Mob-Lynching- The law of Pedagogue!

It is quite interesting and known by everyone that Indian Constitution has number of Indian Penal Codes (IPC), the official criminal code of laws through which various criminal offences get judged but at the stake of evidences.  But, what when crime done has no evidence or it looks like no crime without actual facts before law? Will it be a crime? Definitely it will be crime but not before law! In the same context, a trending game of lynching have become more active in the recent years for the self-proclaimed law protectors. These protectors are often called vigilant peoples. But, sometimes these people often forget their limitations and start doing the activities which is unethical, unlawful and more of a crime. Mob-Lynching, the word that is being heard very often in the recent years and it has increased its velocity as well. Well, Mob- lynching is the action to death of a person by a mob.

Now, the question arises that why a mob would kill a person? Well, definitely when a person found guilty in a public place, the mob be it from different communities, caste, religion takes the law in hand which leads to that person breathe lasts his life. There are several reasons that is listed in the penetration of mob lynching which has even led Rajasthan Government to pass a specific state bill for the Mob-lynching cases. These days, the rigid beliefs and stiff mentality regarding caste and religion has blown many conservative minds which is ultimately finishing many innocent lives. These mobs, are often the inclusion of those rigid and ruthless self-proclaimed law protectors who don’t even know what the law and democracy is.  To validate this, many cases are lined up that will draw a question mark on the ongoing reckless scenario in the society at the name of caste, hollow beliefs and religions.

The recent example we can take of The Pehlu Khan Case and Tabrej Ansari Case in which Pehlu Khan and Tabrej Ansari become the dot for the Mob’s Barb and these two cases have been in the controversies as well.

Pehlu Khan Case

:- In this case, Pehlu Khan, aged 55,  a dairy farmer from Haryana was beaten and killed by 200 people who were considered as Cow-vigilantes in Alwar District, Rajasthan. On April 1, 2017, Pehlu Khan was returning from Jaipur after purchasing cow and calves with his six other fellows. He was forcefully stopped by 200 cow vigilantes at Jaipur- Delhi National Highway. Pehlu Khan tried to show the civic document but the group wasn’t in mood to listen even. They allegedly thrashed Pehlu Khan along with his six other fellows with sticks, stones and rods. The group didn’t stop beating till Pehlu Khan was completely numb. Later, Pehlu Khan died due to serious and severe injuries. The mob also robbed them and the victims were left with no money even. Here a hitch arises, was that mob really for the protection of cows?

Later, actions were taken by the Alwar District police and six persons were accused and taken into the custody but in the recent judgement which came on 14 August, 2019, all the six accused persons were freed on the basis of benefit of doubt.

Tabrej Ansari Case

:- Now coming on the second controversial case of the year 2019. The Case of Tabrej Ansari, aged 24, was working as a wielder at Pune and resident of Kadamdia village, in Jharkhand. He returned his village to marry in the month of April. After marriage he and his wife Sahista Parvez were about to return pune. But, in month of June, dated 17^th night Tabrej Ansari was caught at Dhatkidih Village, few kilometres from his house where few people caught him and dauntlessly declared him thief. He was beaten up by the group whole night and was forced to say ‘Jai Shree Ram’. He then admitted to nearby hospital after when police came into action but he couldn’t survive due to severe injuries and dies on 22 June, 2019. Again a question arises here that if the group caught him as thief, how is it logical to force Tabrej Ansari to chant Jai Shri Ram? What is the purpose behind?

Later, Jharkhand Police started investigation and found few person accused. It was also found that the doctor’s report was invalid who declared the death of Tabrej Ansari due to Cardiac Arrest and not due to injuries.

Also, the wife, Sahista Parvez, asked CBI inclusion in the case and declared fast-until-death if the reports will not be revised again of doctors.

System’s Response

:- The major role comes from the system in the society. In these types of cases, police and political influence plays the masterstroke. The inaction and crawling of police’s working and the politics played on the lynching cases by the parties are not unseen from the society. The provoking speeches of political party members centralising the religious and community’s rigid beliefs has not only turned the table of thought process of society but this is shaping into a devil’s mentality, under which many innocent lives is getting thrashed. Now, the propaganda on religion has made the society stiff and is also inclining towards communist essence.  The most prone areas for this mob-lynching are Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Bihar, where mob-lynching has increased abruptly in recent years. Actions are taken definitely after the crime when it comes in the media but there is a must need to make some pursuits through these types of cases can be eradicated. The Supreme Court has directed the Parliament of India to make a law against the Mob-Lynching after seeing an enormous increase regarding the cases, whereas the Rajasthan state parliament has passed the specific anti-mob lynching bill, by criminalising such type of action.

Aftermath

:-  In both cases of Mob-Lynching, the reason was the advent of Hindutva. The so called vigilantes took the law in their hand to show off their rigid Hinduism. But there are many cases as well, where lynching do take place at the ground of caste differentiation, where a low caste person suffer the unethical action of upper caste groups. Is it only about ‘Jai Shree Ram’ or ‘Gau-raksha’? Is it not about one’s life which is equally important as others? These so called hollow beliefs are not only taking the society into darkness but eradicating the free and purposed life of humanity. Well, there is a dire need to understand that each life is utmost precious. Nobody has given the right to take life of another’s one. If the same scenario will keep on continuing then that day is not so far when the flame of religion and communism will take off the democratic values from the state. Changes will not take place all of sudden but changes can be adopted by giving a start from oneself. For a better living and worthy life, it is needed to understand that practical and analytical approach is the key to survive in this advance world rather than gripping the old and void beliefs which has no practical as well as logical grounds.

Article 15- A Barb on Orthodox Devout!

India’s constitution sets the structure of functioning the entire nation, laying different laws and orders. It is considered to be the flexible but rigid which defines its speciality. Indian Constitution claims to preserve the right of every citizen and is proved to be a hard stick on the violation as well. But, do each and every right, law and code mentioned in the constitution is actually driven smoothly? What is the necessity of laws if it’s not acquiring the right space in a secular state! The term ‘Democracy’ has vast aspects in itself but what if the democracy is meant for some certain groups, caste sections, and religious communities only? Well, the perfect answer for this is given by an eye-opener movie of 2019, Article 15.

Directed by, Anubhav Sinha, Article 15 has set a benchmark in the film industry that compels each individual to raise numerous questions on the ongoing reality in the society. Whether it’s related to crime, discrimination, corruption, political ill works, inequality and rest of all the unlawful things. Inspired by the Article 15, of Indian Constitution which states that no discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, religion, sex, in the democratic state, Anubhav Sinha has directed the film giving a tough slash on the actual reality that revolves in the society.

What this film speaks?

:- The plot of the story revolves around orthodox nature of the society taking the reference of a village, named Laalgaon, located somewhere in Uttar Pradesh. It primarily reflects the unlawful nature of the people who do discrimination on the grounds of caste. With storyline of a police stratagem, the story of article 15 film continues. The story is designed on the stake of a real incident, in which three minor girls from lower caste got raped, out of two then got hanged on tree by the rapists. Ayushmann Khurrana featuring in the film as Ayan Ranjan, playing the role of IPS officer got posted in the same district, and he took the onus of investigation in his hands. With steady unveiling of the case mystery, the story simultaneously unveiled the harsh reality of the society with few major issues that is Manual Scavenging, exploitation of Dalit Caste, Brahmins ill work, issues on ST/SC act, supremacy of authorities, and political game of religion.

How this film is justified?

:- This film not only scratches the evil social cause but also includes various real incidents in the same way it did take place in reality. The writer Gaurav Solanki, has written and structured the story in a way that it not only grips the entire issue to its extent but creates an instant impact on the viewer. The writing is done in a way that it moulds all the factors related to ill work and mishaps in a chain. Also, the gloomy dark light used in direction fits best with storyline that ultimately reflects the evilistic aura around. In every scene, there is a message and actuality pops out that let this overall concept to flourish at a profound stage. It is also important to mention that characterization of the film is super interesting and deserves a big applause. Each role is perfectly justified by the actors/actresses. Nevertheless, it is not a cake walk to present a large issue that is casteism which has numerous roots in a way that it not only covers every aspects but it binds the core conceptual purpose too.

Skirmish of Reality Check!

:-  The fact that this film is being appreciated by each is the presentation of every issue in the same way it did take place in reality. Each scene is somewhere based on the real life incident, be it the core part of the film that is the minor rape, supremacy of authority, manual scavenging or beating some Dalits in doubt of entering the temple. It shows how despite of being walking on the path of advancement, there exists some section in the society where the evil mishaps are still continuing. This film no doubt faced little trouble at the time of release by certain Brahmins group calling this film as Anti-Hindu. But, it shuts many mouth after the release, and eventually proved that constitution of India doesn’t have Religion, Caste, and Gender. It has the power to provide right to each citizen and has the power to eradicate the violators as well. Though now days, many avoids to speak on religious and castesim issue because some certain groups are so crazy rigid in their beliefs that they don’t see the logic but the void beliefs of orthodox. This film truly is a mockery on such groups who not only destroys the democratic values but also the humanitarian objectives as well.

What’s the verdict?

:- Films like Article 15, is truly a perfect example to make the society aware about the real aspects of unlawful and unjustified practices that often took places in every corner of India. It not only gives a complete piece of information but also compels viewers to think deeply about the subject runs in the society. Being in the 21^st century when we are so technologically advanced and inclined towards scientific aspects it is now not valid to tolerate such evil practices  which is just based on illogical, void and paralysed mentality. Since films create a wider impact on masses, and it has a great reach, Film industry should focus more on unveiling the social structure based on real happenings with a dense message just the way Article 15 does, rather than creating a fancy and fictious content which just entertains with a void impact.

Tussle for Allah or Ram?

India, the land of enormous religion and its profound cultural practices. A country which is having a large demographic perspective. The nation of Secularism, Integrity and Diversity. India is like a vast umbrella under which a number of sapiens irrespective of their background, get shaded.  No!  This is not all! India can’t be confined in just few flat sentences. Natives have different definition for their nation, depending on their state, religion, caste, and most importantly, their living standard. Now, here arises a hitch in mind that even after being called the land of secularism, integrity and diversity, how this is valid to mention the living standard of one? Well, it’s been rightly said that not all shining beads are pearls! Similarly, India, actual of being a large heritage of heterogeneous roots, somewhere lacks in proving itself in  some secular aspects. The most focussed and crucial aspect is the Religion, the only root, through which numerous stems of being categorised get into picture. The word ‘Religion’ in India comes first before the word Humanity. No doubt, we all have heard that every religion teaches Integrity, Peacefulness, Brotherhood and all rest moral values of Humanitarian. But what if these all teachings done on certain terms? The term of proving one religion superior from other? The Deity of ‘X’ religion is above the Deity of ‘Y’ religion? Isn’t it sounding weird that how this could happen in the diversified state? But, this is where the mentality is now driven.

To validate this, the most controversial case can be take into consideration which has been penetrated from around 70 years. The case of ‘Ayodhya Land Dispute’. This case is not left from any mind. The most interesting thing about this case is that it questions the origin of land, the religion of land, and the history of land. Isn’t it too hard to gulp the fact that how one can question the origin of land? Well, this is something on which we can call India as Incredible India!

What is the history of Ayodhya Land Dispute Case?

:- The Ayodhya Land Dispute case is the case of conflict for the land of 2.77 acre in Ayodhya, a city located in Faizabad District, Uttar Pradesh. To understand the case, it is important have a quick view in history. Well, it is been said that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama, the deity of Hindu religion according to Hindu Holy Books, and there was a temple of lord Rama for Hindu worshippers. But, in 1528, Mir Baqi, the commander of Mughal Emperor, Babur built a mosque for Muslim worshippers named as Babri Masjid acquiring 2.77 acre of land after demolishing the temple. It is been also believed that there was a raised platform in the premises of mosque for Hindus to worship without shrine of Lord Rama. So, both Hindu and Muslim used to enter the premises of Babri Masjid to worship their respective deities. In, 1885, the senior priest of that raised platform, Mahant Raghuvar Das had filed an appeal in the Faizabad Court to build a temple over that raised platform but the court denied his request.

The inciting point of this Case?

:- The inciting point took place in December 1949, when there was rumours spread that Lord Rama shrine has appeared inside the mosque. On the contrast, Muslims said that the Hindu worshippers forcefully kept the Lord Rama shrine inside the mosque to gain control over the mosque. That is where the actual game started of Ram and Allah. Conflict started in the heap of Hindu Religion and Muslim Religion. Ultimately, watching the situation going out of control, the then government declared the administration locked down and took the control over the mosque and entry of both Hindu and Muslim got banned simultaneously. Various petitions were filed asking the right for Hindu and Muslim worshippers from both Hindu and Muslim Community. Two major cases were filed as Nirmohi Akhara Case (1959) by Nirmohi Akhra Sangathan asking the control over site from administration and Sunni Waqf Board case (1961) asking the control over site as well as removal of shrine of Lord Rama and stoppage of practicing Hindu Worshipping.

Politics Behind.

:- Well, when there comes the topic of religion, politics plays a vital role in this context. Politics since ages has been taken as a master play in continuation. Politics and religion, these two are so deeply connected specially when the questions comes on the religious beliefs and sentiments of any community. Also, the religious majority over the minority comes in highlight driven by political propaganda.

So it all started in late 80s, when congress claimed of being the only secular party of the nation thinking for the overall development under the leadership of Rajeev Gandhi.  The rise of  Hindutva led by Hindu Vishwa Parishad and Sangh Parivar,  led by many senior leaders of BJP ( including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, Ashok Singhal and Manohar Joshi) created a hype of building the Ram Mandir on Ram-janam Bhumi (Ayodhya), at the stake of Hinduism sentiments, its religious values and beliefs. They claimed that if the land is of Lord Rama, then Lord Rama Temple should be constructed only because Ayodhya is the Ram-Janam Bhumi (Land of Lord Rama). This body carry forwarded many political campaigning, rallies, Rath-yatras to influence and aware people about the Ram Mandir and manipulating how Babri Masjid was built  by various inciting and provoking speeches by the leaders. These things were somewhere creating an ill-feeling between Hindu and Muslim Community.

Despite of many hiccups in political sector between the Ruling and opposition, a black day arrived soon after when Bhartiya Janta Party come in the state government in Uttar Pradesh. Simultaneously, Allahbad High court banned any permanent construction at the disputed site. Since, BJP was in the rule, it acquired some acres of the land and leashed it to Janam Bhumi Nayas Trust giving the verdict to use it for tourism purpose. Also, according to the court orders, that was to maintain the status quo, Kalyan Singh, the then Chief minister of Uttar Pradesh submitted an affidavit in court of assurance, following the court orders.

It was the year 1992 when Vishwa Hindu Parishad decided to celebrate Karsevak Diwas at the dispute site on 6 december. The central govt. asked Kalyan Singh about the assurance to maintain peace and strict security to be included.  Kalyan Singh assured for the same. Around 2 lakh Crowd from all over the India gathered, and VHP leaders little far from the disputed site were giving speech. Abruptly, the crowd went out of control and jumped inside the premises of Babri Masjid and they started destruction, which is believed due to the provoking speech by leaders. By the evening, Babri Masjid was demolished, thousands of peoples were buried under the architecture and many were killed as well. It was really a black day for the overall nation. In the aftermath, many riots did happen at many places. The Bombay Serial Blast in 1993 and the Godra Kand in 2002, Gujarat, these two are also taken as the resultant of Babri Masjid demolition. Around 800 Hindus were killed, hundreds of temples were destroyed too.

Even the politics on Ram and Allah is still in the race. Whether the land will be in hands of Hindu or Muslim Community, the political propaganda keeps on revolving around the religious framework.

The societal impact.

:- Well, the impact is definitely taking an evil soul. Being in the secular state, it is obviously not right to have clashes on the stake of the superiority of any religion. This Ayodhya Land Dispute case is definitely proving and driving the society on an unjustified track. Society is made up from different groups, but how is it fair to compete from the same? If our constitution states the equal right to every religion, how far it is fair to discriminate or hurt the sentiments of other religion’s beliefs and sentiments? It is been seen as a satire on the grounds of Democratic Nation.

Now, the situation has become so intensified on Hindu-Muslim topic, that it can’t be changed until or unless one tries to have a deep analysis on facts and logics. Being in the 21^st century, one should look on the practicality of the issue and the reason behind the happenings. Change is something which is a continuous process and this change has to be accepted rather than shouting on illogical and baseless stuffs. World is getting advance but there exists a harsh reality of the society  which is now witnessing many cases which have the roots only on grounds of religion. The rapid increase in mob lynching cases in different cities and villages can be the perfect example we can conclude. Instead of being secular and independent-minded, the society is inclining towards communism and conservatism.

Which way to look?

:- The question arises now on the solution which is yet to be excavated. As a citizen of a democratic nation, we need to understand that our constitutional rights are the integral thing and this is what only matters rather than hovering around the religious, cultural and casteism stuffs. There are  way too serious things to be concerned for in the society- the shortage of water, the unemployment issue, education to all, the environmental pollution issue, theses problems are much more logical and serious than questioning on who comes first, Ram or Allah? One needs to understand that above all the things, there is Humanity which comes first. Each and Every individual is same because everyone is on the same ground and same planet! It is just not about only Hindu or only Muslim, or about majority or minority, it is about both because ultimately both are contributing equally and sustaining the same in this society.  And each individual should be treated equally rather than treating on the ground of various hypothetical aspects.

Article 370: A Caged Reality!

When an abrupt action occurs in any stable situation, the reaction often proves to be unimaginable. But what if any sudden action happen to take place in any unstable situation? What can be the reaction then? Nothing can be imagined rather than just being stroke all of once. It is not wrong to say that Jammu & Kashmir is the most flaming topic since India’s Independence. The history of Jammu & Kashmir is always been a controversial subject which is yet not rectified. The acceleration is now been more because of  a historical decision  that was taken by Government of India on August 5, 2019. The Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, presented the decision to scrap the special status of J&k that is abrogation of Article 370, under which the state Jammu & Kashmir was given the special status. Further, it was declared to bifurcate Jammu- Kashmir & Laddak into two separate Union Territories.

It was being sensed by many experts and media group before this historical decision, that there might be something profound happened to take place but no one would have ever imagined of this shocking declaration that have made the whole nation froze for a while. After the news of locking down the special status of J&K in pages of Indian History, right then started the loop of connecting dots that had marked since 70 years by many opinion leaders, media and experts panel.  It can be easy to say that this decision has added a golden star in Modi’s Government even after enormous criticism of oppositions.

What is the buttress of article 370?

:- Article 370 was drafted as temporary, transitional and special provision in Indian Constitution after when Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh in 1947, signed the Instrument of Accession that gave Indian Government the access only on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Communication of the Jammu and Kashmir. Nevertheless, some rights of J&k was different from other Indian State till the abrogation. This status gave right to J&k to have separate flag, separate constitution along with Article 35(a) that prohibited citizens from other states of India to buy property in J&K, and giving special citizenship credentials to people of J&k.

Why this abrogation?

:- The reason of revoking this status is framed under the issue of development of Jammu and Kashmir. Government of India considered Article 370 as an impediment to development of Jammu and Kashmir and the crux of increasing terrorism in the realm. Also, Modi’s Governement threw light on various opportunities that people of Jammu and Kashmir were abandoned from, whether it was in the field of education, employment or women empowerment. So, Considering the democracy factor of nation, Government revoked the special status of J&k accordingly which was necessary to work ahead on the path of overall development of India.

Decision’s Aftermath.

There is a big buzz around the world on scrapping up of Article 370. Many countries speak up their opinion including China, USA, and Pakistan. However, the decision was welcomed with mixed reaction by the nation except J&k. It is quite indigestible to know that where the whole world is presenting their opinion, J&k doesn’t even know about the current happening going on for them.  J&k have been kept completely unaware and detached from the reality going around the world due to the freezing of all communication sources in the state by Indian Government and house arrest of many politicians in J&K . Isn’t it quite weird to know that the decision for whom was taken has been locked down? How far this fits in the secular and democratic nation? There is a big question mark on the process of this scrapping up of Article 370. It is being asked by the government that how far it is right to scrap the special status by freezing up all the communication sources in J&K, strengthening the security and declaring the decision which is completely subjected to an authoritarian rule. It is just the violation of human rights and democratic values.

The people of other states are celebrating the decision while no eyes are on the living condition of peoples of Jammu and Kashmir. How correct is to lock down anyone in the cage showing the diamond studded around it? Well, it is important to know the reaction of people for which things are being done rather than just beating the buzz of opposition’s fault and the game of politics. A common man doesn’t know the game of politics, what he knows is democratic rights which he expects it to be secured by the government rather than being stammered. He just need a peaceful and secure life in democratic nation.  If decisions in the democratic state are being taken then the people are the core reason who can decide how right the things are for them. But in the case of this abrogation, the major people are kept aside by the ruling party.  However, the government claims the situation in J&K is normal but it will be well known only when the curtain of lock down will be unveiled. But, reality cannot be caged for long and someday it has to get uncaged! Well, there is now an eager wait of the reaction of those people for whom the major decision is taken and how positively they welcomes the decision.