Tamil Nadu Law University Reverses Decision, Stands by Student in Blog Controversy
In a significant development, Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) has reversed its earlier stance and decided to support a final-year law student who published a blog critical of the Supreme Court. This comes after the university initially requested the student to delete the post, citing concerns over the institution's reputation and external pressure from anonymous individuals claiming to be lawyers.
Student's Blog Sparks National Debate
On March 14, A Rishi Kumar, a final-year law student at TNNLU, published a blog on his Substack titled "The SC has no spine." The blog criticized the Supreme Court's February ruling to ban a Class 8 NCERT textbook over chapters related to judicial corruption and its decision to blacklist three authors. Kumar expressed surprise at the widespread reaction, stating, "It spread in ways I didn't expect." He reported that strangers began tracing his contact details, with some offering support and others opposing his views.
University's Initial Request and External Pressure
The university administration received numerous calls from individuals identifying as lawyers from states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. These callers urged the university to direct Kumar to take down the post, arguing it amounted to contempt of court and threatened to raise the issue with the Bar Council. In response, Registrar S M Balakrishnan sent an email to Kumar, "requesting" him to delete the blog in the "best interest of the institution since its reputation is at stake." Balakrishnan explained that this was an advisory note intended to protect Kumar, who has only two months left to complete his course.
Student's Firm Stand Leads to University's Reversal
Kumar responded with a strongly worded email asserting his right to personal expression, writing, "It should be clear that the university has absolutely no jurisdiction over my personal expression. You do not own my voice or conscience." He refused to delete the post, stating it was written in his personal capacity. This firm stance prompted the university to reconsider. Registrar Balakrishnan stated, "Since he is not willing to take it down and is ready to face anything externally, the university will stand by him. He stood for his constitutional values. Fair criticism of the courts is always permitted, and the top court is no exception."
Outcome and Broader Implications
No disciplinary action has been taken against Kumar, and he continues to attend classes normally. The blog has garnered appreciation from notable lawyers such as Prashant Bhushan, highlighting its impact on legal discourse. This incident underscores the ongoing debate over freedom of speech, constitutional values, and the role of educational institutions in supporting student expression. It also raises questions about external pressures on universities and the boundaries of fair criticism in a democratic society.
