Justice S Muralidhar, a former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court and a prominent legal advocate, recently applauded India’s Gen Z for their unwavering stance against political propaganda. Speaking at the DS Borker Memorial Lecture held at the India International Centre in New Delhi, Justice Muralidhar emphasized the resilience of the younger generation in safeguarding Indian democracy.
Gen Z’s Resistance to Political Rhetoric
Justice Muralidhar highlighted how Gen Z has actively challenged political narratives, particularly those labeling them as “Dimagi Naxals,” a term used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that despite attempts to undermine their credibility, young protestors have continued to question authority and remain committed to democratic principles. “Our youth have shown that they value truth, compassion, and the courage to question power,” he stated, expressing confidence in the future of Indian democracy.
A Vision for India in 2047
In his broader vision for India by 2047, Justice Muralidhar advocated for a legal environment that supports free criticism of those in power without fear of criminal repercussions. He criticized recent uses of criminal law against peaceful protestors and emphasized the importance of preserving individual freedoms, including personal choices regarding marriage and cohabitation. He expressed concern about increasing inequalities and political influence by corporate oligopolies, advocating for a future India free from such concentrations of power.
Judicial Challenges and Reforms
Justice Muralidhar addressed the pressing issue of judicial pendency, warning against simplistic solutions like increasing the number of judges without addressing systemic issues. He criticized the judiciary’s inconsistent role in protecting citizens from state overreach, citing concerns over judicial processes that may become oppressive. “If courts and their processes become sites of oppression, public faith in the justice system will erode,” he warned.
Furthermore, he called for reforms to make the legal system more accessible and fair for ordinary citizens, criticizing the current legal framework for prioritizing the convenience of lawyers and judges over litigants. “Our legal system is not litigant-centric and requires professional help to navigate,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a more democratic and accountable judicial administration.
Justice Muralidhar’s observations were underscored by the significant backlog in Indian courts, with over 5.1 crore cases pending in district courts, around 65 lakh in high courts, and approximately 93,000 in the Supreme Court. He stressed that the responsibility for delays extends beyond judges and includes structural weaknesses within the legal system.
