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The Supreme Court of India has taken a firm stance against the rampant online trolling prevalent in the country, labeling it 'really atrocious' and acknowledging that even the highest judicial body is not immune to its effects. The court's comments came during the bail hearing of Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been in custody for 100 days on allegations of assaulting Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan lamented the impact of trolling, stating that 'If we pass an order in favour of someone... the other side trolls the judge.' Justice Surya Kant, agreeing with his colleague, advocated for ignoring such attacks, attributing them to 'a large section of irresponsible people' who lack awareness and are solely focused on 'alleged rights.'
The court's empathy for Ms. Maliwal and her ordeal was evident as she highlighted the relentless trolling she faced on social media, including victim-shaming, after the alleged assault. While acknowledging the severity of the issue, the court ultimately granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, reiterating its stance that prolonged pre-trial detention is detrimental to personal liberty. This decision echoes similar bail orders granted to other high-profile individuals, including AAP leader Manish Sisodia and BRS lawmaker K Kavitha, both arrested in the alleged liquor policy case. The court emphasized its adherence to the legal principle that 'bail is the rule, jail is the exception,' upholding the right to personal liberty enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court's strong condemnation of online trolling highlights the increasing concern over its impact on individuals and institutions. The court's call to ignore such attacks, while acknowledging its detrimental effects, emphasizes the need for a collective effort to combat online abuse. This case serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media and its potential to inflict harm, prompting a crucial conversation about the role of digital platforms in preventing and addressing online harassment.
Source: "Really Atrocious, Judges Also Suffer": Supreme Court On Online Trolling