Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Highlights Scientific Temper as Essential to Rule of Law and Constitutional Democracy
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has emphasised the importance of scientific temper, rational thinking and the spirit of inquiry in strengthening India's constitutional democracy and the rule of law. He cautioned that societies which accept claims without evidence, fear questioning and treat traditions as beyond scrutiny may become vulnerable to misinformation, authoritarianism and the continuation of unjust practices.
Justice Bhuyan made these observations while addressing the 12th Convocation of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, held on October 31, 2026. Highlighting the relationship between scientific temperament and constitutional values, he observed that arbitrary power flourishes where ignorance, fear and unquestioned beliefs prevail.
Scientific Temper and Article 51A(h) of the Constitution
Referring to Article 51A of the Constitution of India, Justice Bhuyan highlighted the fundamental duty of every citizen to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
He explained that scientific temper is not merely about acquiring scientific knowledge but also about developing an attitude of rational thinking, questioning established assumptions and examining claims through evidence and reason.
According to him, a society that accepts claims without evidence becomes susceptible to superstition and misinformation. Similarly, a society that discourages questions risks creating conditions in which authoritarian tendencies can flourish.
He further observed that traditions should not be placed beyond scrutiny, as doing so may prevent society from identifying and reforming unjust practices.
Constitutional Unity Beyond the 'Us versus Them' Narrative
Justice Bhuyan also urged students to reject divisive narratives based on the distinction between 'us' and 'them' and instead embrace the constitutional idea of collective belonging.
Referring to the Preamble of the Constitution, which begins with the words 'We, the People of India', he explained that the Constitution recognises all citizens as equal members of the constitutional framework, irrespective of their identities, backgrounds or beliefs.
He emphasised that constitutional unity does not require uniformity. Rather, diversity must be respected and protected within a shared constitutional framework.
Universities as Centres of Inquiry and Constitutional Values
Highlighting the role of educational institutions, Justice Bhuyan stated that universities must encourage students to question established ideas, engage in meaningful discussions and develop independent reasoning.
He observed that universities provide an important space where individuals from different cultural, linguistic, religious and social backgrounds interact and learn to respect differing perspectives.
He also emphasised the importance of access to information, public reasoning and informed participation in a healthy democracy. Referring to Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen's work on justice, he highlighted how public reasoning can contribute to addressing social inequalities and strengthening democratic participation.
Significance of the Observations
Justice Bhuyan's observations bring attention to the constitutional significance of Article 51A(h) and the relationship between scientific temper, social reform, freedom of inquiry and the rule of law.
Although the address does not constitute a judicial ruling, it highlights the judiciary's broader engagement with constitutional morality, democratic participation and the responsibility of citizens to promote rational and inclusive public discourse.
The address reinforces the idea that a constitutional democracy requires not merely legal institutions but also citizens who are willing to question, reason, respect diversity and challenge unjust practices.