Supreme Court Judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has cautioned that authoritarianism gains momentum in societies that suppress inquiry, asserting that a willingness to question is fundamental to maintaining a healthy democratic order. Delivering an address at the convocation ceremony of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, Justice Bhuyan framed the act of questioning not merely as a right, but as a vital component of the constitutional duty to foster a scientific temperament.
Drawing on the provisions of Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, Justice Bhuyan noted that citizens are tasked with developing a temperament rooted in reason. He explained that this process involves inquiring, examining, and reforming practices that may be unjust. According to the judge, a society that treats long-standing traditions as exempt from scrutiny becomes inherently vulnerable to the rise of arbitrary power, which he suggested thrives in environments defined by fear, ignorance, and unquestioned beliefs.
Justice Bhuyan distinguished between an "institutional democracy" and a "functional democracy," arguing that the latter cannot exist without active public participation in reasoning. He drew inspiration from Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s seminal work, 'The Idea of Justice,' to highlight that the circulation of information and the subsequent scrutiny by the public are essential elements of due process. For him, a society that accepts assertions without evidence is particularly susceptible to misinformation and the proliferation of superstitious dogmas.
The Supreme Court judge further emphasized the importance of healthy debate, noting that those who pose questions must also remain open to hearing opposing perspectives. He argued that meaningful progress can only be achieved when people have unfettered access to information, which serves as the bedrock for constructive national dialogue. This transparency, he suggested, is the primary safeguard against the encroachment of authoritarian impulses within the state apparatus.
Reflecting on the constitutional identity of India, Justice Bhuyan addressed the "us versus they" binary that frequently colors contemporary political discourse. He urged the audience to move beyond these destructive narratives, advocating instead for the adoption of "we" as the core philosophy. He referenced the Preamble to the Constitution, which begins with the phrase, "We, the People of India," to remind citizens that they are equal members of a singular constitutional order, regardless of individual or group identities.
While advocating for unity, the judge clarified that this collective identity does not necessitate the abandonment of individual or cultural identities. He suggested that diversity is not an obstacle to the constitutional project, but rather a source of substance and meaning. In what was perceived by many as an indirect reference to the ongoing debates surrounding a Uniform Civil Code, Justice Bhuyan maintained that individual identities should not be subsumed by a larger whole, framing diversity as an essential element of India's democratic strength.
Ultimately, Justice Bhuyan’s address served as a call to action for the academic community and the citizenry at large. By promoting the "idea of oneness" and the necessity of rational inquiry, he sought to reinforce the idea that unity in diversity is best preserved when people are actively engaged in the process of democratic deliberation. As the nation continues to navigate complex social and political questions, the judge’s remarks underscore the judiciary's emphasis on the constitutional requirement for a reasoned, questioning, and inclusive public life.
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