• India Democracy Lab

Civil Rights

Letter to Shaheen Bagh

Letter to Shaheen Bagh captures the spirit of the peaceful protests led by women in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh against Citizen Amendment Act (CAA), standing as a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance and the right to dissent in a democracy. Falling under the Civil Rights section of the Democracy Lab, this documentary advocates for the preservation of democratic freedoms, particularly the right to protest, which is crucial for safeguarding civil liberties.

The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, providing citizens with a platform to voice dissent and demand justice. In the face of government policies that threatened their civil rights, the women of Shaheen Bagh in Delhi emerged as a symbol of this democratic right. Their peaceful sit-in protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was not just a local movement—it became a powerful reminder that dissent is not only permissible in democracy, but essential to its survival.

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Letter to Shaheen Bagh serves as a tribute to these women, whose strength and resilience galvanized a global solidarity movement. This documentary acts as an advocacy tool that underscores the importance of protecting the right to dissent, especially for marginalised communities whose voices are often silenced. Through their courage, the women of Shaheen Bagh demonstrated that the defense of democracy requires active participation and collective resistance, particularly when faced with policies that threaten inclusion and equality.

The documentary frames the protest as a broader call to action for the preservation of civil liberties in India and beyond. In an era where governments are increasingly cracking down on peaceful protests, Letter to Shaheen Bagh amplifies the voices of those standing up for their rights, reminding us that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing. It pushes us to reflect on the importance of safeguarding democratic spaces where people can peacefully assemble and demand accountability.

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By documenting this historic protest, Letter to Shaheen Bagh is rallying for the defense of democratic values. It calls on citizens, activists, and policymakers to recognise the crucial role that protest plays in shaping a more just and equitable society. This documentation advocates that democracy flourishes when the right to dissent is upheld and that the voices of the marginalised must be heard in the pursuit of justice.