“India attained freedom in 1947″ is a rhetoric that we are inundated with by all “public” figures involved with the governance of India. But are we really free? I am trying to pen down my own study of what sort of freedom exists in India and what are the trends.
This post is prompted by mass coverage in the media on recent moves by mandarins of home ministry to enforce a ban on black-berry services (example http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/09/stories/2008030955151200.htm) but surpsisingly very little is being said about why this ban is being considered even if the bulk of users are not criminals. Is this freedom? was this the ideal that our venerable generations fought for? The laws created by subjugate us remain on statute and nary of thought to repeal them and at the same time more and more powers to curb freedom of individuals are being brought i to play.
For what? No mandarin cares to explain if this one will lead to fearless society. What they want is layers and layers of freedom to be peeled back. Where will this end? When every communication between two individual will have to be witnessed by a gazetted officer – like it happens in jails?
Justice – as was drilled in to us when we were young – is served only if not one innocent is punished even though many may escape punishment. Is this ideal of justice being given a chance in our governance? Or many innocents should suffer punishment so that not one criminal escapes? Or – as is evident from innumerable reportage about known criminals enjoying patronage – only criminals should go free?
We are proud of the fact that India has better democratic setup than many of our repressive neighbours but at the same time are we not heading in similar direction? Our freedoms are enshrined in the constitution but are they being protected? Who is to protect them? When will we as citizens rise up? Or we need “imported” leaders?
I have previously commented on another violation of my freedom by the red/blue light flashing “superior” citizens how many more personal freedoms are under severe curbs? Is this level of freedom that we want?