Whom to go for Justice?

It is most disturbing and distressing piece of news item to read that 24 Judges including one of the Supreme Court has been found involved in a multi-crore Provident Fund Scam against whom the CBI has decided to proceed. It is for the first time in the history of independent India that such a large number of judicial officers have been found to indulge in petty pecuniary benefits through fraud and conspiracy. Judiciary in India has held the pride of place in public estimation for its impartiality, integrity and highest degree of moral standards. It has been rightly compared with Ceasar's wife who should be beyond an iota of doubt in its conduct and dispensation of justice.

2. There have been isolated cases of a judge charged with corruption or misconduct but it is beyond the imagination of the most pessimist that such a large number of judicial officers whom people have been almost worshiping for dispensing even handed justice, would fall from grace. This reflects the general decadence that has afflicted the modern society and Judges are a product of the same society. This incidence should wake us up and call for enforcing a system of checks and balances in the Judiciary also as in other organs of the administration. Now the Judiciary has forefeited its claim of immunity from the procedure followed for other public servants.

Unethical and Biased Press of India

How the Media is prejudiced and acting as the spokespersons for the Govt. can be judged from the following news published in Hindustan Times."VVIP treatment for Shah in VVIP prison"(H.T. Dated 27-7-2010) . It is alleged in this biased piece of news item that Amit Shah the former Minister of Home in Gujarat has been permitted by the Court to eat home cooked food and get clothes from home while in judicial custody. Further, that he ate home cooked Khichri, Dal and rice.

2. Amit Shah has been detained in judicial custody facing trial on various charges which will be proved or rejected by the long drawn judicial process in due course. In other words, he is not a convict and the person is to be assumed innocent till proved guilty. He was given permission by the Court to eat home cooked food and use clothes and bed supplied from home. So what is the big deal? The Paper has given a new imaginative meaning to the word "VVIP treatment" by disclosing that he ate Khichri, rotis, dal and rice cooked at home. I hope that Five Star Hotels will take a cue from it and revise their Menu Cards and Tariffs.

2. On the other hand it did not think it proper to highlight the happenings in Arthur Road Jail of Mumbai where two heinous anti-national terrorists charged and convicted of mass murders, extortions and anti national crimes were enjoying the best things of life viz. Special food, clothings, basket full of fruits and a special bath Room. This is not a imaginative story but the disclosures made by a Minister of the Government. The reporting by the newspapers is expected to be factual and un-biased. That the Press will stoop down so low in its reporting is shameful and regrettable.

Central Bureau of Investigation-. Or Whose Bureau of Investigation

It is unfortunate to observe that an elite Police forces renamed C.B.I. from its earlier Avtar of Special Police Establishment created with a view to independentally probe, investigate and bring to prosecution criminal cases of natlonal significance has become a subject matter of unpleasant controversies. This trend has emerged over the last few years due to the rot that has enveloped over our political system and the affected corrupt politicians devised means to infilterate successfully in the force to avoid public scrutiny of their misdeeds. This force comprised of select Officers of proven integrity and insulation from all influences and outside pressures in the discharge of their duties. That is why when people did not have faith in local authorities or expect a fair lnvestigation in a cases of any kind whether criminal, economic frauds or misuse of authority, there were demands of CBI enquiry. This was the case in all the States whether ruled by majority party or the opposition. Such was the goodwill and standard of confidence and integrity generated by CBI in public minds.


Alas, this is not the case now and the agency is being dubbed as the arm of Government being used mainly against the opponents of the party in power. This development is ,perhaps, a part of the degeneration that has set in our society at large. CBI and the political establishment suffered accusations for misuse of power in some of the most important criminal cases viz. Bofors, Bhopal Gas tragedy, Sikh's massacre of 1984 to name a few. It is now being claimed that C.B.I. Is not an independent statuary authority and even for appointing a lawyer in a prosecution case, they need Government approval who fixes his wages to a ridiculous amount of Rs.150/- per appearance. It is,therefore, right time that CBI should be unshackled from Government control through proper legislation so that it can redeem its face of dignity, impartiality and integrity. Till then, let Central Vigilance Commission oversee its functions.

Indo-Pak Talks in Islamabad- Shameful display of etiquettes

It was no body's expectation that the the Indo-Pak talks in Islamabad initiated in all probability at the instance of U.S.A will produce any worthwhile result going by the past record track of that country. As every one knows in the world that there are two power structures in that country, politicians who ostensibly rule the country and the Army which wields the real power. So the parleys with the political set up for initiating peaceful process with that country cannot and has not produced any results on the ground. It was a well known fact to the people and Governments of both ountries.

2. What is however, deplorable is the fact that it is first time in the history of world diplomacy that a Press Conference at the end of bilateral talks was brought to the lowest level of decency and un precedent debate of mudslinging by Pakistan's Foreign Minister and Pak Journalists. It is a universal practice in international diplomacy that difference of opinions are debated in the bilateral official talks and in the Press Conference that follows both sides broadly explain their points of view. But in the case of Press Conference that followed Indo-Pak talks all cannons of decency and accepted conventions were blown to the winds and Pak Foreign Minister reduced it to a debate and Pak Journalists added fuel to the fire by their rude and undignified questions fed to them. Do you think that this type of behaviour will help restore peace and confidence between the two countries. Pak authorities ignored action against terrorists like Hafiz Sayeed and Salhauddin and infiltrators and on the other hand had the cheeks to ask for Kasab's repatriation. Let us stop this futile exercise of talks and talks.

All Party Meetings for Kashmir

The latest developments in Kashmir's murky politics particularly PDP's Mehbooba Mufti declining to participate in the All Party Meeting convened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to initiate peace process has exposed the role and intentions of political set ups in the valley. It is not only the separatist groups whose interest lies in continued unrest and disruptive activities but almost all political groups as they can ride easily on the hyped mass hysteria and passion than through democratic process. So numerous efforts towards peace process were scuttled in the past as well as now on flimsy grounds. Kashmir got a young and dynamic Chief Minister for the first time with a vision of development and stability which is inconvenient to the separatists and their masters across the border and they are bent upon a self destructive course. The victims are the innocent common men whose means of livelihood are being deprived by every day senseless violence. The youth of the valley are being deprived of their eduction and employment opportunities through misinformation. It was expected that moderate factions like PDP should not have succumbed to the populist ventures and participated and contributed to the peace efforts direly needed in the valley.The Governmeny of India has poured millions of Rupees and meterioc showers by way of subsidies etc.in futile attempts to curb violence. So what are the problem which will get solved in the all party meeting.The problem in the valley is anti national elements, violence and terrorism which can be solved through use of force against such elements and by no other means.

BHOPAL HOLOCAUST

The confession of Congress Party at a time when their skeletons were being taken out by Media, former bureaucrats and Police Officers, that they helped the Chief of Carbide, the person responsible for the macabre deaths of 15000 innocent Civilians in Bhopal is a shameful act on their part. The argument that they did so in the interest of law and order situation is a lame excuse and deserves condemnation. In fact their confession has come after a long time of hibernation and internal scheming to cover up the entire episode when they found the ground slipping under their feet. Now people can easily link up the VIP treatment extended to the Anderson and later on changing the charges against the Carbide under Section 34A fom Section 34.

The roles of Central, State Governments, CBI and Judiciary also stands exposed. The same things happened in the case of Bofor Scam where the principal accused Ottavio Quatrochi was given a safe passage and the enforced agencies were administered with a short of numbness. Are we still being ruled by foreign powers and the local leaders have been hypnotized to ignore national tragedies and dance to the tunes of who pays them the most? When will we rise to the level of our conscience and nationalism.

Restore Army Standards

The details emerging out of the inquiry by Armed Forces Tribunal in the case of Retired Brigadier Devinder Singh for his performance in Kargil War makes a distressing reading. Our Armed forces have been earning most remarkable distinctions of valour, bravery and discipline the world over since times immemorial. That it is now being infected with personal jealousies, corruption, petty mindedness is a matter of grave concern. But for personal prejudices, Brigadier Devinder Singh would have perhaps been the highest decorated officer. But alas the time lost once never comes back. In the face of such incidents the national pride in our Armed Forces gets a severe downslide jolt. There have most despicable cases of espionage for the enemy countries in the force.This calls for an immediate probe into the factors leading to the deterioration of standards. There is also a loss of interest among the country's youth to join the forces which was considered a pride of place once. These factors require complete overhaul of the training and motivational schedule on urgent basis. The Ministry of Defence should not delay the re-orientation programme by setting up time guzzling Committees and Commissions for the purpose but act immediately before it is too late.

Caste Based Census-

The proposal to have caste based census in the country is like an electric shock to the students of ancient Indian history as the caste system was he prime reason for the disintegration of the civil society which led to the fragmentation of the country as well as prime religious groups. Although in the ancient times the society was divided into professional groups with the best of intentions but with the passage of times it degenerated into water tight compartments from professional units to the so called castes and one could not move from one compartment to another. This resulted in extremes of suppressions and conflicts. It was not only confined to Hinduism but all religions like Islam, Christians etc. Were victims of superior/inferior class malady.

2. Every age produces Saviours and Saints in such situations and we had Guru Nanak, Kabir. Kwhaja, Swami Daya Nand and Mahatma Gandhi and many others who fought against Casteism and preached universality of mankind. It seems that history is now moving full circle with the proposed caste based census and the Group of Ministers is to decide the issue and not the religious saints , sages and peace loving social workers . Where have Shankara achariyas,Maulanas and Bishops and Cardinals gone?Why is there no edictor Fatwa from them against this proposal? The retrograde step to divide the country on caste basis will sow the venomous seeds of hatred and conflicts for which the posterity will not forgive us.

Sting Operations

The sting operation by Tehelka for Headlines today alleging Promod Muthalik leader of Ram Sene arranging riot groups for consideration is not only malicious but also an ex- party judgement decaring Rame Sene guilty when the State Government is yet to initiate investigations into the alleged charges. The sting operations by private parties is an assumption of extra territorial powers of investigations which is in gross violation of the State Authorities. The powers to investigate, prosecute and conduct trials are vested in the prescribed authorities as enshrined in the Constitution of India. As such no person or agency has the right or legal authority to conduct such operations. This is not to claim that Media should not expose the misdeeds of an individuals or organisation but the means adopted for the purpose should be legitimate. Recently we have have been condemning the actions of Khap Panchayats in assuming extra territorial judicial functions and on the same analogy we should disapprove the sting operations. Any latitude in these matters will dilute the authority of the Government and lead to confusion and chaos.

Pakistan's sudden love for Ajmal Kasab

Pakistan has suddenly developed love for one of the Pak sponsored butcher in Mumbai carnage as they have formally made a request to Indian Ambassador in Pakistan for his repatriation. It is the same government that had refused to accept that Kasab and his 9 accomplices were Pak nationals. The bodies of the 9 bodies have been buried in an unknown place as Pakistan refused to accept them. The trial of Kasab is at the final stage and based on unassailabe evidence he will in all probability be awarded death penalty. Should we presume that in that eventuality, Pakistan will accept his body for last rites on Pakistan soil. Pakistan government is making a mockery of international diplomacy by their dramatics. If there is some sense of shame left in them, they should hand over the conspirators of 26/11 to India as the crimes were committed by them on Indian soil.

Nuclear Security Summit

The much hyped Nuclear Security Summit in Washington,part of a series of dramatics of Barack Obama after he assumed presidency of America proved a damp squib in its objectives. It is ironic that the need for nuclear safeguards have dawned upon the developed nations after the developing nations are nearing the nuclear capabilities. Until then the monopolistic regimes did not feel the need for safeguards but on the contrary posed them as deterrent.

2. One fails to understand as to why India participated in such a meet whose inherent objective was solely American selfish interests and display of hostility towards Iran. Not that Iran 's past record towards India has been favourable and supportive but nevertheless, why should we succumb to the bullying tactics of Obama to act against Iran or for that matter any other country. The real apprehensions of nuclear weapons falling into terrorists hands emerges from Pakistan which is a hatchery of terrorism, a fact known to the entire world. Obama has been playing dubious games by dumping money and weapons in Pakistan ostensibly to eliminate Talibans fully conscious that bulk of it is being used against India. Not only that Obama has been instrumental in diluting our humanitarian and development works in Afghanistan to please Pakistan. It is obvious from the past many actions of Obama regime and Hillary Clinton's stance to equate Pakistan with India in Nuclear Treaty that we should keep a distance from them and follow independent course of actions in our foreign policies. Obama has proved an unreliable ally and we should not be under any illusions.

Haryana's Kangaroo Courts

The news about Caste Courts plan to march to the Capital against the award of death sentence to 5 persons accused of murdering a young couple who married within the same gotra is indeed disturbing. It is not only a demonstration of the open defiance of the established judicial process of the country but also justifying the extra constitutional authority of dispensing kangaroo type justice. This type of behaviour is nowhere prevalent in the globe and can hardly be accepted and tolerated in a civilised society. It is also a fact that every community has its distinct set of codes of conduct for its members and violation of which can at best invoke ex-communication which is the extreme punishment. No community or a social group can award corporal punishement.

The State of Haryana where such incidents have taken place recently is proudly known for its progressive farmers and patriotic youth who have been decorating our Armed Forces with their legendary tales of bravery and supreme sacrifices to uphold the integrity of the nation. It is, therefore, unexpected and unacceptable that they should take the law in their hands for a limited social issue.Even if they need to maintain their social traditions, this should be done through social reforms by persuation and goodwill and not by force. The proposed protest March is ill timed and ill conceived as they will not only lose public support and respect but also come in conflict with the established law of the land.Let Swami Ramdev and Swami Agnivesh spare time from their TV programmes and instill sense of responsibility in the minds of misguided Khap activits.

Naxal Menace

The brutal murder of above 80 of our highly trained patriotic Jawans by the treacherous Maoists in Chhatisgarh has shocked the entire nation. This has also shaken the faith of the people in the competence of the Government to handle the security issues under political framework. Home Minister Chidambaram who has been making tall claims every day to annihilate the Maoists in Chhatisgarh and terrorists in Kashmir stands exposed and has lost the right to the Home Ministry. He is adept in shifting the blame to State Governments for every security lapse as if he is in charge only of his personal security and that of his home.


2. The insurgency in parts of India has developed and progressed because the agencies responsible for handling have neither been given free hand nor involved fully in strategic planning to combat. This movement is like a war like situation challenging the integrity and sovereignty of India and it is the Armed Forces and para military organisations which have been raised and trained to handle these types of situations. They require full powers without any interference or restraints from any source whatsoever. It is unfortunate that in a sensitive issue of national integrity, political groups within the country under the garb of human rights have been indirectly and directly thwarting the efforts of our dedicated forces to contain militancy. The Armed Forces given full powers (in fact additional powers) and control will smash these anti-national elements within a week or two.

Congress Allergy towards Amitabh Bachan

One is really bewildered to find the extent of degeneration in our political organisations these days. There is no room for decency or etiquette left and the only yardstick is to condemn and criticise the opponents or those who try even a courtesy handshake with the opposing political leader. The recent reactions of Congress Party leaders towards Amitabh Bachan is a classic example of their childish Behaviour. That the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was snubbed by the Congress leadership for sharing the stage with him has not brought any laurels to the party but has in fact lowered its image and respect in public mind. The real reason for this being cold personal relations between the Gandhi family and Amitabh. All other reasons being advanced in defence are fictitious. Is it a democratic party or dictatorial organisation where all the members are to follow the personal likes and dislikes of the head of the party? Even the most dictatorial regimes in the world do not go that extent.

2. Amitabh Bachan is a living icon of Indian Entertainment industry who has become immortal in his life time by virtue of his achievements like Lata Mangeshkar and few others. He is not only Brand Ambassador of Gujarat but the entire country. In fact he is equally popular and respected in other parts of the Globe where people even do not understand our language. He, therefore, deserves utmost respect and honour even more than the seasonal politicians who have neither the calibre nor the stature to equal him. Amitabh has no political ambitions and poses no political threat to the Congress Party. As such, they should act responsibly and with maturity.

Equality before Law

The conduct of Narendra Modi the first Chief Minister to have appeared before the Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate the communal riots in Gujarat in the year 2002, has raised his respect and stature in the minds of people. True to his words, he s proved that no one is above the law. The way he maintained his grace, dignity and poise in answering the long list of questions posed to him is praise worthy.

2. In contrast, those accused of more heinous crimes of 1984 in which more than three thousand innocent Sikhs were butchered in cold blood and burnt alive in Delhi and elsewhere are making mockery of the justice apparently with political support. The people are therefore, right when they view the interrogation of Narendra Modi as a political vendetta directed against the opponents of the ruling regime . If law and justice is equitably applicable to all citizens then the culprits of 1984 riots particularly the then Home Minister and other accused political leaders need to be subjected to detailed investigations and judicial scrutiny. But unfortunately that is not being done and thus losing people's faith in equality before law.

Need for Review of Indo-U.S. Bilateral Relations

That Pakistani-American LeT operative,David Coleman Headley the mastermind of brutal 26/11 Mumbai massacre will plead guilty to the charges framed against him by American authorities in order to get lighter punishment was a forgone conclusion known to every one in this country. This has exposed and confirmed the duplicity and insensitivity of the American authorities towards India. A man accused of massacre of more than two hundred innocent lives has been allowed to barter his nefarious crimes against humanity deserves strongest condemnation against the US regime and a re-assessment of future Indo-US relations.


2. Headley was a CIA agent engaged in drug smuggling activities who double crossed to Pak terror groups sponsored by Pak authorities. His numerous visits to Pakistan, Dubai and India could not have escaped CIA notice.CIA was also aware of the Mumbai attack plans and did not inform the Indian authorities. Even after he was nabbed by CIA authorities, they refused to allow Indian Investigators to interrogate him. Imagine a situation where an accused having committed crimes in America and India is caught and prosecuted in India and American Investigators are refused to interrogate him. The arrogant and unethical attitude of U.S. regime has not only antagonized and angered the common man in India but also generated a strong public demand for a review of bilateral relations. U.S.A should realize that it is facing similar reactions in Afghanistan and Pakistan due to its selfish policies.It seems they have forgotten the lessons learnt in Vietnam War. Barack Hussain Obama seems to be bent upon tarnishing the image of America world wide.

Resumption of talks with Pakistan

The announcement by the Government of India about its intention to resume talks with Pakistan has taken the nation with mixed reactions. In normal circumstances this move would have been appreciated by all peace loving people.But given the past experience and history of that country in regard to relations with India, one wonders whether it is a wise move. So far the stand has been to refuse any talks till the culprits of 26/11 massacre in Mumbai were booked. Pakistan has been dilly dallying the issue on various ridiculous pretexts viz. denying that the militants including Kasab were Pakistanis, proof about the attacks, DNA tests etc. So much so that they rejected the findings of the CIA investigations(who incidentally is ruling Pakistan by proxy).

2. It is,therefore, natural to feel surprised by the Indian offer for talks and the general impression is that it is under American pressure. The futility of the proposed talks is obvious as we do not know as to who is ruling Pakistan. At present it is neither the civil government nor the army. The ink has not dried from the Indian offer of talks that Pakistan is issuing conflicting statements about the contents and conditions. Simultaneously the militant groups have openly held a meeting at Muzaffarabad not without the official patronage and approval and declaring a so called holy war(unholy indeed) against India. So what talks and with whom and with what results?

Fall from Grace

The sordid story of Andhra Pradesh involving an octogenarian Governor of the State alleged to have sexual exploits in return for material favours has not only lowered the image of political big wigs but has put to shame the ethical norms of our society as a whole. We seem to have accepted that in order to meet our selfish ends it is perfectly fair to offer any type of temptation. So it is not that means should justify the ends but the opposite. What ever may be findings of the investigations, if any, the fact remains that there were two parties in this episode. Whereas the focus of the media has been the Governor and his alleged deeds, there has been no condemnation of the provocateur of this episode. The media perhaps seems to be interested only in the salacious part of the story. The story was broadcast after the alleged promise of mining lease was not fulfilled. Had it been met then there was no problem and story.

There is need for serious consideration of the fact that in such type of incidents both the bribe giver and the receipient should equally receive public attention and condemnation.

Unholy alliance in Jharkhand

It is a sad day in the political history of Jharkhand where no single party has emerged in majority after elections. This has resulted in proverbial commercial sale, purchase ,mergers,acquisitions and auctions for Government formations. The most distressing fact is that an accused charged with murder,corruption and money laundering will head the state. Most abominable fact is that of BJP which claims to be party with a difference lending support in this unholy alliance with an eye on the piece of cake. Has the greed for power overtaken the ethics, objectives and principles which were hall mark of BJP. After the series of set back this party received in the past one or two years. One expected it to have learnt lessons for its down fall. But they seem to be on self destructive path. It is known to all that this Government will not survive long as Shibo Soren is a maverick unfamiliar with loyalty and principles in life. There is a need for amendment to the law that in similar situations when no single party is in majority, President Rule should be imposed whatever be the cost. People pay heavy cost under the rule of a corrupt and unstable Government than otherwise/

What is David Headley's real story

THE SENSATIONAL disclosures by Indian authorities of the nefarious roles of David Coleman Headley and the U. S. Investigative agencies in the 26/ 11 massacre are a matter of grave concern for our country.

Headley was allegedly a CIA agent engaged in drug smuggling who is later stated to have double- crossed with the Pakistan terror groups sponsored by the Pak government agencies.

This reflects not only Headley two- facedness but also that of US administration. If true, then it is horrifying that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI) was aware about the impending attack in Mumbai but did not sound out the Indian government.

Further, they refused to allow Indian investigation team to examine Headley. The numerous visits of Headley to India, Pakistan and Dubai and the source of finance could not have escaped the notice of CIA/ FBI as he was their paid agent. They willfully ignored these facts which would have saved hundreds of lives and precious property. If such a conspiracy been hatched against US on Indian soil or within the knowledge of Indian investigation agencies, wouldnt the US have behaved differently? The common man in India is, therefore, bewildered about the real design and sincerity of the US, a country that is neither reliable nor dependable and is concerned with purely selfinterest.

Their unusual doles of money and arms to Pakistan a perpetrator of world terrorism is indicative of their Mindset.

Should India have alliance with such an unprincipled regime?