Damned and doomed Indian citizens. Advanced society, we must call ourselves.
Folks,
Writing this article could be attributed to news in "The Hindustan Times - 02-09-2007" in which a
minority woman was tortured inhumanely along with her infant kid. The poor infant would not even know his fault. But he will grow up. Chances are that he will grow up with a seed of hatred. He will probably grow up with not so well directed hatred. Sure, the perpetrator would do the old Roman Emperors proud, who invented gladiator killings for exhibiting an instinct of beasts within.
But here is the million dollar question. Do we feel ashamed of ourselves that we are living in India, where woman
oppression is done regularly in the name of religion, caste etc. Not to mention the male superiority ego.
Knowing what we know about India, these events will happen again.
The very premise of
law for minority protection is flawed. It simply means that we have a general agreement that there is no equality. If the laws to protect a victim from a criminal were effective and efficient, we would not have needed the special law to handle castes and sub-castes. In other words, the poor woman will seek justice from those who doesn't believe she is equal in the eyes of law. Their helpers will remind her of her caste, religion etc.
I do not recall such distorted thinking in what we call "Vedic period" where castes were defined according to the nature of work. However, what it meant is that people with specific job preference or their ability to do a particular work were put inside a general collective umbrella. We call that umbrella "caste" today.
No doubt there are incidences in Hindu mythology where people with lower profiles were oppressed. But on the whole, it will be inconclusive. Because, to say that might only affects the weakest we are kidding ourselves. It does affect someone who is equally mighty or slightly less mighty. Yes I am referring to Mahabharata.
What do we do then? Do we sit and do nothing? No.
I guess, that, if the situation has to improve the solution has to come from the minority itself. I bet no minority leader will speak publicly to give up special preferences given to them. No doubt, they will not tell the citizens of their constituents that by virtue of their chair they hold, not many would dare messing with them. No one would tell the minorities that these beasts who closely resemble human would find a way to inflict atrocity to any one who is weaker to them.
What do we do, while we hope, that minority leaders will take constructive actions?
First thing, we should get rid of old age laws that pour hatred in the society i.e., we should have one law for all.
Second, advise media to use their pen in such a way that justice is served without raising conflicting ideas in the minds of the people.
Third, equal opportunity for all.
Fourth, for every unsolved case or partly solved case, the police officer in charge gets severe monetary punishment or demotion but for those exceptions which must get an approval from a committee formed by judges, media and intellectuals. The committee members should be nationalists but must not promote distorted nationalism.
Fifth, a fixed time should be allocated to deliver a verdict to every case in the court. Three adjournments. No more. No matter what. If the judge fails to manage his case within the stipulated time, he gets demoted or faces monetary and other punishments.
Sixth, every
complaint will be registered in the database of police. If, at the initial inquiry, the police thinks that a particular case should not be followed up, a written information must be provided to the local judiciary within 24 hours from the time such decision is made.
Seventh, the
person reporting the complaint must get a report in writing whether or not his case will be followed up by the police within one month. Extra time should be allocated, only at the approval of the judiciary.
Last, persons found guilty of
false complaint must be handled harshly by the law. Police must file a complaint against the malicious intent of the person making the false allegation. If the person making the false allegation has reasons to believe that alleged person could be the person who actually committed the crime, he/she must not make a direct allegation.
We brag about India shining and GDP growth. But there are things more important to everyday citizens than money or things of material interest. Not that women are not beaten up or mishandled in the west. But they do not do it for cast, for heaven’s sake.
My request to you:
If you happen to read this article, please forward the link to as many people as possible, for we do not want more atrocities to Taslima, Shah Bano etc.
Raj Shankar
http://www.rajshankar.com
http://www.you-me-triumph.com
91-9934878164, 91-9931172937, 91-631-2450732
If you take this article, kindly point a link back to this site.
HyperLink