A lot happened in Maharashtra over the last few
months. The meet ban controversy, MNS and Shiv Sena workers’ demonstration
outside Jain Community hall. Then the release of water from Gangapur Dam in
Nashik and how can we forget the imposition of Section 124A of IPC and CrPC (156) (3) and 190. Let us just take a look and study the tussle and
turmoil in Maharashtra a bit more deeply…
At first the introduction of Criminal Procedure Code CrPC (156) (3) and 190 has invited a big debate over this period. Police
won’t be able to file an FIR against an MLA or a bureaucrat, even if so
directed by a court, without the sanction of the speaker of the Assembly in
case of the former and of the chief secretary in case of the latter. The
decision is also applicable to elected representatives of panchayats and
municipalities. Now as if we don’t know how rules are being bend in India and
how they are implemented after being turned and twisted. In a time where, the
freedom of speech and expression is actually being used, in a time where people
are taking interest in the national politics, we see these kind of amendments
that push people against the wall, and challenge their motivations. The big
question is, what was the need for this law? Was there any situation of
emergency? Was there a riot? Isn’t the state government answerable to its
citizens? This kind of monopolistic behavior of the state government shackles
the very spirit of democracy. If every state government comes with this kind of
provisions, it will be almost impossible to curb crime and corruption. The
government has claimed the reason for this to be the frequent fake complaints
filed against government officers. However legal experts believe that such a
change could make it tougher for people to report and initiate action against
corrupt government officers. Why does the government feel that a magistrate is
not competent enough to order action against accused officers? These questions
must be answered by the state government and the citizens have every right to
get answered.
Second
we come to the draconian British era law imposed on the helpless citizens of
Maharashtra which states that “anyone, by words, either spoken or written, or
by signs or by visible representation or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring
into hatred or contempt, dissatisfaction and provoking violence against the
central or the state government” will face sedition charges under clause 124-A
of the IPC (Indian Penal Code). What can we say now? In fact it snatches our
very own right, the most basic one, freedom to speak and express. A government
which can’t take criticism and has stooped down to this level is hammering the
basic foundation of the so called ‘Democracy’. Again the same question, what
led to the imposition of this law? Which compelling situations led to this? For
the information of the readers, the section had originally been inserted into
the Code by the Indian Penal Code Amendment Act, 1898, enacted by the
Imperial Legislative Council. We are all one, when it comes to changing road
names, we want it to be Mumbai, not Bombay, but then why not to change these
century old laws? Are we incapable in doing that? No. We are bunch of selfish
people, who are looting this country for our own short-lived benefits. It’s
clear, it’s visible, but you can’t say that. I am saying this, out in open,
this law sucks! Arrest me for expressing my views. Arrest me for expressing my
opinion.
No wait,
are you tired? Don’t be, because there is more to come.
Let’s
come to the meat ban controversy in which this very own government banned the
sale of meat for 8 days on account of Paryushan, celebrated by the Jain
community. The ban on meat during Paryushan has been since 2004. But it has not
been implemented consistently as far as the ban on sale is concerned. Again the
same question, what led to its implementation now? Which genie is telling the
government to do so? Earlier the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation imposed 8
days’ ban on the slaughter and sale of meat, but after public outrage, the ban
was reduced to two days. To protest against the ban, On 13 September, 2015 a
mob of 50 MNS party workers gathered in front of Jain community hall and
roasted meat. First the sudden implementation of a rule which was hitherto
sleeping in slumber and then the unique and innovative protest. Welcome to
India, Welcome to Maharashtra! Each and every community has its own set of
rules and principles which it follows. India is a land where thousands of
religions and communities co-exist. Can we dictate the terms to one section
just because the ideologies of the other religion clash? If the government
considers us as immature, then why to boast about democracy then? What is
democracy, what is Secularism? Are they just two words written on the
constitution, which nobody cares to remember?
Wait,
baba, there’s more to come, Yeh Dil Mangey More.
Next is
the issue of releasing of water from the Gangapur Dam on account of ‘Shahi
Snan’ taken during Kumbh Mela. One believes that if they take a dip
during that time, they’ll get rid of all the sins they have committed in their
life, where on the same day same night, thousands are crying because of drought
in the same state. The state has already released two thousand million cubic
water from Nashik’s Gangapur dam for the holy bath and is due to release 1
thousand million cubic. Imagine, this amount of water being supplied to the
families of needy and poor farmers and at the other side imagine half nude sadhus
dipping themselves and hallucinating things. The Bombay High Court has asked
the state government in Maharashtra to reconsider its decision. Note here,
“asked” and “reconsider”. All that a court can do, unfortunately in India, in
Maharashtra. When it’s clearly stated in The National Water Policy that first
preference will be given to drinking followed by agriculture and at last for
commercial purposes. What stops the Bombay High Court to dictate it to the
state government to follow that?
Enough
for the brain for now, it can’t take more than this. All we can say is Jai
Maharashtra and Atta Majhi Satakli!
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