Due process is not a waste of anyone’s time
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Young protesters are demonstrating at Jantar Mantar following police crackdowns amid rising youth unemployment and exam corruption. The situation highlights a widening trust gap between the youth, the judiciary, and political institutions.
The Crisis of Youth and Governance in India
The current wave of protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi represents a critical juncture for Indian democracy. Following a police crackdown on July 20, young demonstrators have continued to gather, signaling a profound dissatisfaction with the status quo. These protests are not merely spontaneous outbursts; they are fueled by the systemic failure to address the corruption surrounding competitive examinations, which serve as the primary gateway for social mobility for millions of Indian youth.
The Erosion of Institutional Trust
The role of the judiciary in managing these tensions has come under intense scrutiny. Recent remarks by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who dismissed a plea regarding police excesses by stating, "Don’t waste our time," have sparked a debate about the accessibility of justice. When the highest court is perceived as distant or dismissive, it risks widening the gulf between the citizen and the state. In a democracy, the judiciary is expected to act as the ultimate arbiter of rights; when this perceived barrier exists, it threatens to alienate the very generation that needs institutional protection the most.
From Demographic Dividend to Lost Opportunity
Beyond the immediate protests lies a deeper economic crisis. A decade ago, India’s narrative was dominated by the promise of a "demographic dividend." However, current data paints a grim picture. According to ILO estimates, youth unemployment in the 15-24 age group has climbed to 17.2 percent as of 2025. Even more concerning is the 21 percent unemployment rate among women with advanced education. These figures suggest that the structural mechanisms required to integrate young people into the workforce have largely failed, leaving a generation feeling economically abandoned.
The Weight of Competitive Exams
For the average Indian student, a competitive exam is more than just a test; it is the culmination of years of family sacrifice, financial investment, and personal aspiration. When exam papers leak or systems are compromised by corruption, the impact is existential. It shatters the trust that students place in the state’s promises of meritocracy. This betrayal of trust is the primary catalyst for the current unrest, transforming small-town dreams into widespread collective grief.
Political Accountability and Future Trends
As the political discourse intensifies, there is a clear tension between those who genuinely grieve for the future of the youth and those who seek to weaponize this resentment for political gain. While the Bharatiya Janata Party emphasizes its roots in dissent, the reality remains that the government must address the core issues of educational integrity and job creation to maintain stability. The future trend of these protests will likely depend on whether the state chooses a path of dialogue and substantive reform or continues to rely on administrative crackdowns. Only by addressing the structural causes of unemployment and restoring the sanctity of examinations can the state hope to bridge the gap with its restless young population.