(Jagdeep S.Chhokar Former professor, IIM-Ahmedabad, and founding member,Association of Democratic Reforms)
A 28-year-old woman goes on a fast unto death demanding the repeal of a law which at least some people think will improve governance in a critical area of the country. She is arrested three days later and continues to be force-fed even after 10 years. The law is still in place. A politician goes on a fast unto death demanding creation of a new state. Promises are made a mere 11 days later, enabling him to break his fast.
Two former Directors General of Police request the Supreme Court to direct the Central and state governments to address the most glaring gaps and bad practices in the functioning of the police. Ten years later, the Court directs the Central and state governments to comply with the seven directives by December 31, 2006 and to file affidavits of compliance by January 3, 2007. It is 2010 and nothing has actually happened on the ground though a lot of paperwork has gone on.
The Law Commission of India recommends that anyone who has a pending criminal case against him/her in which charges have been framed by a court of law not be allowed to contest elections. A group files a PIL seeking disclosure of pending criminal cases by candidates. The government opposes the petition. The High Court permits it. The government appeals to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court rejects the appeal. Twenty-two political parties unanimously decide that this cannot be done and attempt to amend the Representation of the People Act. An Ordinance is sent to the President for signature. The President returns it. The Cabinet sends it again. The President has to sign it. The amendment of the Act through the Ordinance is challenged in another PIL. The Supreme Court declares the amendment “unconstitutional, null and void”. It took five years to get the disclosure in place. For more details please Click Here
