With the recent incident in Delhi, there have been a lot of calls for an effective overhaul in the system. People want harsher punishments like chemical castration and death penalty. But let's step back for a second and try and look at the bigger picture. Why do you think most other countries are moving away from death penalties? It's because the chances of the victim surviving the incident go down drastically. As for chemical castration, if you thought that it meant dealing with the manhood of the perpetrator then you are completely wrong. It's just chemicals that have to be fed to them, regularly, to reduce the testosterone in him, which might be interesting in a country which spent over 0.8 million on Kasab.
Despite all this, I believe in the necessity of change. Not only in the punishments but more importantly in the conviction rates.The punishments should not just be a rap on the wrists for the culprits. I am not a human-right activists talking of compensation, ( Compensation!! Seriously ) here. You mean to say that just providing money to the victim would do away with the pain. What utter crap!
The problem with India and its systems is not only that it's archaic but also that it's out of reach. Supposedly there have been measures by the system more accessible. I mean, when was the last time you wanted to go complain about something and knew exactly how to go about doing it. Here's something that happened a few days back:
On 1st of January, we decided to go out and have a good time. So the first stop, lunch. The place - Dadu's, a well known eatery in the city of Hyderabad known for it's sweets and chat. We reach the place and order chat for lunch. The food arrives and we start having it only to realize that the potatoes and the chana that was served was stale( maybe even from the previous day ). For what they charge, it sure got us angry. We had quite the argument with the staff and they accepted the fact that the food was stale. Mom decides to go complain and picks up a little sample of food as "evidence" . We come out of the shop and talk about it. The first question that comes to mind - Who do you go to? I mean, if you take this to the Police Station they would laugh their asses off. And why shouldn't they !! It's not their job. It's a health inspector's job. Anyone reading this blog know where to complain if you are ever in such a situation. That's the problem with our system.
It's not that we don't have the laws. Mostly, our laws have been well thought out. The problem is their accessibility. It's the same problem with the current punishment for rape and other such violent crimes. I was shocked on hearing that it's a rule that any rape related case should be heard and judgement passed within 90 days of the incident. Does that ever happen, except in high profile cases? We need to bring the whole thing closer to the common man, making sure that it's implemented right down to the letter. The issue of corruption has the exact same problem. You ask 80% of the people of this country and they would be ready to get their work done without resorting to bribery. But then, if asked for a bribe openly who do they have to complain to. If you do complain, you have to present proof that you were asked for a bribe. So basically, everyone has to become a reporter and execute a sting operation!! There are anti-corruption laws. For God's sake, we had a "Lokpal" Bill passed.
And as long as they stay out of reach, the indifference of the people towards the law will continue. I mean, why would you act as a witness if you know that it will only cause you trouble. If it's minimum effort and it helps someone, would you not step forward to help? At least I would.
Despite all this, I believe in the necessity of change. Not only in the punishments but more importantly in the conviction rates.The punishments should not just be a rap on the wrists for the culprits. I am not a human-right activists talking of compensation, ( Compensation!! Seriously ) here. You mean to say that just providing money to the victim would do away with the pain. What utter crap!
The problem with India and its systems is not only that it's archaic but also that it's out of reach. Supposedly there have been measures by the system more accessible. I mean, when was the last time you wanted to go complain about something and knew exactly how to go about doing it. Here's something that happened a few days back:
On 1st of January, we decided to go out and have a good time. So the first stop, lunch. The place - Dadu's, a well known eatery in the city of Hyderabad known for it's sweets and chat. We reach the place and order chat for lunch. The food arrives and we start having it only to realize that the potatoes and the chana that was served was stale( maybe even from the previous day ). For what they charge, it sure got us angry. We had quite the argument with the staff and they accepted the fact that the food was stale. Mom decides to go complain and picks up a little sample of food as "evidence" . We come out of the shop and talk about it. The first question that comes to mind - Who do you go to? I mean, if you take this to the Police Station they would laugh their asses off. And why shouldn't they !! It's not their job. It's a health inspector's job. Anyone reading this blog know where to complain if you are ever in such a situation. That's the problem with our system.
It's not that we don't have the laws. Mostly, our laws have been well thought out. The problem is their accessibility. It's the same problem with the current punishment for rape and other such violent crimes. I was shocked on hearing that it's a rule that any rape related case should be heard and judgement passed within 90 days of the incident. Does that ever happen, except in high profile cases? We need to bring the whole thing closer to the common man, making sure that it's implemented right down to the letter. The issue of corruption has the exact same problem. You ask 80% of the people of this country and they would be ready to get their work done without resorting to bribery. But then, if asked for a bribe openly who do they have to complain to. If you do complain, you have to present proof that you were asked for a bribe. So basically, everyone has to become a reporter and execute a sting operation!! There are anti-corruption laws. For God's sake, we had a "Lokpal" Bill passed.
And as long as they stay out of reach, the indifference of the people towards the law will continue. I mean, why would you act as a witness if you know that it will only cause you trouble. If it's minimum effort and it helps someone, would you not step forward to help? At least I would.
