Politicians and challenge of the law

A Chief Minister of a state is acquitted under the Prevention of Corruption Act based on weak arithmetic; the chief minister of another is caught in the web of a ‘Modi’-fied sworn statement ; two chief ministers are using language that could make sailors blush when addressing issues about the twin states; a senior rank IPS officer is arrested in a case of dacoity; a journalist’s death is traced to the scent of blood at the door step of a minister ; one minister of law produces a fake law degree and yet another minister is facing charges of domestic violence made by his wife; a union minister accused of aiding a fugitive!!

These and other disturbing banners fill the air of India this year, five years short of the magical 2020. Hyphen the year and we are well on the way to a fine role defying circus and an imagery that deifies everything we hitherto thought sacrosanct. Without the roller skates we will be at 2020 but before that we must return to 2015 and read the ominous signs on the wall. We have ignored the writing on the wall for just too long. A Kafkaesque sense of resignation has taken its vice like grip. Yes there are aplenty out there who can be judgemental conveniently and throw up one liners and wise cracks against the corrupt or the hallowed till they join the former.

Posani Venkateshwarlu, the Public Prosecutor of AP, made a profound statement when he said, “Democracy functions on the myth theory.” There is great wisdom in the diagnosis. An increasing element of disrespect for symbols and processes is taking us to a precipice of no return. Is it that politicians today are touching an all time low and law is unable to tackle the challenge. I guess man has been the animal he is. What however is the new defiance to law is impunity. We are today far more brazen in our defiance and social acceptance of those who break the law is alarmingly increasing.

If the latter is a reflection of how tolerant and liberal social order is then it is fine. Obviously it is not the case. It is not those who break the law and are in power that get social acceptance. It is shocking how on very issue there is an area of debate supporting the corrupt or those who are on the wrong side of law. Take for instance Raje or Sushma Swaraj, people perceive the debate from where they stand on the political divide. Take the brewing battle between KCR and Babu, instead of faulting both camps for the manner in which politics and the science of investigation has been reduced to pulp fiction, we discuss morality.

Ill suits the devil to quote the scriptures but today everyone is quoting the constitution and the law. Beware of the man who speaks too much law, he may be the one who has mastered the craft not the art. India is surely running short of time. We are increasing the speed of Operation Disaster by encouraging lawlessness. Examples are just that. They all reflect a larger malady to which ‘We The People’ are contributors.

Call the bluff or pay a huge price is the slogan on the wall. The myth needs to be saluted and certain presumptions will have to be strongly reiterated. May be the route back is to reiterate our belief and trust in those who occupy high constitutional offices. Or may be at the next instance to get the child’s certificate on the king’s new clothes.

By L Ravichander