Identity politics, divisive ideologies eroding national unity’: SC judge Mishra

New Delhi: Supreme Court judge, justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, has warned against divisive ideologies, identity-based politics and hate speech on social media as pressing challenges to national unity, as he highlighted fraternity as the fundamental principle binding the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty and equality. Supreme Court judge justice Prashant Kumar Mishra at a national council meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad Speaking at the inaugural session of the national council meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad in Gujarat on Friday, the judge asserted that fraternity is not merely a lofty ideal but a practical necessity for fostering harmony in a diverse society. “In today’s digital age, fraternity faces growing challenges, particularly in curbing misinformation and hate speech on social media platforms,” said the judge, highlighting the need for robust regulatory frameworks to balance free speech with the imperative of maintaining social harmony. Tracing fraternity’s evolution within Indian jurisprudence, justice Mishra highlighted its integration with constitutional values like equality, secularism and social justice, as the judge noted that the judiciary has frequently invoked fraternity in cases addressing affirmative action, hate speech, and environmental sustainability.