In a powerful defence of constitutional freedoms, Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan delivered a sharp rebuke against the growing criminalisation of peaceful dissent, declaring that “there is no law prohibiting the consumption of chicken over the Ganga river.” Referring to the arrest of youngsters who were jailed for nearly three months after eating chicken biryani while breaking their fast, Justice Bhuyan said such actions expose a disturbing trend where ordinary conduct is being treated as criminal behaviour.
Speaking at the 4th Justice G.P. Singh Memorial Lecture at the National Law Institute University in Bhopal, Justice Bhuyan reminded the audience that debate and dissent lie at the heart of democracy. He stressed that the right to express opinions and protest peacefully is protected by the Constitution, yet environmental activists, students, and ordinary citizens increasingly face arrests, prolonged detention, and intimidation merely for exercising these freedoms.
The judge expressed concern that students participating in campus protests are often denied timely bail, suspended from their institutions, and forced into lengthy legal battles before they can resume their education. He also questioned whether restrictive bail conditions, including bans on attending public meetings or posting on social media, are effectively discouraging citizens from expressing dissent.
Justice Bhuyan further criticised the delayed judicial response to punitive “bulldozer justice,” observing that landmark interventions often arrive after irreversible damage has already been done. He also found fault with the refusal to permit a solidarity demonstration for Palestine, arguing that India has long recognised Palestine diplomatically and that peaceful expression should not be viewed with suspicion.
Calling upon young lawyers and law students to remain fearless, Justice Bhuyan urged them to scrutinise every institution, including the judiciary itself. He emphasised that criticism of judicial decisions is not an attack on judges but an essential feature of a healthy democracy, adding that the judiciary’s true legitimacy rests not on its own authority but on the confidence and trust of the people.
JANPATH NEWS NETWORK (JNN)
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