Calling dissent a "safety valve" of democracy, Justice Chandrachud said the use of state machinery to curb dissent instils fear, which violates the rule of law. Justice Chandrachud also underlined the importance of mutual respect and protection of space for divergent opinions. According to Justice Chandrachud, the "great threat to pluralism" is the suppression of differences and silencing of popular and unpopular voices offering an alternative or opposing views. Justice Chandrachud also referred to a "positive obligation" for protecting a plural identity. "The framers of the Constitution rejected the notion of a Hindu India and a Muslim India.

Source: dna February 15, 2020 17:48 UTC