India, Oct. 15 -- Anupam Kher has defended the right to protest and question the government amid the ongoing demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, but said dissent should not be an excuse for abusive language or violence. Currently touring the US and Canada with his play Jaane Pehchane Anjaane, the actor shared a video addressing the protests, explaining why he felt compelled to speak up despite expecting criticism.

The demonstrations have been fuelled by allegations of voter-list irregularities and vote theft, with protesters demanding Gyanesh's resignation. While he said criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and challenging government decisions were essential democratic rights, he also stressed that those...