Kerala HC’s Justice PB Suresh Kumar -

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Justice PB Suresh Kumar urges new law to curb baseless social media attacks on judges and courts. Says freedom of speech must not erode trust in justice.

"Regulate Social Media to Protect Judiciary’s Image": Kerala HC’s Justice PB Suresh Kumar — “Regulate Social Media to Protect Judiciary’s Image”: Kerala HC’s Justice PB Suresh Kumar

Kochi: Today, on June 27, Kerala High Court Judge Justice PB Suresh Kumar, who will retire on Monday, made a heartfelt and thought-provoking farewell speech on Friday, urging the need for a new law to regulate social media in India.

He spoke about how unregulated online content, especially posts related to the judiciary, can seriously affect the justice system and reduce public trust.

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Justice Kumar expressed serious concern over how some social media posts, often made without understanding the law or the case facts, can damage the image of the judiciary.

He said,

“These social media posts are often made without even a basic understanding of the law or even the facts, and are often rooted on assumptions. Unfortunately such remarks have the effect of undermining public confidence and tarnishing the image of this institution. While many may post without malicious intent, the consequences are grave. 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.”

He stressed the importance of free speech under the Constitution but also pointed out the need to protect the judiciary from baseless and harmful remarks.

He said,

“In this context, I believe the time is ripe for thoughtful legislative intervention – one that carefully balances fundamental right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India with the constitutional mandate to uphold the independence of the judiciary enshrined in Article 50. I suggest it with humility and concern, not to silence genuine criticism but 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 in tact,”

Justice Kumar is known for being a tech-savvy judge and also spoke highly of how technology has helped improve the working of the justice system.

He believes that tools like screen sharing on Google Meet and the digitisation of court records have made the system more efficient and inclusive.

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He shared,

“The tools now at our disposal hold immense potential to democratise access to justice making it more inclusive, transparent and efficient. Tools like Google meet with seamless screensharing have greatly enhanced efficiency particularly in handling reserved judgments allowing me to make better use of time which otherwise would be spent on traditional dictation and correction. By ensuring digitisation of trial court records, I was able to manage voluminous files with greater ease.”

However, he also warned against the blind use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the justice system. According to him, it is important to keep the human touch alive in decision-making.

He noted,

“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.”

During his farewell speech, Justice Kumar also remembered a deeply emotional case that impacted him greatly – the case of a 5-month-old baby, Imran Mohammed, who was suffering from a rare disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The medicine needed for his treatment cost more than ₹16 crore, and his father had approached the court for help.

Even though the public raised the required money, Imran sadly passed away before getting the medicine. But the judge made sure the funds raised were used for other children suffering from the same illness.

He recalled,

“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. 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.”

Justice Kumar’s farewell event was attended by many important legal personalities. Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar appreciated his commitment, discipline, and deep legal knowledge.

Kerala Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup and President of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association Yeshwanth Shenoy both praised Justice Kumar for his friendly nature and strong connection with the legal community, even after becoming a judge.

They expressed hope that he might return to legal practice in the future.

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Justice Kumar ended his speech with a hopeful note for the future, saying,