Rule of law

There is, of course, no doubt that the law cannot be effective unless the process of its enforcement is cleared of political influence-peddling and interferences. Even hardened criminals are often identified in terms of their political connections and the cases against them are weighed carefully on the basis of political implications, supposed or real. Political considerations getting the better of those of administration of justice have been far too much of a reality in our context.

So, the need is to reform the existing politico-administrative attitudes and equations which hinder the law from taking its natural course. Law and order cannot improve as long as administration remains inextricably linked to politics, party politics to be precise.

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Indeed, the handling of law and order depends on the political character of the government. But all the political parties have to take a broader view of the matter and accept the truth that without rule of law nobody's interest is truly safe and protected. As long as dispensation of justice is viewed from the narrow angle of politics and allowed to be dominated by petty considerations, law and order will never improve. Above all, in matters of law enforcement, there will have to be an operational distinction between the government and the ruling party.

Enforcement of law cannot be selective; it has to be professional and focused on criminal regardless of their political colour, assumed or otherwise. It would be a great service to the nation if the political parties go by this simple and easily understandable principle. Of course, what we mean is that upholding the principle in theory only, as politicians do, is not enough to bring about the desired change.

Another very relevant point to be taken note of is that lawlessness is a product of confrontational politics. The truth is, by failing to shape politics along constructive lines, in the best interests of people, the political parties have created the ideal conditions for breeding social unrest and chaos, which, in turn, lead to an all-pervasive lawlessness. The biggest casualty is economic investment and, with it, the poverty reduction programme. Our hope is they will apply brake on confrontational politics that exacerbates lawlessness.