‘Eating Chicken On Ganga River Is Not An Offence’: Supreme Court Judge Slams Arrests Over Biryani

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has raised concerns over the growing tendency to criminalise ordinary activities and restrict peaceful dissent, saying democratic freedoms must be protected. Speaking at a lecture in Bhopal, he cited the arrest of Muslim youths over consuming chicken biryani on a boat during Ramzan as an example of normal acts being treated as offences. Justice Bhuyan warned that delayed relief and restrictive bail conditions could discourage citizens from expressing opinions. He stressed that debate, dissent and criticism of judicial decisions are essential for democracy. The judge also called for judicial introspection, saying public trust remains crucial for the credibility and relevance of the judiciary.