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Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, a Supreme Court Judge stated that there has been an increase in intolerance against the judiciary fuelled by the social media platforms.
The Judge stated that imputations were being made against the judiciary for their decisions. Crossing certain lines in criticizing the decisions of the judiciary would call for damage to the judicial institution.
The Justice said that criticism is informational but it must be within boundaries. If boundaries are not maintained then such criticism would lead to the spread of misinformation which is certainly not good for the system. He further added that if one mistrusts a system then all they have is anarchy and not a system.
Such statements were made by Justice Kaul during an online lecture on Sunday on ‘Freedom of Speech in times of COVID-19 –Fake news and misinformation’ which was organized by the MBA Academy, Madras Bar Association. The event was participated by many among them were S. Parthasarathy, chairman of MBA Academy, and M. Baskar, secretary of the Madras Bar Association.
Justice Kaul was among the judges who took suo moto cognizance of the migrant workers’ crisis. Solicitor General Tushar Mehra said in a recent hearing of the case that a few people applaud the judges labeling them of being neutral only when they abuse the Executive. The Judge said that it is difficult to maintain social media without restricting free speech. Also, the circulation of fake news has gone to create hostility against identifiable groups even before the pandemic.
He stated that a lot of misinformation was circulating during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Such as its “remedies”, people ” helping the spread of the virus” and so on.
Justice Kaul said the there was no effort to know from where the information was spreading or who had sent it on social media. Messages were forwarded without a reflection on the situation which triggered hate at a difficult when people were tensed about their livelihood and essentials. He said that intolerance has crossed its limits as people turned up at court even when there’s even slight contrast to their religion or belief.
He said that there are various shades of grey and not just black or white. As a democratic nation, one has to respect the opinions of others. People who have a view different from others were labeled as “Modi bhakts” or “urban Naxal” and whatnot. Both are equally at fault and intolerant stated Justice Kaul.
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