Distrusting a System Signals Democratic Progress, Says Former Orissa HC Chief Justice S. Muralidhar

In a candid conversation with journalist Sarath Babu George, former Orissa High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar made a point that may surprise many: doubting the very institutions that govern us is not a flaw, but a hallmark of a thriving democracy.

“If you’re not questioning the system, you’re probably just accepting the status quo,” he said, his voice steady yet warm. “A society that feels comfortable enough to criticize its own mechanisms is, in my view, moving forward.”

Muralidhar, who now chairs the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, linked this sentiment to broader human‑rights concerns. He warned that India cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while children die of starvation or lack basic medical care. “We should not be among those countries that find it acceptable that children are dying for want of food or health services,” he urged.

When asked about the ability of international bodies to hold powerful states accountable, the former judge was unflinching. “The machinery exists, but it needs the political will of the people to keep it honest,” he explained, adding that civil society and an independent judiciary are the twin engines that push accountability forward.

On the domestic front, Muralidhar praised the recent wave of Gen‑Z protests across campuses and city squares. “Their energy is a reminder that democracy is alive,” he noted, while also cautioning that the right to protest must be balanced with respect for public order and the rule of law.

Judicial independence, another recurring theme, was described by Muralidhar as “the backbone of any constitutional democracy.” He recalled his own tenure at the Orissa High Court, where he faced pressures that tested the resilience of the bench. “If judges bow to external influences, the entire edifice crumbles,” he warned.

India’s stance on Palestine also featured in the dialogue. While the country maintains a delicate diplomatic equilibrium, Muralidhar emphasized that moral consistency matters. “Our foreign policy should reflect the values we espouse at home – justice, dignity, and the right to self‑determination,” he said.

Wrapping up, the former chief justice left his listeners with a simple, almost conversational thought: “Keep questioning, keep demanding, and keep believing that the system can be better. That’s the essence of democracy.”