Something is fundamentally broken in the Indian legal system. The very institution meant to uncover the truth and uphold justice increasingly appears to be more concerned with suppressing the truth than exposing it. When truth becomes a threat, justice becomes a casualty.

I’m shocked by Justice Aryak’s judgment. I’m no lawyer, but I believe it strikes at the very foundation of democracy-the fundamental right to free speech. A judgment that silences citizens for speaking their minds threatens the constitutional freedoms of every Indian.

The court says truthful reporting and constructive criticism backed by evidence are permitted. Yet it orders restrictions before the respondents can even be heard, citing potential reputational harm. Since when did protecting reputation take precedence over freedom of speech and due process? “Constructive criticism or truthful reporting on the petitioner or on Government policy, backed by evidence, is not barred. Online content spreads quickly through reposts and re-uploads, and the injury to reputation from continued republication cannot be adequately compensated in money. If the order is not passed now, its purpose will be defeated by further dissemination before the respondents can be heard,” the court said.