Kerala High Court judge Justice PB Suresh Kumar has called for a new law to regulate social media comments targeting the judiciary. Speaking at his farewell function on Friday, Justice Kumar warned that unchecked online criticism, often based on misinformation, could erode public confidence in the judicial system.
Justice Kumar, who demits office next week, said that judges around the world have voiced concern over the increasing impact of unfiltered social media commentary on judicial institutions.
“Many of these posts are made without a basic understanding of legal processes or facts. Even when there is no ill intent, such remarks can damage the institution’s credibility,” he said. “In today’s digital age, where content spreads instantly and remains online permanently, such criticism risks undermining faith in the rule of law.”
He was clear, however, that the intention should not be to silence legitimate feedback. “It’s not about curbing valid criticism. The goal is to prevent baseless and malicious attacks that harm the dignity of the judiciary,” he added.
Justice Kumar proposed a thoughtful legislative framework that strikes a balance between freedom of speech and the constitutional need to protect judicial independence. Citing Articles 19(1)(a) and 50 of the Constitution, he said such a law must ensure that public discourse remains informed and respectful on the social media.
A known advocate for the use of technology in the justice system, Justice Kumar also spoke of the significant benefits that digital tools have brought to court functioning. From using Google Meet for screen sharing during virtual hearings to auto-transcription and digitized case records, he noted that tech has improved access and efficiency in judicial processes.
“Technology has allowed us to use our time more effectively, especially when dealing with reserved judgments. Managing digital trial court records also made handling complex cases much easier,” he said.
Still, he cautioned against over-reliance on artificial intelligence, emphasizing that human judgment must remain central in the justice system. “We must ensure technology enhances, not replaces, the human touch in decision-making,” he said.
In an emotional moment during his farewell speech, Justice Kumar recalled a case that left a deep impact on him: the story of baby Imran Mohammed, who suffered from Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare condition. The infant’s family had approached the court in 2021, seeking government support for a life-saving drug that cost over ₹16 crore.
Although the public rallied to raise funds, Imran sadly passed away before the treatment could be administered. Justice Kumar later ordered that the funds be preserved as a dedicated corpus to help other children with the same illness. Since 2022, over 50 children under the age of 12 have received free treatment thanks to this initiative.
“Though Imran left us too soon, his case brought hope to many others. It reminded me that justice isn’t just about verdicts—it’s about the lives we touch and the legacies we leave behind,” he said.
Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar praised Justice Kumar’s integrity, legal insight, and commitment to service. Kerala Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup and High Court Advocates’ Association President Yeshwanth Shenoy echoed these sentiments, highlighting Justice Kumar’s enduring rapport with the legal fraternity even after his elevation to the Bench.
In his closing remarks, Justice Kumar expressed optimism about the future, saying, “I look forward to finding new and meaningful ways to continue serving society.”
