Pairokar

  How can the so-called civilised nations of the world, particularly those that proclaim themselves champions of human rights, remain silent in the face of the reported execution of two Bangladeshis in Mecca? Where are the voices that rise so readily in defence of human dignity, the rule of law and the right to life when confronted with such a disturbing case? The two Bangladeshis, identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, were reportedly executed on October 14 over alleged “immoral acts” inside a mosque in Mecca. They were said to have been clicking photographs because it was unthinkable to have indulged in a sexual act in the full glare of thousands of people. Yet Saudi authorities have not publicly disclosed detailed information about the specific acts for which the couple were sentenced to death. When the ultimate punishment is imposed, the public is entitled to ask a fundamental question: what precisely was the offence, what evidence was presented, and by what ...

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant deserves to be complimented for refusing to meet a delegation of politicians that included the Leaders of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The CJI rightly observed that meeting to discuss matters connected with pending cases would violate the constitutional principle of separation of powers and established norms of judicial propriety. The INDIA Bloc leaders had sought an appointment to submit a memorandum raising concerns over the Chief Election Commissioner of India, alleged arbitrary arrests of students, the closure of metro stations, the cancellation of trains, and other issues. What is particularly objectionable and surprising, however, is the very decision of these political leaders to seek an appointment with the CJI to raise such issues. Did they not understand that the judiciary cannot be approached as a forum for political intervention, nor can political leaders expect the Chief Justice to entertain representa...

  It is nothing short of astonishing that advocates claiming to practise before the Supreme Court should participate in a march demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. One would expect those who claim familiarity with constitutional law to know that the CEC cannot be removed at the government's whim or by street pressure. His removal is governed by a constitutional process comparable to that applicable to a Supreme Court judge. Unlike a minister, who can be removed by the Prime Minister or, in a state, by the Chief Minister, the CEC enjoys constitutionally protected tenure. Neither political expediency nor public agitation can substitute for the procedure prescribed by the Constitution. The CEC can be removed only on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity . The process requires a motion signed by at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha, followed by its admission by the presiding officer. A three-member inquiry c...

  Slogans are meant to convey an idea, inspire people and give expression to a collective cause. The most memorable slogans in our public life have carried a message that was larger than the words themselves. Consider Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's famous call, “Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga,” or Lal Bahadur Shastri's “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” Slogans such as “Dhan aur dharti bant ke rahegi” and “Jo jotega, woh malik hoga” likewise emerged from particular social and political movements and sought to mobilise people around a cause. Even the more recent “Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi” was designed to convey a political message and mobilise supporters. Against this background, slogans such as “Ek kachori, do samosa, in mardon ka kya bharosa” sound less like a meaningful call for social change and more like an attempt at ridicule. Heard in the context of protests over women's safety, the sentiment behind the slogan may be understandable: women have legitimate and serio...