A Case Of 09/11 News

The BBC Urdu news website was at it again. When as usual I opened the BBC Urdu website and scrolled down the page to “Is Waqt Ki Maqbool Tareen Khabren” (Most Popular News Items Of the Time), I was shocked to find a news item “Nawjawan Ladki Ko Sar-e-Aam Kodon Ki Saza (Young Girl Flogged Publically) featured in them.
Immediately, I could recollect a barbaric scene, a video clip of a young girl being flogged in public by the Taliban. About two years back, BBC Urdu reported an incident of the same nature in Swat Valley of Pakistan and claimed that some Taliban-like people lashed a young girl ( between 12 & 17 years of age) with more than 15 lashes in public view.



The incident was reported after the Pakistani troops signed a peace agreement with the Taliban of Swat Valley in February 2009 facing criticism by West. In May 2009, the Pakistani troops and the Taliban again fought with each other as the treaty was reportedly broken.
Though the BBC report did not mention any sure reason behind the punishment, yet some of the media reports suggested that the “married girl” had been “living with her father in-law without her husband’s permission”.
On January 17, 2011, the BBC publishes a similar report dealing with the same kind of incident. I thought to myself, “What kind of people are these Taliban! They were thrown out of rule long back in 2001. They were made to flee into caves and mountains by the U.S. troops and left shattered. It marked the end of their struggle for establishing Islamic rule. But whenever they find any chance they do not miss it to implement what they call Shariah Law. They flogged an innocent girl some years back and now they have done it again.”
I clicked the news headline and a news item with a video popped out. I started reading and when after reading some paragraphs it seemed to me that I had read this news article before, I checked the date. “Last updated” on “Thursday, 2 April, 2009, 17:19 GMT 22:19 PST”, the news read.
Oh! So this was the same news i had read two years earlier. Perhaps, for some technical reasons it featured as one among BBC Urdu’s Most Popular stories of January 17, 2011: “Aishwarya Denies and Salman Quits Wine”, “Nawaz Sharif in Sindh”, “Photos of Golden Globe Award”, “Pakistan Leads By 11 Runs” and “Young Girl Publically Flogged”.
But such type of mistake is impossible by a well organized and professionally handled BBC! Especially when the authenticity of the video itself on which the news is based was questioned in the past. In the words of BBC Urdu, the Taliban (Pakistan) spokesperson Muslim Khan when contacted had said he did not know about this incident. He had also maintained that the video was morphed and that the Taliban did not punish publically.
What may be the reason that a 2009 story reappeared in 2011. Just as it grabbed my attention it must have attracted a lot of readers. So this is how BBC Urdu increases the readership. People are interested in such news item. The common man reads the news and forms his views on certain issues without even bothering of the authenticity of what he is reading.

By: A H Y

Letter To The Editor

Voting For Development
Respected Sir, With reference to the editorial “Governance Trumps Caste Politics In Bihar”. The Bihar assembly elections mark a turning point in Indian politics. That the voters of Bihar voted for development indicates now they are fed up with caste and religion based politics. It is a good sign that India in future will be one the super powers in economy. Voters will be interested in developmental activities leaving behind politics of religion and caste. And they will find more time to invest in constructive activities. Reportedly, many Muslims voted for BJP; a party which they would abstain for its communal agendas. It shows that voters do not stand by a specific party. What they give importance is better infrastructure and higher life standards which Nitish Kumar in his first term successfully provided to Biharis. Aamena Khatoon, U.P.

Micro Finance Credits Ruin Poor Lot

Sir, As long as there were only NGOs in the micro finance filed the poor developed. But the intrusion of the commercial institutions in this field has marred the lives of economically poor people due to high interest rates. Sometimes, the interest rates become more than the source loan, making it near to impossible the repayment of the debt. The Andhra Pradesh government did the right thing when it issued an ordinance in the interest of pubic. If the institutions are really concerned about the betterment of poor, they should spend some money from their pocket and provide interest free loans. NGOs in many countries are doing so. They should be taken as role model. Juhi, Gaya, Bihar

MFIs Mark Economic Revolution In India

Sir, Micro finance has brought economic revolution in the life of poor people. It is due to its virtue that people who had to struggle for two-time bread are running business today. The allegation that MFIs charge high interest rates is bogus. Consider a person gets the loan on their doorstep and they have not to visit the offices time and again for repaying the loans. This saves their money which otherwise would be spent on long journeys to the offices. These loans are also easily available without the clients doing long documental procedures. The AP government’s ordinance that seeks every MFI should have itself registered, is meant only to put them in trouble. The government fears MFIs has become a strong competitor to its appointed Self Help Groups. Muhammad Khalid, M.P.

Corruption Everywhere

Dear Editor, This refers to the article “Disgusting Indian Politics: The PM’s Role in the Rs 1.76 Lakh Crore Loot!” (Media Scan, Dec 10). Corruption is all that describes today’s political system of India. It is astonishing to know that the Congress in order to get the support of the DMK agreed to allot the telecom ministry portfolio to the already tainted minister A. Raja. It depicts that to occupy the rule these parties can go to an extent of selling the country. Public has to bear the brunt of all things. Pre-independence India was looted by the British and now the politicians are the plunderer of the independent India. Abdur Raheem, Mumbai

Take Everyone Into Confidence To Fight Terror

Sir, Apropos to the article “War On Terror: The Way Forward” (MS, Dec 10), I fully agree with the writer that war on terror cannot be fought unless those in its forefront manage to convince the lot it is not against a certain community. Unfortunately, so far this phenomenon could become a reality. The Muslim community always finds itself on the receiving end of the presumption that terrorism can be practised only by Muslims. It in the turn provides terrorists from the other religions with an opportunity to avoid punishment. Unless, all the terrorists are dealt with strictness the world will continue face peace crisis. Sangita, Via mail

Hindus Must Denounce Terrorist Swamis

Respected Sir, This is with reference to “Swami Asimanand May Be Involved In Gujarat’s Modasa Blast” (Media Scan, December). It is painful to know that some self-styled swamis who claim to be the saviours of Hinduism are found involved in terror activities. The Hindu community must come forward to denounce these black sheep. Or they will continue defaming the religion. Anil Kumar, Jharkhand

Dalits Bearing The Brunt Of Vedic Categorisation

Sir, With reference to the news item “Atrocities On Dalits Continue IN Maya Regime” (MS, December), it should not be surprising that torture on Dalits is committed in a state that is ruled by Dalit leader, because politicians are concerned only about their personal interest. After ascending to the gaddi they forgot those who helped them reach there. It is Dalit community that is a permanent vote bank for Mayawati. But since she became CM she seems to be interested only in erecting statues.
However, Mayawati solely should not be held responsible for this. Looking down upon the lower Dalits by the upper class community is also based on some Vedic interpretations that term the Dalits as the lowest of the human beings and created only to serve the upper class. That Dalits, too, are progressing with the advancement of the world, is an eye sore for upper communities who do not miss any time to trouble the Dalits. Ramesh, Lucknow

Varanasi Blast: False Flag Operation?

The blasts in which now the Hindutva terrorists are wanted once more were supposed to be the handiwork of some outfits with Muslim names. This was successfully done as a part of false flag operation by Hindutva terrorists. The Varanasi blast, too, is of such nature, argues the writer.

Israeli intelligence agency MOSSAD is notoriously famous for deceptive operations literally termed “False Flag Operation”. These are the operations in which those people are accused who in no way are connected to them while the real perpetrators escape attention.

Tragically in India, too, some Hindutva elements who go after Islam madly and blindly are trying to follow the footprints of Israel and its intelligence agency MOSSAD, their aadarsh (role model). We have several examples to elaborate this point:

• Efforts were made to make the September 27, 2008 Malegaon Bhikku Chowk blasts—executed by the members of the Hindutva gang Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and lieutenant colonel Purohit—a False Flag operation and hence mislead the investigating agencies. The most apparent tactic applied for the purpose was to replace the chassis number of the motorcycle where bomb was planted, with an Islamic sticker (Tughra). The bike was in the possession of Sadhvi. The culprits thought it the easiest way to get the responsibility of the blasts fixed over SEMI and some innocent Muslim youth.

They had parked the bike exactly beneath the SEMI office at Bhikku Chowk; a trick, people say was meant to misguide the police which wrongly would conclude it was but the handiwork of SEMI. (Luckily for innocent Muslim youth, the then ATS chief was Hemant Karkare who did not follow these misguiding leads. Had there been any one other than him, he would have easily fallen prey to this trick.)

• The second major evidence of Hindutva terrorists being involved in False Flag operations is Goa blasts. Behind this blast are around 25 people—out of which only 6-7 have been arrested— associated with Sanatan Sansatha. Had the conspiracy hatched regarding this blasts been successful, the accused would have been Lashkar-e-Taiba and Muslim groups. The selection of Goa, a favourite hub for Israeli and foreign (Western Countries) tourists, was the part of a well planned strategy. On October 17, 2009 Diwali festival was being celebrated with fanfare and this is the day the terrorists chose for striking. The site for planting the scooter bomb and other time bombs, too, was where thousands of Hindus gather to celebrate the festival. Besides, one day prior to the blasts, the Israeli intelligence had issued warning to its citizens to remain alert and abstain from visiting India, especially Goa. The agency had apprehension the Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistani terror outfits might strike at Goa on Diwali.

While planting bomb in Margao (Goa), a top official of Sangli (Maharashtra) unit of Sanatan Sansatha Malgonda Patil was killed along with a Sahdu (saint) colleague of the Sansatha. This was an incident that unveiled before time the evil intention of Hindutvadis. Had Goa, visited in a large number by Israelis and western tourists, unfortunately been stricken by 4-5 blasts, Muslims would have been the absolute accused.

By issuing a terror alert from Tel Aviv one day before the blasts, the Israeli intelligence had made a cautious atmosphere. (This indicates that Hindutva elements active in India are in some way or the other linked to Israel.) God forbid, had the blasts planning been executed successfully, not only dozens of Hindus would have lost their precious lives but also many Muslim youth in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu etc.—who are on the radar of Indian intelligence and whom the police records enlist as associated with SIMI, Indian Mujahideen or other outfits—would be behind bars.

• A bomb exploded in Varanasi on 7th December 2010. Varanasi city is the next target after Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, Babri Masjid was demolished. Now, in the name of constitution and law two-third of the (so-called disputed) Babri Masjid site has been grabbed. The Hindutvadis expect they will manage to also encroach upon the remaining one third.
Therefore, they are in search for another Ayodhya to keep fire of self-interests burning. For them, Varanasi is another Ayodhya. How this issue can be fuelled is a question the answer to which comes “by terrorism and bomb blasts”. If the blasts today constituting a need of these elements will turn into a new type of profitable business (either of politics or religion) in future, then why will they not place bombs in temple? They are not concerned at all about Hindus or Muslims.

Did you not see they tried to murder in Goa people celebrating Diwali festival in the night of October 17, 2008? Suppose the bombs, 2 to 4, exploded then who would be the victims? Muslims? No, not at all. The terrorists of Sanatan Sansatha, the self-styled protectors of Hindus, lay in ambush for murdering their Hindu brethren and then tried in vain to make Muslims responsible for this. How the elements who plead adherence to Hinduism and even then kill Hindus merely for trapping some Muslims in fake cases of terror, be true Hindus and their rakshak (protectors)? This is a question that, in the light of the facts revealed after failed conspiracy of Goa blasts, should be asked by Hindu brethren from the so-called contractors of religion who use religion for instigating Hindus against Muslims.

To sum up, Goa blast case is clear evidence that Hindutva elements are busy conducing False Flag Operations to implicate Muslims in terror cases. The training and method they have imported from their role models sitting in Israel.

It will be logical to conclude that the recent Varanasi blast is a part of False Flag operations. The email sent from Mumbai allegedly by Indian Mujahideen is an attempt to misguide probing agencies.

Swami Asimanand is as great a mastermind of Hindutva terrorists as was Sunil Joshi or have been Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and lieutenant colonel Purohit. He has been arrested from Haridwar . CBI, RNI, Rajasthan ATS and other agencies are behind his Hindutva mastermind colleagues who are wanted in Goa, Ajmer, Hyderabad, Samjhauta Express and other blasts. It means that the work started by Hemant Karkare is going forward silently. The arrest of Asimanand testifies to it. The silently advancing steps of the law are becoming intolerable. At a time when the Wikileaks expose have heated the global atmosphere, is the Varanasi blast an attempt to save the Hindutva terrorists? The probing agencies should take this point in to account.

By Saeed Hameed
saeedhameed@yahoo.com

Welcome to Demonocracy

Slapping criminal charges on Tehelka journalist K. K. Shahina is not a case of an individual’s voice being suppressed, rather it shows the lakshmanrekha that the press in India is expected to observe or else.


Condemnation poured in from all over the country after the Karnataka police slapped criminal charges against the Tehelka magazine reporter K K Shahina under IPC 506 for “intimidating the witnesses” in Bangalore blasts case.

“Far from intimidating witnesses, this is a clear case of intimidating journalists who refuse to churn out police press releases as investigative reportage,” said Jamia Teachers’ Solidarity Association in a press release.

While filing chargesheet in the Bangalore blasts case, the police named Abdul Nasser Madani as the 31st accused. According to the police, Madani along with T. Naseer hatched the conspiracy of the eight low-intensity blasts that rocked Bangalore on July 25, 2008 killing a woman and injuring 15 others.

Madani, Popular Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, was arrested in Kerala on August 17, 2010 by Karnataka police with the help of a reluctant Kerala Police. He has been charged by the Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT) for conspiracy in the Bengaluru blasts along with other accused including Tadiyantavida Naseer, the suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba operative. Madani’s bail application has been dismissed by a fast-track sessions court on 13TH September citing the ‘nature and gravity of the offence as the primary consideration’.

The Bangalore blasts had taken place nearly after one year Madani was set free in 1998 Coimbatore blasts. Before being acquitted of all the charges in the blasts on August 1, 2007, Madani had to spend 10 years as an under trial.

The weekly magazine found that there are ‘missing links’ in relating Madani to the Bangalore blasts, and sent its reporter to ‘investigate the veracity of the charge that Madani had attended a meeting in Kodagu along with Naseer to hatch the conspiracy’.

According to the police, the conspiracy was hatched at two meetings two years ago: one at Madani’s rented house in Kochi and the other at Lakkeri estate—in Kodagu district of Karnataka.

Bangalore HC Issues Notice to Karnataka Govt
The Karnataka High Court issued notice to Karnataka government in the anticipatory bail application filed by Abdul Nasir Madani, the leader of Kerala’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Justice N Ananda issued notice to the Bangalore City Crime branch and also gave a week’s time to file objections.
Madani is one of the accused in Bangalore 2008 blast. He was listed as 31st accused in an additional chargesheet after alleged confessions by T Naseer, linking him to the Bengaluru blasts. Since his arrest in August 2010, Madani has been kept in Central Jail under intense watch. Madani says as the case is in a trial court, investigation can be done even when he is out of jail.
In the petition, Madani contended that there was no prima facie evidence of his involvement in the blasts. At the time of his arrest in August 2010, the public prosecutors claimed to have many proofs against him, but even till now he could not produce any, Madani added.
He maintained that he was falsely implicated in the case based on the statement of the co-accused. His arrest, he says, is for political revenge.
He said that he could be granted anticipatory bail as the police had already completed the investigation and filed a chargesheet.
Earlier, too, the PDP leader had sought anticipatory bail in the Bangalore blasts case but his pail plea was rejected on September 13, 2010.


In an earlier issue, Tehelka had exposed that the testimony of Jose Varghese—the owner of Madani’s rented house in Kochi and the prime witness in Bangalore 08 blasts—was fabricated. According to the police chargesheet, Varghese had witnessed Naseer talking to Madani when he went to collect the rent and overheard the words “blast” and “Bengaluru”. The magazine report, however, claimed that Varghese ‘reluctantly’ signed a paper written in Kanada—a language he did not know—as asked by Bangalore police. The news channels later unveiled to his shock that he was made the ‘prime witness’ in the case. “I realised that what I had signed was a testimony against Madani. Within days, I filed a private complaint in the court,” Varghese was quoted as saying in the story.

To unearth reality about the second meeting between T. Naseer and Madani, the reporter Shahina travelled to Lakkeri estate. To her surprise, “None of the villagers of Kumbur, Hosathotta and Igoor, the places around Lakkeri estate, could corroborate the stories of conspiracy meetings and training camps. Even local BJP and RSS workers said they had not seen Madani in the area. Igoor panchayat vice-president Vijayan says he doubts Madani visited the place at all. ‘There is a rumour, that all. I have not seen him.’

Shahina, who had gone there in pursuit of truth in the Bangalore blasts case, now has been booked by the police for ‘intimidating witnesses’ in the case. She was even asked by the police whether she was a terrorist. The next day of her visit she was astonished to find three Kannada newspapers — Sakthi, Prajavani and Kannada Prabha— had carried a story about a “suspicious” visit by a “group of Muslims” to the place.
It is tantamount to suppressing the voice of media in a country where press is the fourth pillar of democracy.

“The case is not against her as an individual but it is a warning to the entire press community, women and minorities. We strongly condemn the attitude of the police to frame false charges on a reputed journalist of a nationally reputed magazine”, said a representative group of 35 NGOs in a statement.
They also urged the Karnataka Government to drop the charges against Shahina and create a harmonious environment for both freedom of expression as well as for the minorities.

A group of senior journalists from Kerala also said Shahina was facing harassment and intimidation by the Karnataka Police and that this was a clear case of infringement on press freedom.

“Howsoever serious a case might be,the media always had the freedom in this country to meet with witnesses and even the prime accused to hear their versions and place these before the people at large. It is this freedom, among many others, that has given our democracy the vibrancy that it has today. By registering a case for criminal intimidation against a journalist, the Karnataka Police had cut the very root of democratic and press freedom in our country,” they said in the memorandum.


By Vellayappa Ajay
vellayappa.ajay.com




Bangalore HC Issues Notice to Karnataka Govt
The Karnataka High Court issued notice to Karnataka government in the anticipatory bail application filed by Abdul Nasir Madani, the leader of Kerala’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Justice N Ananda issued notice to the Bangalore City Crime branch and also gave a week’s time to file objections.
Madani is one of the accused in Bangalore 2008 blast. He was listed as 31st accused in an additional chargesheet after alleged confessions by T Naseer, linking him to the Bengaluru blasts. Since his arrest in August 2010, Madani has been kept in Central Jail under intense watch. Madani says as the case is in a trial court, investigation can be done even when he is out of jail.
In the petition, Madani contended that there was no prima facie evidence of his involvement in the blasts. At the time of his arrest in August 2010, the public prosecutors claimed to have many proofs against him, but even till now he could not produce any, Madani added.
He maintained that he was falsely implicated in the case based on the statement of the co-accused. His arrest, he says, is for political revenge.
He said that he could be granted anticipatory bail as the police had already completed the investigation and filed a chargesheet.
Earlier, too, the PDP leader had sought anticipatory bail in the Bangalore blasts case but his pail plea was rejected on September 13, 2010.

Injuries Considered, Death Ignored

“Kanada actor Sudeep suffered minor injuries when a cracker exploded during shooting of a film...Sudeep sustained injuries in the back and bruises on the legs.” This is a front page news of Bangalore edition of a leading newspaper.

Some days ago, in the same paper after immense and thorough search I failed to locate even a few lines hidden in the inner pages about the death of world-reputed personality Maulana Marghoob-ur-Rahman. Maulana who died on December 08, 2010 was the rector of Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband. While all editions of Urdu newspapers devoted a considerable space for the news of his death and the tributes that flooded from across India by various organizations’ leaders, the English dailies did not find it worth news.

Inclusion of English, computer and journalism departments in Dar-ul-Uloom, are some of the initiatives for which Marghoob-ur-Rahman will always be remembered. To his credit goes the establishment of a body that interconnects the madaris spanning throughout India. During his tenure, that covers around three decades, as supervisor over the management, the University found it has a better and wider infrastructure.
Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband is well known for its contribution towards freedom struggle of India. It is a resort of the students seeking speciality in Islamic theology. People attached to it, automatically attract public attention and public is interested to know about them. The death of its rector should have found vast coverage.

Unfortunately, media is not interested in highlighting the positive figures of Dar-ul-Uloom. Had it been a fatwa which could provide the media with an opportunity to misquote it and then instigate an unnecessary debate over so-called rights of women, it would have hastened to it. It is by the virtue of media that DUD is now known as an agency producing fatwas. Media has tried to make people forget its contributions for the country and the name and fame it earned to it.

This attitude questions the credibility of media and its neutrality. Excuse may be given that it was a judgment error in selecting news. But to ignore a big news is unforgivable in the world of journalism.

By A H Y

In The Name Of Rama!

It’s pathetic when the name of God is used to do evil on earth. Bhagwan Rama is being misused by Hindutva terrorists. But what is more pitiable is that adherents of Rama have forgotten what he stood for and what his teachings were.

If Rama were to come and see how his adherents are misusing his name for bloodshed on the earth, he would certainly be anguished. He himself fought against evil forces his entire life. But what could be done when his name is used as a reason to validate all types of evils.

Among those singing the hymn of Rama are some who are busy plotting violence against humanity and some others plunder public money. Compare between the practices of Rama and his followers of today and you will be astonished to find that both of them are at two extreme ends.

While Rama was a messenger of peace his followers have been proving they are given life only for the sole purpose of spreading hatred among human beings. The peaceful co-existence of India was badly disturbed by Ramjanam Bhoomi movement launched by the Hindutva extremists in the name of Rama. Here Rama was used for political gains by some vested interest leaders of BJP. On the forefront of the Rath Yatra that killed thousands of Indians, was a communal leader (originally from Sindh, Pakistan).
As a matter of fact, when the very protagonists of Ram Temple were in rule they did not erect Ram temple. But they did manage to erect the wall of hatred between two sections of the Indian society. When amidst the slogans of Jai Shri Ram the historical Babri Masjid was brought down to earth it was not only a mosque destroyed but the very foundation of Indian democracy was shaken. Perhaps, it was the most troublesome moment for Rama’s soul.

The demolition of Babri Masjid by the Hindutva terrorists proved to be a turning point in the bilateral relationship between Hindus and Muslims. Both the communities have a glorious past that saw them living like members of a family. Since the demolition, secular leaders of both the communities tried their best to bring the communities as close as they were in the pre-1992 era. But their efforts were a total failure.

The communal elements on the other side have been gradually creating more distance between them. This became possible through false flag operations: Hindutva elements orchestrated blasts throughout the country and fingers were raised towards Muslim youth. Consequently, many Muslim youth found that in a society of which they were considered an integral part are alienated by Hindu brethren.

In the name of Rama, the fanatic elements polarized the cosmopolitan Indian society. If Rama founded a Ram Rashtra again, he would never allow violence against followers of other faiths. Here in India, even on the way to establishing the Rashtra the Hindutva elements destroyed thousands of innocent lives.

Casting a cursory look at the blasts that shook India it dawns upon one that the very foundation of the so-called Ram Rashtra was to be founded on bloody ground. The probes have revealed the Hindutva executors of the blasts wanted to transform Indian democracy in to Ram Rashtra.

These terrorists do not hesitate even to prefix or suffix Rama to their names to show that they are very close to their claimed model Ramchandraji. They christen their outfits after Rama. But the reality is quite different.

Take an example of Ramanarayan Kalsangra? Who Ramanarayan? He is an alleged murderer of Indian innocents and destroyer of peaceful co-existence of Indian society. Wanted in many blasts, Ramanarayan is still out of the reach of investigating agencies. The inclusion of Rama in his name could not affect him to become a peace loving person.
Sri Ram Sene should be an outfit propagating the message of peace because the association of its name with Rama suggests so. But as a person gets to know about its anti-nation activities they are compelled to opine that it is an utter misuse of the name of Rama. Under the chieftainship of Pramod Mutalik, the Sene has been active in vandalism.

Its infamous chief Mutalik was caught on camera demanding Rs 60 lakhs. In return he was ready to stage riots in the Muslim-dominated areas of Karnataka. Mutalik has over 45 cases pending against him, and is wanted by the police in 11 districts of Karnataka. Under the banner of Rashtra Raksha Sene, Mutalik claimed to have trained as many as 700 people to carry out suicide attacks.

When any bad act is performed by an individual it harms only his/her identity. But in the case, they are related to any organization or a specific religion it brings bad name also to that outfit or the religion. The real adherents of Rama must take immediate action to check the Hindutva elements from misusing the name of Rama. Or, they will bring much more shame and defamation to the religion too.

By Staff Wrtier

Third Pillar Of Democracy Crumbling

The judiciary has always been respected in India. That corruption has crept also in the judiciary is depressing. It questions the integrity which so far has been a distinguishing characteristic of the courts.

There seems to have been some black sheep in the courts, this is what the Supreme Court of India recently said.

A division bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Mishra observed that “something is rotten in the Allahabad High Court”, that several judges suffered from the “uncle judge syndrome”, and that it “really needs some house-cleaning”.

The judges made the observation while scrapping an order which a single-judge Bench of Allahabad HC had passed without territorial jurisdiction, asking the Bahraich-based Wakf Board to temporarily allot land to a circus.

In a harsh allegation made to the HC, the judges added, “We are sorry to say but a lot of complaints are coming against certain judges of the Allahabad High Court relating to their integrity.”

According to the bench, certain judges had their relatives practising in the same court. “Within a few years of starting practice, the sons or relations of the judge become multi-millionaires, have huge bank balances, luxurious cars, huge houses and are enjoying a luxurious life. This is a far cry from the days when sons and other relatives of judges could derive no benefit from their relationship and had to struggle at the Bar like any other lawyer."

The apex judicial body would have not come with such a statement had there not been serious irregularities being committed in the HC. Common citizens hold the courts in great reverence and see it as the last resort for justice. The loss of this credibility would be tantamount to public opinion, which already have a firm belief that the Executive is corrupt, losing faith in the very structure of democracy.
Perhaps this is why when the High Court sought expunction of the stringing rap, SC stuck to its rebuke saying that it was time of ‘introspection’ and not of ‘reaction’. Although it clarified that “the remarks were directed only at some members of the HC” and that “there are many excellent judges in Allahabad HC who are working hard and doing their duty honestly and we have not painted everyone with the same brush”. It, however, said, “We can quite understand the anguish of some of the judges of Allahabad HC, but we cannot overlook the fact that these are times when introspection is required, and not mere reaction. We request the Chief Justice of the HC to consider our order in that spirit.”

The Supreme Court also urged the Chief Justice of the HC to take strong house cleaning measures, including recommending transfers, of the “incorrigibles”.

Recently, there were verdicts that question the integrity of certain judges. In the Babri Masjid title suit verdict which is based on astha of Hindus even neutral secularists criticized the way the honourable court reached to the conclusion that Babri Masjid site was actually the exact birth place of Rama. Some even called it a ‘panchayat decision’. Even the former Chief Justice of India Justice E Ahmadi termed the verdict a ‘panchayat decision’.

Questions have been raised even on the way judges are appointed. “In the midst of all-pervasive pollution, it is a matter of great astonishment that the Supreme Court still sees, and that too so belatedly, that 'something is rotten in Allahabad High Court.' When almost everything is rotten, the word 'something' seems ludicrous and makes concessions for the goings- on. If the system of the appointment of the Honourable Judges of the High Court is rotten, it is preposterous to expect that the atmosphere may be free from corruption, irregularities, malpractices, nepotism and partiality,” commented Dr. Mustafa Kamal Sherwani practised for more than a decade as advocate at Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court. He goes on adding, “To become a High Court Judge one has to have the requisite standing as advocate, good or bad no criterion. What is required is the strong political manipulation, and if both combinations exist, there is no impediment for a rotten lawyer to become 'His Lordship'.”

Just a few months back a few Chief Justices of India made headlines for alleged ‘questionable judgement’. Tongues have started wagging against the courts, which have been above suspicion all these years. This is a bad omen for the Third Pillar of Indian democracy. It is time to restore the waning trust of public in the judiciary.

By Abu Talha Altamash
altamashshah@gmail.com