World · India Bureau
Healthy Skepticism of Institutions Marks Democratic Maturity: Ex-HC Judge
Former Odisha High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar has argued that public distrust of systems represents democratic progress rather than institutional weakness. He emphasized that nations must ensure children do not die from preventable causes like malnutrition or lack of medical care.
LSN India ·
In remarks highlighting the relationship between institutional accountability and democratic health, former Odisha High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar stated that societal skepticism toward established systems should be viewed as a positive indicator of democratic development rather than a sign of decline.
Justice Muralidhar stressed that questioning institutional functioning reflects an engaged citizenry capable of holding power structures accountable. Such scrutiny, he suggested, strengthens rather than weakens democratic societies by fostering transparency and encouraging reform.
The jurist also underscored India's moral obligations regarding child welfare and public health. He contended that the nation must not accept preventable deaths among children due to malnutrition or inadequate medical access—a benchmark he identified as critical for any developing democracy claiming progress.
His comments come amid broader discussions about institutional trust and governance in India, where debates around administrative reform and accountability have intensified across multiple sectors. Justice Muralidhar's perspective suggests that constructive distrust can serve as a mechanism for ensuring institutional responsiveness to public needs.