Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka said environmental activists in India are finding it difficult to survive due to lack of support from society. He stressed the need for stronger public backing to protect environmental and human rights.
NEW DELHI: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka has expressed deep concern over the condition of environmental and human rights activists in India, saying they are not receiving enough support from society.
Speaking at an event held at BML Munjal University, Justice Oka highlighted that people who raise their voice for the environment often struggle to continue their work because the general public does not stand with them.
He explained that only a few individuals take the responsibility of speaking about environmental issues, while the larger society remains silent. He pointed out that such activists are not treated fairly and are left to face difficulties on their own.
As he addressed the audience, he said,
“Look at the scenario, there are a handful of people who raise the issue regarding the environment. I have repeatedly said that our society does not treat those who take up the fight for the environment well. They don’t get support,”
the former judge said.
Justice Oka also spoke about the important role played by lower courts in protecting the rights of citizens. He stressed that real justice must begin at the level of judicial magistrates and sessions courts, as these are the first places where an arrested person is produced.
He explained that magistrates must ensure that the police have followed all constitutional rules during an arrest.
He clearly described the duty of a magistrate by saying,
He said,
“It is the judicial magistrate who has a role to play when an accused is produced before him; he has to see whether the constitutional mandate has been followed, whether he has been ill-treated after he is taken into police custody, whether the grounds of arrest have been provided to him,”
Justice Oka further added that if any illegality is found in the arrest or detention, the magistrate must take immediate action to protect the person’s rights.
Highlighting this responsibility, he stated,
“If the magistrate finds that the accused produced before the court has been illegally detained, they must either release the individual or grant them bail,”
the former SC judge added.
He also explained how denial of justice at the lower court level creates a bigger problem for the entire judicial system.
When people do not get fair treatment from magistrate or sessions courts, they are forced to move to higher courts, which increases the number of pending cases and leads to long and exhausting legal battles.
Justice Oka urged citizens to stay alert and ensure that their elected leaders do not misuse power or violate fundamental rights.
He reminded people that voters have the power to bring change through democratic means and cited historical examples where strong governments were voted out by the public when rights were compromised.
Referring to past elections, he said,
“In 1977, when, after an internal emergency was withdrawn, a very powerful government led by prime minister Indira Gandhi was defeated by the voters. It happened again in 2004 (elections) and in 2014… at times, the voters make a decisive stand,”
Oka said.
Through his address, Justice Abhay S Oka strongly underlined the need for public support for activists, responsible functioning of lower courts, and active participation of citizens in safeguarding democracy and fundamental rights.
His remarks highlight critical issues related to environmental protection, judicial accountability, and the role of people in maintaining the constitutional values of the country.
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