Every time a corrupt political leader comes out on bail from the jail flashing a ‘V’ sign, my heart sinks a few notches. The political clan even tried to label themselves as a special breed, not to be bundled with any common citizen of India, and wrap them in legal protection against immediate arrest for cognizable offences. The Supreme Court of India struck down such a legal provision, stating that it was unconstitutional and outright illegal. The parliament did not stop and tried to bring the same law by the ordinance route but was pulled back after the extraconstitutional power vested in Rahul Gandhi tore the ordinance in a publicly held press conference.
The Supreme Court turned down a request from the opposition parties, who argued that the investigative agencies were used against them unfairly and on false charges. The court wouldn’t protect them from CBI and ED investigations and reminded them that their rights must be the same as those of any other ordinary person and nothing more. They have to go through the same legal process as everyone else, and the law doesn’t give them any more protection than it gives other people.
On the same day, the Supreme Court chastised the government for using the National Security Act to conduct arrests and detentions while denying citizens legal recourse. Many in the media and those opposed to the BJP-led government have been facing hardship in the recent past. The licences of TV channels have been revoked when the news broadcast was unpalatable or embarrassing to the government. The court also reprimanded the increased use of the sealed cover procedure, which earlier was exercised in very rare cases involving national security. The sealed cover denies other appellants transparency and their right to remedies.
The government needs to stop worrying that anyone who disagrees with the ruling BJP and its ideologies is against the country. They must stop considering that their party is the only one that is nationalist and patriotic. They must also stop feeling nervous that the foreign forces have only one agenda: to overrun India and throw the Modi-led BJP government out. A soft-spoken, sophisticated, and curd-loving south Indian babu who is now the external affairs minister is a prime example of how the prime minister and his government’s aggressiveness have permeated the rank and file. I do not, though, consider it a disadvantage!
Whether the polarization seen among Indians like never before is a reaction from the assertive majority remains to be seen. The strength of our country, its diversity, seems to be put to the test over and over again when people try to force their habits or language on others. All these can wait for now. The Central Government is providing free food grains under Phase VII of the PMGKAY to about 81.35 crore beneficiaries and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) until the end of 2023. This means that there are more critical problems at hand than those of religion and language.
India must reprioritize a few of its goals to grow speedily towards the promised five trillion-dollar economy by 2024, which seems difficult for now but may not be impossible. The fighting and hatred between people in the political establishment must stop. This can be done by making it a habit to talk to each other and come to agreements whenever possible, especially in the parliament.
To call ourselves the largest democracy is purely statistical; to call us the best requires a greater effort.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
