable, the protest itself remains ethical and does not cross the line into actions that harm others.
In conclusion, protests are an essential part of a healthy democracy, but they must be carried out with consideration for the broader societal impact. The NSF’s protests while born from legitimate concerns, must strive to avoid disrupting civilians’ lives and this involves those who are taking part in the protest as well since most of them are youngsters and students ,we have seen what happened during the first phase of ULB election protest we should always learn from our past mistakes instead we should focus on holding accountable those responsible for the decisions in question, not the departments merely implementing those decisions. If the government remains unresponsive, the next logical step is to seek justice through the courts. This approach allows for the fair resolution of the issue while maintaining public order and respect for all parties involved, besides that the language used by the protestor should not be an offence to any other party criticism is welcome but it should not be to the extent of breaching moral grounds, the constitution of India under article 19 (fundamental rights) give us the freedom of expression, however we must know that this right comes with reasonable restrictions, it should be used as a tool to deliver justice and not used by some group/people to politicise it for their personal gain.
Longshithung kikon
Dimapur.