PHOTO | A wider cross-section of the Harvard community, including lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists and academicians, in a statement, says: "We, concerned citizens from the world’s oldest and largest democracy, India, write with a deep sense of responsibility. In moments such as these, silence cannot be an excuse for indifference. We are deeply concerned by the negative public discourse and concerted campaign against India’s constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court, the office of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, and Parliament. Also troubling are reports of the use of Harvard University’s name to lend credibility to a political campaign without appropriate authorisation. The language used to describe India as being under “siege” and to characterise constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised” raises serious concerns about the intent to undermine public trust in democratic institutions. The actions of law enforcement agencies to uphold public order deserve fair scrutiny, but sweeping accusations and abusive rhetoric cannot substitute for evidence, due process or institutional accountability. The dignity of public servants and the offices they hold must also be respected. The Constitution, rule of law, and civil liberties must be respected at all times, not just when it suits our interests. Our commitment must remain to the Constitution, not convenience; to justice, not selective outrage; and to democratic institutions, not the politics of accusation."