Judges letter on ‘SIR’ raises valid questions
Introductory Memo:
Usually, we come across various kinds of people behaving differently. It all depends on their priority. However, distinguishing people with hidden agendas was much difficult as they cover themselves with one or other veil as if they are something different. That is what taking place in India. It was time to uncover those purdas so that fact will be there before the public.
Analytical view/ analysis
For long, the opposition is in indigestive situation of Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister for the third time, though two years had already passed. The opposition leaders could not succeed despite making all out efforts. Now they are targeting the institutions instead of individuals, with the same target. Leaders and parties may come and go, but if the institutions’ reputation was damaged beyond point that leads to collapse of the entire system.
They are aiming for anarchy in the nation and that will transform the power from the existing hands. At the same time it may not fell in the hands who are wishing for that and a third party, may be controlled by other forces, may grab the power leading to a disaster. We have recent examples in our neighbouring nations.
In a democracy, everyone has a right to question and get answers. But, beyond a logical point it was not acceptable. At present the Election Commission of India (CEC) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) are under attack. Leaders from opposition parties are warning of dire consequences once power changes hands. This is nothing short of blackmailing the ECI. They want the entire nation to see the tamasha, while they are playing. Except the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Institution itself, there was no one to defend the ECI.
Now, 42 retired judges stepped in questioning the legitimacy of attack on ECI. The words used at ECI and CEC as thieves, puppets, compromised is degrading the level of politicians. The same are the voting machines through which the Congress party came to power in Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala. They wish to cancel the elections of but they are not ready to apply same parameter in these states except at the Centre and where the BJP is in power. Even the courts were blamed at fault when any judgement was not in their favour.
SIR is not new
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is not new for India or held for the first time. Section 21(3) of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, confers the right to the ECI to conduct the SIR and revise the rolls at any time. The purpose of SIR is simple and direct- Remove the name so the dead, the duplicates entries of the same name, the names of those who shifted their residences to other place and to include the names of eligible citizens. Even the Supreme Court upheld the ongoing process of SIR as legal and valid.
In the name of making wild allegations against the CEC and ECI, the opposition is eroding trust of common public on the system, which results in anarchy, rouge elements taking the control, who are under the influence of vested interests. “Trust is currency of democracy. Tell citizens often enough that their vote does not count, and they stop believing in ballot. When the ballot loses weight, the street gains it. Unrest begins with a narrative. Anarchic and fringe elements occupy the vacuum. Some are homegrown. Some take their cues from beyond borders,” said the letter written by the judges.
They further said, “Citizens must examine the claims before accepting them or sharing them. The protesters must exercise their rights within the framework of the law. Democratic accountability depends in scrutiny that seeks answers and reform that strengthens the system.”
The judges appealed different sections of the society with a caution – Scrutinize and confirm authenticity before trusting and forwarding the same information.
To political parties – Contest elections, do not delegitimize them. Take your grievances to the Commission and Courts with evidences.
To the media: Do not amplify conjuncture and speculation without first scrutinizing and verifying the claims you report. A headline is not evidence, and petition does not make an allegation the truth.
To constitutional bodies: Stand firm, remain transparent, address legitimate concerns with clarity and stay above the political fray.
To our fellow citizens: Verify the facts before acting on them. Do not let anyone convince that your vote is meaningless. Your vote is your voice and its matters.
News at a Glance:
Social media pulse:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DeOrZJRFS9Q/
https://www.facebook.com/cnnnews18/videos/cec-breaking-news/1573661223917687/