Justice Bhuyan Urges Rational Thinking to Defend Against Authoritarianism

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan warned that communities which embrace claims lacking evidence and resist questioning become susceptible to authoritarian rule. Speaking at the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, he noted that failing to question tradition prevents reform and leaves populations exposed to false information.

The judge stressed that fostering a scientific temper, as outlined in the Constitution, must go beyond laboratory settings to build rational thinking among students and youth. He described this mindset as an inquiring attitude that relies on reason rather than accepting the first available explanation.

Justice Bhuyan also cautioned against divisive narratives that split society into opposing groups. He urged a return to the constitutional phrasing of 'We, the People of India,' noting that this concept allows unity and diversity to coexist without forcing uniformity.