Supreme Court judge Justice Joymalya Bagchi has cautioned against the increasing impact of social media on the justice system, warning that online platforms are reshaping public perception of legal proceedings in ways that threaten the foundations of the rule of law. Describing the digital landscape as a “marketplace of likes,” he said the pursuit of online popularity should never dictate the course of justice or undermine constitutional values.
Speaking on the challenges posed by the digital age, Justice Bagchi observed that social media algorithms often reward sensationalism over substance, reducing complex legal issues to trending topics and viral narratives. He stressed that judicial outcomes cannot be influenced by the number of likes, shares or hashtags surrounding a case, as courts are bound by evidence, legal principles and the Constitution.
The judge expressed concern over the growing phenomenon of “trial by social media,” where individuals are judged and condemned in the public domain even before courts have examined the facts. He noted that such online campaigns risk prejudicing legal proceedings and eroding the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of the criminal justice system.
Justice Bagchi emphasised that judges must remain immune to public pressure, particularly when amplified through digital platforms. He said constitutional courts exist to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every individual, including those whose views or actions may be unpopular. Judicial independence, he underlined, requires decisions to be based solely on legal reasoning and admissible evidence rather than public sentiment.
He also highlighted the commercial dynamics of social media, noting that digital platforms frequently promote provocative and emotionally charged content because it generates higher user engagement. As a result, nuanced legal debates are often replaced by oversimplified narratives that prioritise attention over accuracy and informed discussion.
While acknowledging that social media has expanded access to information and enabled wider public participation in legal discourse, Justice Bagchi warned that it has also fuelled misinformation, selective reporting and increasing polarisation. If left unchecked, these trends could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, including the judiciary.
Calling for responsible use of digital platforms, the judge reaffirmed that freedom of speech remains a vital constitutional guarantee but carries corresponding responsibilities. Public discourse, he said, should encourage informed debate without compromising the fairness of judicial proceedings or diminishing respect for constitutional institutions.
Concluding his remarks, Justice Bagchi reiterated that justice cannot become a contest for online approval. Courts derive their legitimacy from the Constitution and the rule of law, not from social media trends. Preserving that distinction, he said, is essential to ensuring that justice remains fair, impartial and independent.
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