The judiciary is often described as the last refuge for ordinary citizens. When governments become unresponsive, when police actions are questioned, and when constitutional rights appear to be under pressure, people look to the courts for protection.
That is why the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant an urgent hearing on the police action against student protesters has triggered widespread disappointment and criticism.
According to reports, lawyers requested an immediate hearing after videos emerged showing police action against demonstrators protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Instead of granting urgent consideration, the Chief Justice reportedly remarked, “Please don’t waste your time and ours,” and declined to prioritize the matter.
Whether legally justified or not, the optics of such a response have deeply disturbed many citizens.
When Justice Appears Distant
The issue extends beyond one protest.
It raises a larger question: Do ordinary citizens receive the same urgency from the justice system as politically influential individuals or high-profile cases?
Public confidence in the judiciary depends not only on impartial judgments but also on the perception that every citizen is heard with dignity.
When allegations of excessive police force, injuries to students, and possible violations of fundamental rights are not immediately examined, many people inevitably begin asking whether justice is equally accessible to everyone.
The Judiciary Must Be Seen as Independent
India’s Constitution places enormous responsibility on the Supreme Court.
Its role is not to defend governments or opposition parties.
Its duty is to defend the Constitution.
For this reason, whenever the Court declines to urgently hear matters involving alleged violations of civil liberties, criticism naturally follows. Citizens expect the judiciary to reassure them that constitutional rights remain protected, especially during moments of political tension.
The Court’s decision should never leave ordinary people wondering whether their voices matter less than those of the powerful.
Public Perception Matters
Whether or not the Court’s procedural decision was legally correct, public institutions cannot ignore perception.
A democracy survives on trust.
When students allegedly suffer injuries during protests, videos circulate widely, and international human rights organizations express concern, many citizens expect at least a prompt judicial examination of the allegations.
Justice must not only be done.
It must also be seen to be done.
Equal Access to Justice
One of the recurring criticisms of India’s justice system is the perception that influential individuals and politically significant matters often receive faster attention than cases affecting ordinary citizens.
That perception, whether accurate or not, weakens public confidence.
Every litigant deserves equal treatment.
Every constitutional grievance deserves to be heard on its legal merits.
Justice cannot appear selective.
Democracy Needs Strong Institutions
The right to peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, subject to reasonable restrictions. Equally, the state has the responsibility to maintain public order.
When disputes arise over whether police used proportionate force, the judiciary plays a critical role in independently examining the facts.
A prompt hearing does not imply a verdict.
It simply demonstrates that constitutional concerns deserve careful consideration.
Institutions Must Welcome Accountability
Strong democracies are built on institutions willing to answer difficult questions.
Governments must be accountable to Parliament.
Police must be accountable to the law.
And courts must continue to inspire public confidence through transparency, fairness, and equal access.
Constructive criticism of institutions should not be viewed as hostility toward them. On the contrary, democratic institutions grow stronger when they remain open to scrutiny and continue to demonstrate their independence through reasoned decisions.
Ultimately, faith in justice cannot rest solely on constitutional promises.
It must be reinforced through actions that convince every citizen, regardless of status or political belief, that the law protects everyone equally.
Tags: Supreme Court, CJI, Student Protest, Delhi Protest, NEET Protest, Judicial Accountability, Rule of Law, Democracy in India, Civil Liberties, Right to Protest, Police Action, Constitutional Rights, Judicial Independence, Human Rights, Access to Justice, Indian Judiciary, Public Trust, Governance, Indian Politics, Democratic Institutions
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