New Delhi, July 29 -- Former Solicitor General of India and Senior Advocate Harish Salve on Wednesday said criticism of the government and its institutions is essential in a democracy to keep those in power in check, but cautioned against denigrating India while expressing views, particularly on social media.

Speaking at the AK Sen Memorial Lecture and Photograph Unveiling Ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Salve said public criticism must not come at the cost of the nation's image and urged citizens to remember that India today commands global respect.

"One thing, as someone who resides outside India, is that India today is looked at with a great sense of respect. The Western world is in turmoil as we see e...