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The Law is an ass

Madhu Koda's arrest a few days ago follows the pattern established in our country in dealing with the rich and powerful caught committing acts of criminality. Initially there is a lot of righteous hoo-ha in the media about no one being above the law of the land. Those caught protest their innocence, accuse unnamed individuals for conspiring against them and threaten dire consequences if they are prosecuted. Most are taken ill: Koda developed stomach trouble, Buta Singh's son Sarabjot got heart problems and spent a few days in hospital. Doctors never tell them, "There is nothing wrong with you," and send them home. Instead, they carry out all the tests they can think of before discharging them.

That gives them sufficient time to the accused to plan out their strategy, consult lawyers and friends on how to get out of the clutches of the law. They spend a few days in judicial custody and apply for bail. Once out on bail, they are no longer newsworthy and soon everyone forgets about them.

Does anyone know what happened to the high priest of a famous Hindu temple down south who was arrested on charges of corruption, conspiring in the murder of one of his detractors and molesting women? All I know he was granted bail and was probably back in his temple, conducting prayers.

Does anyone know the outcome of the charges of making vast sums of money levelled against Natwar Singh, former External Affairs Minister, his son Jagat and his friend Sehgal in the oil-for-food scam during the Iraq War? I have no idea except that all three are enjoying life. So is Sarabjot Singh, who made a full confession of demanding a huge bribe in a case pending before his father. Buta Singh continues to hold a constitutional post; Sarabjot has enough to continue living in comfort.

It is not only the flaws in our judicial system that allow such miscarriages of justice to take place but also the shortcomings of our media, which do not cover cases to their conclusion and leave us guessing. Our aim should be to try people accused of bribery and corruption, convict or absolve them as they deserve and not leave cases hanging in the air for years without end.

Khushwant Singh December 12, 2009, Hindustan Times





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