New Delhi, July 26 -- Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan on Sunday observed that the space for expressing dissent in India is steadily diminishing, with even students protesting for their rights facing arrest and difficulties in securing bail. He also noted that, in many cases, courts impose stringent bail conditions that significantly curtail their personal liberty, according to Live Law.

Speaking on the issue, Justice Bhuyan said people raising concerns over environmental degradation, "which is a reality", are often treated "as if they are criminals." He further remarked that students participating in protests on university campuses are arrested, denied bail for "30-40 days," suspended from their institutions, and are then compelled to...