Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Does The Classic Brechtian Deed

Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has spoken the truth in the face of adversity, echoing the principles of Brechtian dissension. On the 13th convocation of the postgraduate batch of the National Law University, Justice Bhuyan made it clear that questioning authority is not an act of defiance but a vital expression of citizenship and constitutional responsibility.

When students voice their dissent or raise questions, they should not face repercussions, as doing so would be unconstitutional and a misuse of power. Justice Bhuyan’s statement rings particularly true in the current climate of authorities targeting students who advocate for their rights, challenge the education system, and demand accountability.

By labeling such actions as "unconstitutional" and a "misuse of power and office," Justice Bhuyan bravely confronted those in authority, including Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, whose derogatory comments about jobless youth sparked student unrest. Beyond merely stating the facts, Justice Bhuyan also cautioned against the "misuse of power and office," urging governments to treat dissent with respect and tolerance.

Tolerance is not just a matter of courtesy but a constitutional value that allows diverse voices to coexist and be heard. Justice Bhuyan’s adherence to Bertolt Brecht’s five key principles for speaking truth to power—courage, recognition, weaponization, audience selection, and clever dissemination—make his words a beacon of hope in a world where free expression is increasingly under threat.