WORLD10h ago

Right to question not defiance, every dissent not a threat: SC judge

TI
Times of India — Top Stories
Original Reporting
Read on Times of India — Top Stories
Right to question not defiance, every dissent not a threat: SC judge

AI EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that state authorities must respect public dissent as a fundamental element of democratic liberty. He noted that silencing opposing views weakens constitutional systems, while a democracy's maturity is measured by its tolerance of difficult opinions. Furthermore, he urged academic institutions to support independent thought and encourage students to engage in critical questioning.

WHY IT MATTERS
This judicial statement directly addresses the legal and democratic boundaries of state authority regarding freedom of expression and academic independence.

Supreme Court judge Ujjal Bhuyan stressed that governments must listen to citizens and allow dissent. He stated that questioning is an essential expression of citizenship and liberty in democracies. Universities should foster free thinking and encourage students to ask difficult questions. Intolerance undermines the constitutional framework when disagreement is silenced or punished. A democracy's maturity is shown by its response to unpopular or inconvenient opinions.

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