Anna and Dream of Exemplary Democracy

Notwithstanding the all past scandals and scams which not only paralyzed the functioning of the parliamentary bodies but also tarnished the image of India on global stage, intellectuals again started the fresh debate on various issues in context of fast of the anti corruption crusader Anna Hazare for the most contentious Lokpal Bill. This debates and discussion are endless but reality and dire fact is that democracy is definitely murdered by its protectors.

As a world’s largest democracy, India sets exemplary for the rest of the democracies in the world. Henceforth it is onus of the pillars of this democracy to give apt message. But recent series of the events has definitely raised very crucial and vital issues. Firstly, what is the Role of the civil societies in the formation of the law? Parliament is the highest constitutional authority of this nation which is absolute in the formation of the law and order. Since standing committee invites the comments from the public over various Bills put forth in parliament, therefore individuals, and civil societies has place to raise the valid comments. Then what was the wrong with the notified joint drafting committee which was the confluence of the executives and representatives of the civil society to draft the effective Lokpal Bill?

Second, are fundamental rights of the citizens are effectively protected by the Government? Freedom of speech and expression as well as freedom to assemble are the fundamental rights under article 19(1) (a) and (b) of the constitution of India respectively with certain conditions. But the way by which government squelched the Baba and Anna’s anti corruption movement, raises some basic questions about the safeguards of the fundamental rights. There is need of the judicial activism of the Supreme Court to prevent the further rape of the article 32 i.e. constitutional remedies.

Third, what are the rights and responsibilities of the Union Government? To heal the wounds over the issue of detention of the veteran Gandhian and his supporters, the Union Government nudged matter in the court of Delhi Police. Already team Anna requested Prime Minister to intervene in this matter but reply from the PMO has once again shown helplessness to resolve the issue of the national importance. But it is not only about shrewdly transferring the authorities to escape from the blame game. It further sends confusion over the provisions of the Schedule VII of the constitution which clearly distributes the powers and authorities.

Ultimately it is very clear that Anna’s Anti corruption is beyond the Lokpal Bill. It is about the ideal democratic nation which was the dream of our forefathers. This movement will not give victory or defeat to anyone but we hope that its outcome will contribute in the strengthening the concept of socialistic, secular, democratic republic of India.