 |
|
The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued a scathing rebuke of social media trolls, highlighting the pervasive impact of online abuse, even targeting the highest judicial body in the country. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, while granting bail to Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, asserted that judges are not immune to the rampant trolling that plagues social media platforms. He declared, “If we pass an order in favour of someone… the other side trolls the judge.”
The court’s strong condemnation of trolling stems from the growing concern over its detrimental effects on individuals and institutions alike. Justice Bhuyan further emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “Trolling in social media is really atrocious and everyone is affected. Judges are also trolled.” This statement underscores the court’s recognition of the widespread nature of online abuse, which extends beyond individual cases and infiltrates the very fabric of judicial proceedings.
The context of the court's remarks arose from a case concerning an assault on AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. During the hearing, Maliwal's counsel brought to light the relentless online harassment she had endured following the incident. He argued that the “crime did not end on May 13… since then there has been trolling and victim-shaming.” This revelation prompted the Supreme Court to acknowledge the chilling reality of cyberbullying, where individuals are subjected to relentless attacks and abuse on social media platforms.
The court, in a firm response, declared that “a large section of irresponsible people have, unfortunately, got access to these platforms. They are completely insensitive (and) are not aware of their duties.” This observation highlights the court's concern about the misuse of social media platforms by individuals who lack empathy and responsibility. The court went on to emphasize the need to counter these negative forces, urging the public to “ignore” such online attacks.
While granting bail to Bibhav Kumar, the court imposed strict conditions, prohibiting his return to his position as PS of the Delhi Chief Minister or any political office associated with the CM's office. Furthermore, Kumar was barred from entering the Chief Minister's residence until all witnesses in the assault case have been examined. These measures were intended to ensure the integrity of the investigation and to safeguard the safety of the victim.
The Supreme Court's strong stance against social media trolling serves as a crucial reminder of the devastating impact of online abuse. The court's condemnation not only underscores the urgency of addressing this pervasive issue but also highlights the need for greater accountability and responsibility within the digital realm.
Source: ‘If We Pass Order In Favour of Someone…’: SC Says Judges Are Being Trolled On Social Media