Fight Misinformation to Protect Democracy: Lokpal Chairperson

New Delhi – Calling those who spread misinformation “internal threats to the nation,” Lokpal of India Chairperson Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar on Friday urged for a united fight against activities that hinder progress and challenge the principles of democracy.

Speaking at the National Flag hoisting ceremony on the 79th Independence Day, Justice Khanwilkar stressed the need “to collectively pledge to fight not just external dangers, but also internal ones—terrorism, nepotism, narrow regionalism, misinformation, and corruption.”

“These harmful activities block our progress, peace, and unity, and ultimately threaten democratic values,” he said.

He added that with collective determination and consistent individual action, India can be a significant contributor to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Earlier, Justice Khanwilkar hoisted the tricolour in the presence of Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, Sushil Chandra, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Pankaj Kumar, and Ajay Tirkey. He extended Independence Day greetings to all members, senior officers, staff, and their families.

He said the day was an occasion to honour the courage, foresight, and sacrifices of those who brought India its freedom—not only prominent leaders recorded in history, but also farmers, workers, students, homemakers, and tribal communities who fought the British at the grassroots level.

Justice Khanwilkar recalled towering leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, urging people to bow in gratitude to them and all contributors to the freedom struggle.

He expressed thanks to India’s defenders who safeguard borders, as well as those who rise to meet natural disasters, pandemics, and global challenges, showing the indomitable spirit of the nation.

He also honoured the “nation builders”—visionaries, scientists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, artists, and countless other professionals—whose work since independence has laid the foundation of modern India. “We owe them for their vision, hard work, and sincerity,” he said.

With inputs from IANS