Mon Mar 23 11:10:40 UTC 2026: ### Justice Bhuyan Advocates for Dissent and Tolerance in “Viksit Bharat” Vision

The Story:
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has emphasized the importance of debate, dissent, and tolerance in the pursuit of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Speaking at the Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) conference in Bengaluru, Justice Bhuyan expressed concerns over the reckless registration of criminal cases, prolonged detentions under laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the need for the judiciary to remain independent and act as the nation’s moral compass. He also stressed the importance of inclusivity and protecting individual rights within the development project.

Key Points:

  • Justice Bhuyan highlighted the overzealous registration of criminal cases, including for trivial matters such as public demonstrations, agitations, and social media posts.
  • He raised concerns about the prolonged detention of individuals under PMLA and UAPA, noting the low conviction rates and potential for premature arrests unsupported by evidence.
  • He criticized the lengthy pre-trial detentions, sometimes lasting years, without charges being framed or a chargesheet being filed.
  • Justice Bhuyan cautioned the judiciary against becoming mere cheerleaders for the political executive, emphasizing its role as an independent check on power.
  • He stressed the need for inclusive development, ensuring that no one is left out, particularly those who have suffered historical wrongs, like Dalits.
  • He pointed out disparities in the representation of women in higher judicial positions.
  • He cited statistics showing low conviction rates under UAPA: In 2019, 1,948 were arrested, 34 convicted; 2020, 1,321 arrested, 80 convicted; 2021, 1,621 arrested, 60 convicted; 2022, 1,631 arrested, 41 convicted; 2023, 2,941 arrested, 118 convicted. As of March 31, 2025, 1,031 arrests were made under PMLA with only 47 trials concluded.

Critical Analysis:
The provided context offers limited insight into the strategic depth or specific patterns driving Justice Bhuyan’s statements. Therefore, a deeper analysis is not possible given the information provided. The historical context includes a variety of disparate events, such as film reviews and international political statements, which do not directly correlate with the Justice’s speech.

Key Takeaways:

  • Justice Bhuyan’s statements highlight growing concerns about the potential for misuse of laws like PMLA and UAPA, leading to prolonged detentions and low conviction rates, which can undermine individual liberties.
  • The emphasis on judicial independence and the need to act as a moral compass underscores the importance of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy and individual rights in the context of national development goals.
  • The call for inclusivity and addressing historical wrongs indicates a commitment to ensuring that the “Viksit Bharat” vision benefits all sections of society, especially marginalized communities.
  • The low representation of women in the higher judiciary requires addressing for a more balanced and equitable system.
  • The speech serves as a critical commentary on the potential pitfalls of prioritizing development at the expense of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Impact Analysis:
Justice Bhuyan’s remarks could spur increased scrutiny of the application of laws like PMLA and UAPA by the judiciary, potentially leading to stricter guidelines for arrests and detentions. His emphasis on judicial independence may embolden judges to act as a stronger check on

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