Reporter's Diary: Judge ignores trolls, proves his mastery over cyber bullying

The cyber world can be full of people who want to share their opinions. But along with them, there also exists a whole group of trolls or the so- called ‘online bullies’, whose sole aim is to upset others. Falling victim to these online bullies was a judge of the Madras High Court. He was trolled for directing enforcement of the helmet rule and subsequently abused online, for his remarks against government school teachers boycotting classes.

Taking exception to the fact that a mere five students from Government schools could make it to the MBBS course after cracking the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the judge observed that the striking teachers ought to be ashamed of this fact. Also, wondering as to whether the teachers need unions and at the first place, had raised the need of installing bio-metric readers and cameras to ensure that the teachers not only attended classes in time, but also actually taught the students.

This resulted in a whole range of trolls, resulting in certain advocates bringing them to the judge’s attention. They submitted that such action not only amounted to contempt of court, but also, interference with justice delivery system. This had led to the judge calling for details of the offensive materials circulated online.

But then, even as the government pleader got the police to register an FIR in this regard against unknown people, the judge preferred to ignore the trolls saying, that the endeavour is to provide justice even to persons who are making allegations. It looks like the judge has got a full feel of the trolls and that they are not looking for a resolution but are merely seeking acknowledgement. So, the best way out is to ignore them.