--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Not wanting to suffer criticism, the…" description: "\"Not wanting to suffer criticism, the judiciary has used its power of contempt to stifle criticism.\" — Prashant Bhushan" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/prashant-bhushan-6062_criticism_not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judi_1317141.jpg" --- # Not wanting to suffer criticism, the judiciary has used… ![“Not wanting to suffer criticism, the judiciary has used its power of contempt to stifle criticism.” quote by Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/prashant-bhushan-6062_criticism_not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judi_1317141.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/prashant-bhushan-6062_criticism_not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judi_1317141.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/prashant-bhushan-6062_criticism_not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judi_1317141.jpg) > “Not wanting to suffer criticism, the judiciary has used its power of contempt to stifle criticism.” [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Judges sometimes use contempt powers to silence critics, protecting their authority at the cost of free discourse. **In simple terms:** Judicial contempt can suppress criticism. Key Takeaway Guard against misuse of authority. Themes law justice free speech Mood critical defensive Type legal political When to use this quote - court hearings - media interviews - public debates Key Concepts contempt power judicial accountability Questions to Reflect On - Is criticism always harmful? - How can accountability be ensured? A Different Perspective Overuse can erode trust in the judiciary. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Constitution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constitution/) [Contempt Stifle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contempt-stifle-4377253/) [Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) [Criticism Judiciary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism-judiciary-4377252/) [Judiciary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judiciary/) [Judiciary Used](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judiciary-used-4377254/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Power Contempt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power-contempt-1544519/) [Stifle Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stifle-criticism-241941/) [Wanting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wanting/) ## Related quotes > [Having enjoyed enormous powers, including the power of contempt, without any accountability, the higher judiciary has over the years, trampled the toes of many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/having-enjoyed-enormous-powers-including-the-power-of-contempt/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [The wide and unregulated power of contempt given to the courts has been deliberately interpreted by the courts in a manner which has served…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/the-wide-and-unregulated-power-of-contempt-given-to-the-courts-has/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [“Human beings of every background are imperfect creatures. When they are in a position high enough for their imperfections to bring disasters to more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/human-beings-of-every-background-are-imperfect-creatures-when-they/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If you will not have it thus: if in the pride of power, if in contempt of reason and reliance upon force, you say…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jefferson-davis/if-you-will-not-have-it-thus-if-in-the-pride-of-power-if-in-contempt/) [Jefferson Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jefferson-davis/) > [For any unbiased and realistic enquiry against judges, one needs a full time body, independent of the government as well as of the judiciary,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/for-any-unbiased-and-realistic-enquiry-against-judges-one-needs-a/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Every institution, including the judiciary has its share of black sheep and corrupt judges.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/every-institution-including-the-judiciary-has-its-share-of-black/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [The sword of contempt has kept the judiciary away from searching public scrutiny, particularly within the mainstream media. The judiciary is obviously happy to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/the-sword-of-contempt-has-kept-the-judiciary-away-from-searching/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Over the years, the judiciary has expanded its own powers by creative interpretations of the Constitution, particularly Article 21 which guarantees the right to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/over-the-years-the-judiciary-has-expanded-its-own-powers-by-creative/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [The judiciary is peopled by judges who are human, and being human, they are occasionally motivated by considerations other than an objective view of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/the-judiciary-is-peopled-by-judges-who-are-human-and-being-human-they/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [A corrupt judiciary is hardly likely to hold a corrupt executive to account.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/a-corrupt-judiciary-is-hardly-likely-to-hold-a-corrupt-executive-to/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Those is power being largely corrupt, recognize that a non functional and corrupt judiciary will allow them to escape punishment even when they get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/those-is-power-being-largely-corrupt-recognize-that-a-non-functional/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Bringing accountability to the judiciary must be preceded by frank public discussion and debate. Unfortunately that cannot get started with the threat of contempt…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/bringing-accountability-to-the-judiciary-must-be-preceded-by-frank/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Normally, the secrecy and lack of transparency surrounding the appointment of judges of the higher judiciary ensures that citizens come to know of these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/normally-the-secrecy-and-lack-of-transparency-surrounding-the/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [The judiciary is the only institution in the country which remains totally unaccountable. There is no institution with disciplinary powers over the judiciary.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/the-judiciary-is-the-only-institution-in-the-country-which-remains/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Selecting about 100 judges of the higher judiciary every year in a rational and fair manner is an onerous task requiring a full-time and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/selecting-about-100-judges-of-the-higher-judiciary-every-year-in-a/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) ## More by Prashant Bhushan > [Man's endeavour to cross even the most difficult terrain with railway lines has produced some of the most stunning marvels of engineering of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/man-s-endeavour-to-cross-even-the-most-difficult-terrain-with-railway/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [When a few people control the bulk of money, they can not only influence elections by money power - which enables various forms of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/when-a-few-people-control-the-bulk-of-money-they-can-not-only/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [PM Narendra Modi had promised to bring back black money, which he said could put Rs 15 lakh in each of our pockets. If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/pm-narendra-modi-had-promised-to-bring-back-black-money-which-he-said/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Stiglitz is not a Left economist. Indeed, it would be difficult to find a more authentic insider and establishment figure than Stiglitz.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/stiglitz-is-not-a-left-economist-indeed-it-would-be-difficult-to-find/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Both Pakistan and India stand to suffer severe losses in the event of India using military force within Pakistan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/both-pakistan-and-india-stand-to-suffer-severe-losses-in-the-event-of/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [When the fascists are through with the Muslims and Christians, they will turn on the others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/when-the-fascists-are-through-with-the-muslims-and-christians-they/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [With the passing of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, who had just entered his 100th year, the world has lost one of the greatest judges…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/with-the-passing-of-justice-v-r-krishna-iyer-who-had-just-entered-his/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Implementation of reforms within the Police and Intelligence agencies should certainly improve security and reduce terror attacks. But that will not eliminate the problem.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/implementation-of-reforms-within-the-police-and-intelligence-agencies/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [A corrupt judiciary is hardly likely to hold a corrupt executive to account.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/a-corrupt-judiciary-is-hardly-likely-to-hold-a-corrupt-executive-to/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [With the passing away of Mr Tarkunde, India has lost the father of the Civil Liberties movement in the country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/with-the-passing-away-of-mr-tarkunde-india-has-lost-the-father-of-the/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [When I said that the court should be willing to suffer even intemperate criticism, I did not mean that people should level intemperate criticism.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/when-i-said-that-the-court-should-be-willing-to-suffer-even/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Having enjoyed enormous powers, including the power of contempt, without any accountability, the higher judiciary has over the years, trampled the toes of many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/having-enjoyed-enormous-powers-including-the-power-of-contempt/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [Chinese engineers have spent years finding solutions to the problems of building a railway line on permafrost ground at altitudes above 4,000 metre.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/chinese-engineers-have-spent-years-finding-solutions-to-the-problems/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [A Judicial Bureau of Investigation under an independent Judicial Complaints Commission, should be set up to investigate complaints against judges.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/a-judicial-bureau-of-investigation-under-an-independent-judicial/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) > [The judiciary is the only institution in the country which remains totally unaccountable. There is no institution with disciplinary powers over the judiciary.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/the-judiciary-is-the-only-institution-in-the-country-which-remains/) [Prashant Bhushan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) [Explore all 100 Prashant Bhushan quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/) ## More Constitution quotes > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then \[these?\],… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in-england-in-1624-and-in-this/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [“In American terms, the accomplishment of Genghis Khan might be understood if the United States, instead of being created by a group of educated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-weatherford/in-american-terms-the-accomplishment-of-genghis-khan-might-be/) [Jack Weatherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-weatherford/) > [In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood; binding up the constitution…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edmund-burke/in-this-choice-of-inheritance-we-have-given-to-our-frame-of-polity/) [Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edmund-burke/) > [As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/as-for-doing-good-that-is-one-of-the-professions-which-is-full/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [While not widely reported, our victories in Iraq are plentiful. National elections, a democratic parliament and the drafting of a constitution are just some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-gillmor/while-not-widely-reported-our-victories-in-iraq-are-plentiful/) [Paul Gillmor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-gillmor/) > [In a recent decision of the Supreme Court, not made, however, by the full court, and concurred in by only four justices, it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bates-clark/in-a-recent-decision-of-the-supreme-court-not-made-however-by-the/) [John Bates Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bates-clark/) > [The judiciary must not take on the coloration of whatever may be popular at the moment. We are guardian of rights, and we have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-bird/the-judiciary-must-not-take-on-the-coloration-of-whatever-may-be/) [Rose Bird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-bird/) > [There is not a revolution that succe Women are suffering because they are being excluded. The high military council excluded women from the committee…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nawal-el-saadawi/there-is-not-a-revolution-that-succe-women-are-suffering-because-they/) [Nawal El Saadawi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nawal-el-saadawi/) > [Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence; it is jealousy, and not confidence, which prescribes limited constitutions, to bind down those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/free-government-is-founded-in-jealousy-and-not-in-confidence-it-is/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The American Constitution declares 'All men are born equal.' The British Socialist Party add: 'All men must be kept equal'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/the-american-constitution-declares-all-men-are-born-equal-the-british/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [“The Court has a special responsibility to ensure that the Constitution works in practice. While education, including the transmission of our civic values from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-breyer/the-court-has-a-special-responsibility-to-ensure-that-the/) [Stephen Breyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-breyer/) > [The Constitution is very clear on the - on the declaration of war or reacting to international crimes - crimes against nations. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-pitts/the-constitution-is-very-clear-on-the-on-the-declaration-of-war-or/) [Joe Pitts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-pitts/) > [Nothing from man's hands, nor law, nor constitution, can be final. Truth alone is final.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-sumner/nothing-from-man-s-hands-nor-law-nor-constitution-can-be-final-truth/) [Charles Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-sumner/) > [“I am apprehensive, Sir, that in the warmth of my feelings, I may have uttered expressions, which were too vehement. If such has been…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-hamilton/i-am-apprehensive-sir-that-in-the-warmth-of-my-feelings-i-may-have/) [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) > [Conservative political opinion in America cleaves to the tradition of the judge as passive interpreter, believing that his absolute loyalty to authoritative law is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/learned-hand/conservative-political-opinion-in-america-cleaves-to-the-tradition-of/) [Learned Hand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/learned-hand/) [Browse all 4,507 Constitution quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constitution/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Not wanting to suffer criticism, the judiciary has used its power of contempt to stifle criticism.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Prashant Bhushan" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judiciary-has-used-its-power-of/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Constitution" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judiciary-has-used-its-power-of/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/prashant-bhushan-6062_criticism_not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judi_1317141.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/prashant-bhushan-6062_criticism_not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judi_1317141.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc3/prashant-bhushan-6062_criticism_not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judi_1317141.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Not wanting to suffer criticism, the judiciary has used its power of contempt to stifle criticism.” — Prashant Bhushan", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Prashant Bhushan", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prashant-bhushan/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Not wanting to suffer criticism, the...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judiciary-has-used-its-power-of/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prashant-bhushan/not-wanting-to-suffer-criticism-the-judiciary-has-used-its-power-of/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```