Sunday, April 25, 2010
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Can of Worms-IPL Controversy
The IPL controversy seems to have opened a can of worms with new and nastier revelations coming day by day.Lalit Modi, the man behind the success so far, seems to have suddenly fallen from grace and allegations of match fixing, corruption and benami transactions are all being levelled against him. The country has become judgemental on the criminality of Modi and the means and ways by which he could be punished are being looked into. Indeed, the controversy surrounding the IPL has come as a surprise to the entire nation which has so far been afflicted with the success and glamour involving the same. But conclusions should not be drawn too fast. An inquiry is in process and a little patience is expected before the verdict of guilty is pronounced. Secondly, the involvement of Modi and those of others who have abetted the same must be brought to book without bias and fear. Thirdly, a review of thh situation concerning the game of cricket and sports in general must be done to avoid such fallouts in future. As of now, we remain glued on to our televisions and closely follow the developments that take place. Afterall, the controversy seems to be generating increased interest with Lalit Modi determined to put up a brave fight.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Out on Parole and Partying??
The parole of Manu Sharma and his consequent partying has irked debates in various quarters of government and legal forum. Manu Sharma had been convicted after a prolonged battle in the murder of Jessica lal. He was awarded a life sentence and is currently expected to be in prison serving his term.
However, as a bolt from the blue. the country was suddenly awaken to the news of his being embroiled in a fight in a pub in Delhi. The immediate question was how was he a free man? It seems that the Govet. has released him from prison on account of his mother's ill health. The system of parole is existent in India but cannot be claimed as a matter of right. Parole can be granted only in extreme circumstances and subject to the satisfaction of the Govt. of the extremity involved therein. In the present circumstances the ill heath of the mother of the convict, who was seeing making appearances in certain programmes, was found extreme by the Govt. to grant him the benefit.
Is it not a mockery of the entire system and the people involved therein? Is it not a humiliation and disregard of the several people who gathered together to fight for justice in Jessica lal Murder when Manu Sharma was roaming as a free man? Is it not a travesty of justice for the immediate family members and near ones of the deceased?? It is the ultimate shame for the people and the nation as a whole if the rich and the powerful are able to make such inroads in the criminal justice network.
A visit to the jails reveal the sad plight of the prisoners. About 90% of them are from poor socio economic backgrounds. Their families- wife, children, ailing parents are unable to make ends meet. They starve, beg or end their lives in the misery that befalls them. In many situations, they are plagued by serious illnesses. How many times have the instrument of parole been used to allow them to visit their homes and stay there for a considerable period of time? In rare situations, if parole has been given, it has been for limited periods such as a day or two. No one has or should object to the same since it is in obedience of law that teh grant of parole is made.
BUt the Manu Sharma incident shocks the human conscience.A person of money and power, who needs to be at home to take care of his (un)well mother, is quite unbelievable and unworthy of legal consideration. It sounds strange as to how the govt.,if not for other reasons, had granted him parole on such flimsy grounds. The suspicion is further strengthened when he himself surrendered the very next day to prison authorities.
If the Criminal Justice System is allowed to be used by the powerful and rich, the day is not far when the country will lose its entity as a Democratic Republic.
However, as a bolt from the blue. the country was suddenly awaken to the news of his being embroiled in a fight in a pub in Delhi. The immediate question was how was he a free man? It seems that the Govet. has released him from prison on account of his mother's ill health. The system of parole is existent in India but cannot be claimed as a matter of right. Parole can be granted only in extreme circumstances and subject to the satisfaction of the Govt. of the extremity involved therein. In the present circumstances the ill heath of the mother of the convict, who was seeing making appearances in certain programmes, was found extreme by the Govt. to grant him the benefit.
Is it not a mockery of the entire system and the people involved therein? Is it not a humiliation and disregard of the several people who gathered together to fight for justice in Jessica lal Murder when Manu Sharma was roaming as a free man? Is it not a travesty of justice for the immediate family members and near ones of the deceased?? It is the ultimate shame for the people and the nation as a whole if the rich and the powerful are able to make such inroads in the criminal justice network.
A visit to the jails reveal the sad plight of the prisoners. About 90% of them are from poor socio economic backgrounds. Their families- wife, children, ailing parents are unable to make ends meet. They starve, beg or end their lives in the misery that befalls them. In many situations, they are plagued by serious illnesses. How many times have the instrument of parole been used to allow them to visit their homes and stay there for a considerable period of time? In rare situations, if parole has been given, it has been for limited periods such as a day or two. No one has or should object to the same since it is in obedience of law that teh grant of parole is made.
BUt the Manu Sharma incident shocks the human conscience.A person of money and power, who needs to be at home to take care of his (un)well mother, is quite unbelievable and unworthy of legal consideration. It sounds strange as to how the govt.,if not for other reasons, had granted him parole on such flimsy grounds. The suspicion is further strengthened when he himself surrendered the very next day to prison authorities.
If the Criminal Justice System is allowed to be used by the powerful and rich, the day is not far when the country will lose its entity as a Democratic Republic.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Criminal Justice System-Call for Reform
The recent death of key accused in the Rs 23-crore Ghaziabad PF scam, Ashutosh Asthana, at UP’s Dasna district jail under highly mysterious circumstances reopens the debate of protection issues of key witnesses in the criminal justice system.
Ashutosh Asthana a man of ordinary standing had been instrumental in disbursement of PF in connivance with judicial officers and sitting judges of High Court and Supreme Court as has been alleged. He was well aware of the illegalities involving persons of high stature and standing in public life. BUt his sudden demise has sent a jolt to the investigation. It is indicative of several things:
1. The failure of the Criminal Justice System to provide protection and security to key suspects and witnesses
2. The power demonstrated by the invisible classes who have been successful in eliminating the accused and prematurely throttling the justice delivery system
The country needs to improve and modenise its systems and processes in order to stop a repetition of the incident. In the past, there has been numerous incidents of suspects being found dead or unavailable or witnesses turning hostile. In majority of the situations, the accused involved were people of high standing in society- the so called powerful class. This unholy nexus between the powerful and the criminal justice machinery must be put to an end.
The Criminal Justice must be brought out of the controls of the political class,
and most importantly, the suspects and witnesses must be provided adequate security and protection by the system itself.
Ashutosh Asthana a man of ordinary standing had been instrumental in disbursement of PF in connivance with judicial officers and sitting judges of High Court and Supreme Court as has been alleged. He was well aware of the illegalities involving persons of high stature and standing in public life. BUt his sudden demise has sent a jolt to the investigation. It is indicative of several things:
1. The failure of the Criminal Justice System to provide protection and security to key suspects and witnesses
2. The power demonstrated by the invisible classes who have been successful in eliminating the accused and prematurely throttling the justice delivery system
The country needs to improve and modenise its systems and processes in order to stop a repetition of the incident. In the past, there has been numerous incidents of suspects being found dead or unavailable or witnesses turning hostile. In majority of the situations, the accused involved were people of high standing in society- the so called powerful class. This unholy nexus between the powerful and the criminal justice machinery must be put to an end.
The Criminal Justice must be brought out of the controls of the political class,
and most importantly, the suspects and witnesses must be provided adequate security and protection by the system itself.
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