Thursday, August 2, 2007

On the conviction of “Baba” Sanjay Dutt

Well it’s universally accepted that the fundamental purpose of law and order in any country is to not only put a check on the crime committed but also punish those who break the law. The punishment meted out to errant individuals roots in a fear among the masses which in turn checks people from committing crimes. Law-n-Order is a machinery which refers to a set of protocols (book of rules) and forcefully guides us in walking the path of uprightness.
Lets start from the basics – what is the difference between a crime an a mistake? Mistake is wrong people do unknowingly. When people knowingly break the law and/ or cause damage to life and /or national property it becomes a crime. When criminal offence is committed unknowingly it very well can pass as a mistake.
All religions and nations of the world today, believe in helping people in becoming better human beings. Made a mistake (even if it’s a criminal offence committed unknowingly) and you regret it? Promise yourself not to repeat it! You shall be watched - if you keep your promise you are a better person already, if you don’t the law shall detain you.
Coming to the topic of Sanjay Dutt’s conviction, super-cop Kiran Bedi quoted “Sanjay Dutt’s crime was a mistake”. With this said about Sanjay Dutt by a responsible, renowned and respected high brass cop, goes on to show that we are not yet mature as a civilization. Some-one commits a mistake (having criminal implication) for which we keep him in the dark for 14 years as to what judgment shall be taken to reprimand him, in the mean-while drag him in–n-out the jail and courts several times, finally when he’s long turned a new leaf and has started doing good for the community we lock him up for six years for a mistake he did two decades back! What a shame, a total failure of the judicial system when we are talking tall about the law being constructive and helping people become better humans! I believe this kind of judicial system is hypocrisy in the name of justice, a slut wearing a nun’s garb.
I fully believe that ways of justice should change. It should give more emphasis on the nature of the person and his recent activities, before passing judgment against any crime/ mistake committed by the person.Sanjay Dutt as an actor was doing a great job in the entertainment industry (mind you entertaining the Indian population of 112 crores is not a joke!) Sanjay was a constant support to his sister Priya, who followed suit to her father as a politician working for the good of the masses. Sanjay Dutt was himself actively involved with NGO’s helping kids suffering from cancer and chemical dependence. Reprimanding Sanjay at this stage of his life, especially for six long years, is a scar on the face of justice.

1 comment:

  1. I do agree with ur point. As Sanju is now a changed human being I think this verdict is too harsh for him at this stage. Though we hav to keep in mind that he should not be fully set free to cite an example for the masses that Law is impartial.

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