The Advocate Dilip Sarkar Memorial Debate 2024, titled “National Interest Demands Control of Social Media”, was held on Friday at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. Organized by the Dilip Sarkar Memorial Foundation, the event drew eminent personalities from diverse fields. State Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury inaugurated the programme, with notable attendees including Tripura High Court Judge Justice Arindam Lodh, Retired Justice S.C. Das, Advocate General Shaktimoy Chakraborty, and eminent cardiac surgeon Dr. Kunal Sarkar from Kolkata.
In his inaugural address, Sushanta Chowdhury strongly endorsed regulating social media in the interest of national security. “In my personal capacity, I can tell you that I strongly feel controlling social media is needed,” he remarked. Justice Arindam Lodh echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the societal impact of social media and the need for responsible usage. He stated, “The Constitution grants us freedom of speech, but it also imposes reasonable restrictions. No freedom should be unfettered.”
The event’s debate panel included distinguished contributors such as Radio Mirchi content creator Agnijit Sen, noted author Chandril Bhattacharjee, and Tripura-based experts like Dr. Basab Ghosh and Dr. Sayak Mukherjee. Moderated by Dr. Kunal Sarkar, the debate explored the balance between freedom of expression and the need for regulation to curb misinformation and divisive content.
Justice S.C. Das and Advocate General Shaktimoy Chakraborty also paid tribute to the late Advocate Dilip Sarkar, celebrating his legal expertise and mentoring of young lawyers.
The debate provided an engaging platform for thoughtful discussions, reiterating the importance of upholding national interest while fostering responsible use of social media in a rapidly digitalizing world.
