Shame

The recent incidents unfolding in Kolkata around the insanely inhuman incident at R.G. Kar Medical College have thrown up several questions that every citizen of a democracy needs to ask. The first question that comes to mind is the relationship between the police and the political party in power in the state. What is the credibility of the services? To whom are they ultimately accountable? Theoretically, they are accountable to the people and have pledged to uphold the Constitution and pursue the truth relentlessly.

In reality, do we see this happening? Why do these people in prestigious positions for which they have worked so hard trade their integrity? Are they coerced into doing it? Is there no provision that empowers them to say no to a politician? Those experts must look into these issues and bring about a change, introducing measures that will insulate them from threats from the chief minister and the cabinet of ministers. If after such protection any officer succumbs to temptation, there should be an active vigilance department that will then act.

It is really tragic to say in the least , to see trained officers who are counted as elite behave so ignominously under God knows what kind of pressure. The constitution must really be amended to prevent politicians from behaving arbitrarily. In the absence of which having a highly capable administrative machinery will be defeated. Why isnt there a provision which allows buraucrats and politicians to directly appeal to the judiciary in case they are coerced to act in unconstitutional and unethical ways. The judiciary should have a separate set up to deal with such appeals and the advice of the judiciary should be binding. There is a provision for every citizen to appeal to the judiciary, but that is not enough. The administrators should have a special provision, to seek help and advice in a confidential manner and receive an answer instantly. They should also be assured protection under a special act so that they are not fearful to act. The constitution should be amended to put a check on the unlimited power with which the state executive is invested. A special study should be conducted on the many loopholes that exist to help the state executive to enforce its will and treat the police and bureaucrats as their personal army of retainers. Otherwisw can we say that we are a modern democracy , or that we have progressed from the middle ages?

There are cases upon cases of bullying by the executive, cases upon cases which bear witness to the collusion between the corrupt politicians and businessmen and wrongdoers who enjoy the protection of the government, not to speak of examples of the tax payers money being used to finance the schemes that suit the politicians who are the direct beneficiaries of such corruption.

As a result , there is no justice, an absence of good governance,the money paid by the hard working middle classes in the form of taxes being used by the government to create vote banks. The urgent need of the hour, therefore is reform.

It is so ironical that we have stepped into the 21st century , but we still carry with us a lugubrious legal and bureaucratic structure from the colonial era. Are we really using the advantages of technology? If we are , then why do things still take so lonf to move. Have we been able to expedite matters and deliver justice within a reasonable time, or has it become customary to delay procedures till the people forget or are tired of pursuing the issue. The culprits get enough time to flee while the authorities mull over the question of who will bell the cat? The endless negotiations and bargainings behind the scenes go on interminably.

Therefore everone concerned should decide that nothing is more important than the outcome of the battle and that truth cannot be compromised. Sadly we see just the opposite happening. Law seems to be subservient to certain persons who rule the roost and call the shots.We have always learned that the judiciary is the watchdog of the constitution and everycitizen is guaranteed the fundamental right to life and liberty. When this fundamental right is violated why does it take so long to punish the culprits. Even if evidence has been tampered, there is always circumstantial evidence and tough interrogation which can smoke out the truth. That excuse has been given in every case. First allow evidence to be destroyed, then let time pass till the issue is cast in limbo