Let The Dissenting And Dynamic Voices Be Heard

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam

29 May 2025

A 19-year-old student Khadeeja Shaikh from Poona, arrested for her social media post on Indo-Pak hostilities amid Operation Sindoor, challenged her college’s “arbitrary” decision to rusticate her in the Bombay High Court, terming it a gross violation of her fundamental rights.

The petitioner requested the high court to quash the rustication, order her reinstatement, and allow her to appear for the semester exams scheduled to begin on May 24. 

It took the sagacity and legal force of the Bombay High Court to restore the dignity and academic life of the young student and make the Poona police see the absence of reason in arresting and jailing her.

Famous German sociologist and philosopher Jurgen Habermas rightly opined that, "We need to create spaces for dissent and critical thinking." These spaces are crucial for the well-being and progress of a democratic society.

By encouraging dissent, individuals are given the opportunity to voice their differing opinions, challenge prevailing beliefs, and question established norms. It is through dissent that new perspectives emerge, leading to a more inclusive and dynamic society. Furthermore, fostering critical thinking enables individuals to critically analyse information, evaluate arguments, and discern truth from falsehood. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and actively participate in shaping their societies. In a world characterized by diverse opinions and complex challenges, Habermas' words serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving spaces for dissent and critical thinking to maintain a vibrant and robust democratic exchange.

The ideal of democracy requires an active and engaged civil society. Democracy, far from being a mere abstract concept, flourishes when citizens actively participate by discussing, advocating, and collectively working towards common goals. An active and engaged civil society thus becomes the cornerstone of any vibrant democracy, empowering individuals to exercise their rights, holding institutions accountable, fostering inclusivity, and enabling dialogue to constructively address social, political, and economic matters. For democracy to thrive, it is crucial for each individual to actively contribute their voice and engage meaningfully with their community and the wider society because the public sphere is a site of contestation and negotiation.

The public sphere, which represents the realm of communication and debate outside of formal state institutions, is a space where differing viewpoints clash, and power dynamics are confronted. It is a dynamic arena where ideas are tested, challenged, and refined through debates, discussions, and negotiations. Through this process, society finds common ground and reaches consensual decisions. However, this public sphere is not a harmonious or homogeneous space; rather, it is a platform where individuals and groups assert their interests, engage in power struggles, and contend for influence and control over the political and social agenda. At its core, the public sphere should be viewed as a vibrant and ever-evolving catalyst for democratic participation and transformation.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that should be protected in all societies. The open exchange of ideas, opinions, and perspectives is essential for the progress and development of any society. It is through the free flow of dialogue and debate that new insights are gained, collective knowledge is expanded, and social tensions are resolved. By protecting freedom of speech, societies provide individuals with the ability to express themselves, challenge prevailing norms, and hold those in power accountable. The true strength of any society lies not in suppressing dissenting voices, but in valuing and protecting the diversity of opinions and ideas.

All citizens have a responsibility to actively engage in democratic processes. Citizens should not be mere spectators, but active participants in shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of their communities. By engaging in democratic processes such as voting, participating in public debates, and being aware of current events, citizens can influence policy decisions and ensure that their voices are heard. This emphasizes the significance of citizen involvement, as it fosters an inclusive and accountable democracy. Remember, democracy is not just about voting, but about active participation and informed citizens.

Alas, the voices of dissent are being stifled and muzzled in New India. Last but not least, our academic institutes should also cooperate with dissenting and dynamic teachers and students and mustn't sack or rusticate them just to please the current political dispensation and succumb to the ongoing spirit of jingoism and anti-Muslim spree. The pro-active approach of our rotten police system in these cases of dissent must also be questioned and condemned in no uncertain terms.

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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.

URl:    https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/dissenting-dynamic-voices/d/135703

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