Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Retired SC Judge Oka on Media, Environment, and Judiciary
Retired Supreme Court Judge Abhay S Oka recently spoke at an event about important topics like protecting the environment, how judges make decisions, and the role of women in the judiciary.
He mentioned that environmental activists and judges who support environmental causes often face criticism.
He also talked about how the Supreme Court makes decisions and the importance of following the Constitution.
Judge Oka shared his views on freedom of speech, including cases where people were punished for their words or actions.
He believes that judges should not be influenced by personal beliefs but should make decisions based on the law.
He also discussed the increasing number of women becoming judges and the need for diversity in the judiciary.
Overall, he emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and protecting fundamental rights.
Additionally, he discussed the importance of comedians and social media guidelines, and the need for judges to avoid media interviews while in office.
Retired Supreme Court Judge Abhay S Oka discussed the importance of judges not giving media interviews while in office, with exceptions for official court events.
He highlighted the need for environmental protection and the role of citizens in conserving the environment, noting that activists often face criticism.
Oka emphasized the importance of following the Constitution and the judiciary's role in upholding it, including the need for consistency in judicial decisions.
He discussed the importance of freedom of speech and the role of comedians in society, questioning the legality of framing guidelines for social media.
Oka also talked about the increasing number of women becoming civil judges and the importance of diversity in the judiciary, as well as the need for better support systems for young lawyers.
- Who
- Retired Supreme Court Judge Abhay S Oka
- What
- Discussed media interviews, environmental protection, judicial processes, and social issues
- When
- During an Idea Exchange session
- Where
- Moderated by Aamir Khan, Head of Legal Project, Indian Express Digital
- Why
- To share insights on various legal and social topics
- Name
- Abhay S Oka
- Position
- Retired Supreme Court Judge
- Event
- Idea Exchange
- Moderator
- Aamir Khan
- Key Topics
- Media Interviews, Environmental Protection, Judicial Appointments, Gender Diversity, Freedom of Expression
- Notable Cases
- Imran Pratapgarhi vs State of Gujarat, Javed Ahmed Hazam Case, A K Gopalan v. State of Madras, Maneka Gandhi Case, Kesavananda Bharati Case, Vanashakti Case
- Post-Retirement Work
- Consultation and Teaching
- Gender Diversity
- Over 50% of new civil judges are women
Sources
Retired SC judge Abhay S Oka at Idea Exchange: ‘It’s been 75 years of the Constitution and we are still not doing our duty of protecting the environment’
Pollution Crisis: Environment protection is every citizen’s duty, not just activists, says Retd SC judge Abhay S Oka
‘As sitting judge, don’t talk to media’: Justice Abhay S Oka on environmental activism, admitting errors and why comedians are important
