The Indian Express editorial argues that student activism should strengthen democratic institutions rather than undermine them. Its central claim is that universities, legislatures, and the judiciary remain essential to democratic life even when they appear slow, imperfect, or frustrating.

The Indian Express editorial's position is that criticism is healthy only when it improves institutions. It warns that persistent distrust can weaken the habit of constructive disagreement and make reform harder.

For UPSC preparation, the topic connects directly to constitutional democracy, institutional legitimacy, and the ethics of dissent. It also raises a familiar governance question: how can citizens, especially students, demand accountability without turning reform into rejection?

Why the issue matters