Mathews J Nedumpara

98205 35428

27.03.2026

Rishi Kumar, a final-year law student at TN National Law University, is a role model for the Bar, and perhaps even the Bench, of the world’s largest democracy. He has shown what it means to raise one’s voice for freedom of conscience and free speech.His blog post—stating “the Supreme Court has no spine”—was a bold critique of the Court’s suo motu contempt action regarding references to judicial corruption in an 8th-standard NCERT textbook.It is said that lawyers from across the country demanded that he take the blog down. The university, seemingly under pressure, asked him to delete the post; he declined.

In ordinary circumstances, a university might have resorted to disciplinary action, but this institution stood with him, affirming that fair criticism is not contempt.If the university acted out of principle, it deserves our collective salute.However, they likely stood by him because his words captivated millions. His voice became iconic, and the resulting public support reaffirms my faith that public opinion is indeed the voice of God. Vox populi, vox Dei.

P.S. That the Supreme Court initiated suo motu contempt action at the prompting of Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and others who claim to be leaders of the Bar, reveals a sorry state of affairs. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?