Courts can't ‘teach or preach’ citizens on what to say: Former SC judge Abhay S Oka

Former Supreme Court judge Abhay Oka said courts cannot 'teach or preach' citizens on what to say, urging constitutional courts to quash criminal cases filed to silence dissent.

Oka stated citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protests and expressing grievances, citing Articles 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Indian Constitution.

He emphasized courts must protect fundamental rights even if they disagree with the views expressed, and judges should examine whether an offence was actually committed in such cases.

Speaking at the Advocate Haroon Solkar Memorial Lecture Series in Mumbai, Oka referenced Irish writer Sir Thomas More, saying citizens shouldn't be expected to speak only to please those in power.