Kerala High Court News.
Kerala High Court Judge Calls for New Law to Regulate Social Media: Kochi, India – In a significant farewell speech, Kerala High Court Judge Justice P.B. Suresh Kumar, who is set to retire on Monday, has called for a new law to regulate social media in India. His impassioned plea on Friday highlighted concerns that unchecked online content, particularly posts related to the judiciary, are eroding public trust and undermining the justice system.
Justice Kumar, known for his tech-savvy approach, voiced serious concern about social media posts that, he said, are “often made without even a basic understanding of the law or even the facts, and are often rooted on assumptions.” He warned that “such remarks have the effect of undermining public confidence and tarnishing the image of this institution.”
He stressed that while many posts might not have malicious intent, their consequences are severe. “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,” Justice Kumar emphasized.
Balancing Free Speech and Judicial Integrity
The retiring judge acknowledged the fundamental right to free speech guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. However, he also underscored the critical need to protect the judiciary from baseless and harmful remarks.
“I believe the time is ripe for thoughtful legislative intervention,” he stated, suggesting a law that would “carefully balance fundamental right to free speech… with the constitutional mandate to uphold the independence of the judiciary enshrined in Article 50.”
Justice Kumar clarified his intention was not to silence genuine criticism. Instead, he sought 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 intact.”
Technology’s Role in Justice – With a Caution
A prominent advocate for technology’s integration into the legal system, Justice Kumar spoke highly of how advancements have improved judicial work. He highlighted tools like screen sharing on Google Meet and the digitization of court records. These, he said, have made the system “more efficient and inclusive,” allowing him to manage voluminous files with greater ease and optimize time spent on judgments.
However, Justice Kumar also issued a cautionary note regarding the blind adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in justice delivery. He emphasized the crucial need to preserve the human element in decision-making. “We must work towards an ecosystem where technology enhances efficiency without diminishing the human touch; where artificial intelligence exists but does not supplant human judgment,” he remarked.
A Case of Enduring Hope: Baby Imran Mohammed
During his emotional farewell speech, Justice Kumar shared a deeply personal reflection on a case that left a lasting impact on him: that of Imran Mohammed, a five-month-old baby suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The child’s father had approached the court for help, as the life-saving medicine for his rare disease cost over ₹16 crore.
Tragically, despite public efforts to raise the necessary funds, Imran passed away before receiving the medicine. However, Justice Kumar ensured that the collected funds were not wasted. Through his intervention, the money was directed to form a separate corpus for the treatment of other children suffering from the same illness.
“The direction issued to the government with the consent of all parties to treat the funds raised by the public as a separate corpus for the treatment of other children with the same disease has benefitted more than 50 children below the age of 12,” he recalled. “These children have been receiving free treatment since 2022 which they otherwise could not afford. Though Imran left us too soon, his case became a bridge of hope for others. What I have realised from this case is that justice is not merely a verdict, it is a legacy that endures through the lives it touches.”
A Legacy of Dedication and a Look Ahead
Justice Kumar’s farewell event was attended by numerous prominent legal figures. Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar lauded Justice Kumar’s “commitment, discipline, and deep legal knowledge.” Kerala Advocate General K. Gopalakrishna Kurup and Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association President Yeshwanth Shenoy both praised his approachable nature and strong connection with the legal community, which he maintained even after becoming a judge. They expressed hope for his potential return to legal practice.
Justice P.B. Suresh Kumar concluded his speech with a hopeful outlook for the future, stating, “I look forward to finding new and meaningful ways to continue serving society.”
Justice Kumar embarked on his legal journey in 1987 in Kerala’s district courts after completing his legal education in Karnataka. He later practiced in the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court. He was designated as a Senior Advocate in 2011, appointed as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court in 2014, and became a Permanent Judge in 2016.
