President Ram Nath Kovind (File Pic)
NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday deplored as unfortunate the Republic Day assault on Red Fort even as he rebutted the charge that the contentious three farm laws were foisted on the country without holding consultations.
“My government has always respected freedom of expression and holding of peaceful agitations in a democratic set-up. However, the recent act of dishonouring the national flag and showing disrespect to the auspicious occasion of Republic Day are unfortunate,” Kovind said in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament, which was boycotted by the opposition.
“While the Constitution gives us the right to freedom of expression, it is also expected that we abide by the laws and rules with equal sincerity,” he added.