Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Justice Bhuyan Criticizes Dissent Criminalization in Democracy
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, a Supreme Court judge, gave a speech at a memorial lecture in Bhopal.
He talked about how important it is for people to be able to express their opinions and protest peacefully in a democracy.
He criticized the fact that people are often arrested and treated like criminals for doing normal things like eating chicken biryani or protesting about environmental issues.
He also said that students who protest are often suspended and have to go to court to continue their education.
Justice Bhuyan questioned whether the courts are discouraging people from expressing their dissent through restrictive bail conditions.
He welcomed a recent Supreme Court judgment against 'bulldozer justice' but said it came too late.
He also criticized the Bombay High Court for not allowing a protest in solidarity with Palestine and former judges taking political roles after retirement.
He encouraged law students to question institutions, including the judiciary, and said that judgments should be open to scrutiny and criticism.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the arrest of youngsters for consuming chicken biryani while breaking their fast.
He emphasized that the right to express views and protest peacefully are fundamental freedoms in a democracy.
He questioned whether courts are discouraging dissent through restrictive bail conditions.
He welcomed the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment against 'bulldozer justice' but said it came two years too late.
He criticized the Bombay High Court's refusal to permit a demonstration in solidarity with Palestine.
- Who
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court
- What
- Criticized the criminalization of dissent and restrictive bail conditions
- When
- Saturday
- Where
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal
- Why
- To highlight the importance of dissent in democracy and the need for judicial scrutiny
Critics of Dissent
Supporters of Dissent
Criminalization of Dissent
Critics of Dissent
Criminalizing dissent is necessary to maintain law and order.
Supporters of Dissent
Criminalizing dissent undermines fundamental freedoms and democracy.
Bail Conditions
Critics of Dissent
Restrictive bail conditions are necessary to prevent further crimes.
Supporters of Dissent
Restrictive bail conditions discourage dissent and undermine fundamental freedoms.
- Event
- 4th Justice G P Singh Memorial Lecture
- Speaker
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
- Location
- National Law Institute University, Bhopal
- Date
- Saturday
- Key Issue
- Criminalization of dissent in democracy