Kerala HC Justice Calls For Social Media Regulation To Protect Judicial Integrity

Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 23:13 IST

Kerala High Court Justice PB Suresh Kumar, who is set to retire next week, made the remarks during his farewell address on Friday

Kerala High Court Justice PB Suresh Kumar. (Screengrab via YouTube/PB Suresh Kumar/@keralahighcourt8758)

Kerala High Court Justice PB Suresh Kumar has called for new legislation to regulate social media, citing growing concern over misleading posts that can undermine trust in the judiciary.

Justice Kumar, who is set to retire next week, made the remarks during his farewell address on Friday.

The judge expressed that many social media users burst into commentary without a proper understanding of law or facts, leading to damaging assumptions. He warned this type of posting can erode public confidence and tarnish the judiciary’s image.

“These social media posts are often made without even a basic understanding of the law or even the facts, and are often rooted on assumptions. Unfortunately such remarks have the effect of undermining public confidence and tarnishing the image of this institution," Justice Kumar said.

Despite the often well-meaning nature of such posts, he said their impact can be serious, especially as public opinion is shaped instantly and online content often loses context, Bar and Bench reported.

“In an era where public opinion is shaped in real time and internet preserves content without context, such comments erode trust in the judiciary and faith in the rule of law," he added.

The judge recommended a considered legislative response to strike a balance between the fundamental right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution and the need to protect the independence of the judiciary under Article 50.

Justice Kumar also made clear his intention was to approach the matter with humility and concern for the rule of law

“I suggest it with humility and concern, not to silence genuine criticism but to ensure that critique does not degenerate into unwarranted vilification, that freedom of speech does not become freedom to mislead and that the majesty of the institution remains in tact," he stated.

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Kerala, India, India

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