Justice Ujjal Bhuyan from the Supreme Court recently spoke at a conference in Bengaluru about the need for more open discussions in our democracy. He emphasized that dissent should not be treated as a crime and that we must be more accepting of different opinions.
He pointed out a worrying trend: many people are facing legal charges for minor issues like protests or even social media posts. He mentioned that people have been detained for extended periods without formal charges being made. This situation raises serious questions about justice in India.
Bhuyan expressed his concerns about laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Statistics reveal that although many arrests are made, the conviction rates are alarmingly low. In the case of UAPA, for example, thousands have been arrested in recent years, but fewer than 10% were convicted. This suggests that many arrests may not be backed by solid evidence.
He also challenged the idea that some detainees should spend years in jail without being formally charged, saying this is not a fair system. The judiciary, he stressed, should focus on the principles laid out in the Constitution and serve its role without becoming overly influenced by politics.
“The judiciary should not be just a supporter or critic of the government; it must remain a separate entity,” he said. Justice Bhuyan noted that the real strength of the judiciary lies in the trust of the people.
Inclusivity in development is another crucial point he raised. Bhuyan insists that no one should be left behind in India’s progress. “The development model must embrace everyone, especially those who have faced historical injustices,” he said, highlighting how societal disparities still exist today.
He also discussed women’s representation in the judiciary, pointing out that despite more women entering the legal field, they are underrepresented in high-ranking positions. Currently, only two out of 25 high courts in India have female chief justices.
Justice Bhuyan’s remarks resonate with a growing call for judicial reforms and greater accountability in governance. For India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation (“Viksit Bharat”) by 2047, he believes that the justice system must be fair and inclusive.
As we look at these issues, it’s evident that the path forward requires not just legal reforms but a commitment to uphold democratic values and human rights for all. You can read more about the state of the judiciary and legal systems in this report from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Source link
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Bengaluru speech 2026, SCBA conference Bengaluru Justice Bhuyan, Viksit Bharat judiciary role Supreme Court, Dissent in Viksit Bharat Justice Bhuyan, PMLA UAPA conviction rates Supreme Court 2026
