Former Supreme Court judge says freedom of speech cannot be an unruly horse

Former Supreme Court judge says freedom of speech cannot be an unruly horse

On Human Rights Day, Justice Arun Mishra said that the future of the country lay in the hands of the younger generation

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Justice (Retired) Arun Mishra said that while the freedom of speech was a fundamental right to be protected, it could not be an unruly horse that violated sovereignty and integrity of the country, public order, decency or morality.

Justice Mishra is currently the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). He was of the opinion that one was obligated to be faithful to the values of the Constitution and related laws and that honesty in the freedom of speech was feared the most.

Emphasizing that the future of the country lay in the hands of the younger generation, he felt that which was why the basic human values and faith in the goodness of human beings needed to be instilled in them. The ethos of human rights already prevailed in the Indian culture and tradition, which were then codified through the Constitution.

The veteran judge said, "India is the largest vibrant democracy globally, having unity in diverse religions, cultures, faiths and languages. Our bright future depends on removing inequality, ignorance, illiteracy, diseases and poverty.

"The world faces challenges caused by growing terrorism, shrinking democratic space, intimidation, reprisals and complaints of grave violation of gender rights."

Justice Mishra stressed that human rights were inalienable, acquired at birth and not mere aspirations. Therefore, it was necessary to provide a remedy for victims of business-related human rights violations, so that the resources essential for sustainable development did not become scarce.

He further said, "All individuals have the bare minimum right to a safe, clean and healthy environment. We see the trans-border movement of hazardous waste, e-waste, global warming. To save further degradation of the environment, we have to think globally and act locally. India has emerged as a pioneer in 'National Climatic Policy' as a catalyst to protect the environment."

Speaking on discrimination, Justice Mishra observed, "We have to eliminate discrimination based on gender, disability and aging. We have to make the weaker strong and remove barriers in the path to achieve a harmonious society."

On the recovery from the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NHRC chairman stated that this was an opportunity to set the stage at a global level for a more inclusive, equitable and friendly world. "We must ensure that everyone reaps the fruits of hard work. Small vendors do not starve and no infringement of civil liberties takes place," he stated.

The former judge was of the opinion that due to delayed justice; people took the law into their own hands. While highlighting the need for a speedy delivery of justice, he stressed that the imprisonment of suspects without a trial must be avoided.