Supreme Court Justice Stresses Inviolability of Voting Rights
Amid intense political and administrative debates surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across various states, Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has made a compelling observation regarding the fundamental right to vote. Speaking at a prominent academic event at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, the senior judge emphasized that Indian citizenship and the right to franchise are intrinsically intertwined.
Justice Bhuyan underscored that any administrative or procedural mechanism that disenfranchises a vast number of eligible citizens fundamentally breaches constitutional mandates. He pointed out that Article 326 of the Constitution of India guarantees universal adult suffrage, and tampering with this core principle is unacceptable in a vibrant democracy.
Debate Over Judicial Commentary on Sub Judice Matters
While human rights advocates have welcomed his defense of democratic freedoms, Justice Bhuyan's remarks have also triggered a debate within legal circles. Former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and several other retired judges expressed reservations, noting that judges should exercise caution when commenting on matters that are actively sub judice before the apex court.
Former CJI Gavai noted that public pronouncements on ongoing legal controversies can potentially invite unnecessary scrutiny regarding judicial propriety and institutional balance. Despite these divergent opinions, Justice Bhuyan's track record highlights his consistent advocacy for civil liberties, police accountability, and judicial transparency.
