On September 19, 2022, police beat a group of protesting assistant professors when they attempted to approach the residence of the local education minister. The professors were protesting for the reinstatement of their positions, after their status as employees had been disputed in a legal battle.

According to reports, the protest began peacefully, however, when the group began marching towards the minister’s residence, a number of them broke through police barricades blocking access to his residence. The police then charged at the protesters and beat them with batons.

Scholars at Risk is concerned by the disproportionate use of force against scholars participating in a protest. While state authorities have a responsibility to maintain order and security, they should also exercise restraint and refrain from using excessive force. Likewise, while academic personnel have rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, they must also exercise those rights responsibly.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/cops-canecharge-teachers-near-meet-hayers-barnala-house-433410
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/shortlisted-assistant-professors-on-way-to-minister-residence-lathi-charged-8161103/
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/reinstatement-demand-cops-cane-charge-assistant-profs-marching-towards-minister-s-house-101663600462668.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLnwsMBQtbM