“Andhaa Kaanoon”, a cinematic spectacle within the realm of Bollywood, features an ensemble cast comprising remunerated luminaries from the zenith of the Indian film industry during that era. The pivotal question resonating in the collective consciousness of citizens across the expanse of the nation was whether the ‘Kanoon’ (law) itself was rendered ‘Andhaa’ (blind) within the precincts of India. Initially perceived merely as a source of entertainment, the film’s unforeseen impact prompted a paradigm shift in perception. Subsequently, the incumbent government, discerning the potency of cinematic influence, imposed stringent restrictions in the certification process for public dissemination.
To assert that the legal apparatus of the land is unequivocally ‘blind’ in meting out justice to its denizens would be a fallacy. However, as the wheels of justice grind exceedingly slow, a palpable skepticism emerges, fostering the belief that the ‘law’ is either in a state of quasi-existence or, in colloquial parlance, a mere nominal entity. In essence, the prevailing sentiment suggests that the Indian legal framework is perceived by many as existing primarily in nomenclature, rather than serving as a robust and expeditious channel for justice.
On May 3, a disturbing event unfolded across India. People saw a lot of rules being broken in the state of Manipur, a small part of the country. There were videos showing protesters using weapons like AK rifles and saying things that could make different groups of people fight. Some even took weapons from the police, and some of these weapons are still missing.
Manipur is just 0.7% of India’s land, but it seemed like there were no real laws there. People’s rights, like the right to work and live peacefully, didn’t seem to matter. Even though everyone could see these problems, the government still claimed that there was law and order in Manipur.
What’s surprising is that the big government running the whole country seemed to be saying the same things as the small government in Manipur. This makes people wonder if the laws and the people in charge can be trusted. The difference between what the leaders say and what’s really happening raises big doubts about how well the country is being governed.
The disconcerting events in Manipur beg a fundamental inquiry into the constitutional provisions of India that seemingly endorse the tumultuous state of affairs in this compact region. What legal frameworks exist that inadvertently facilitate and sustain the protracted and bloodied conflicts persisting for six and a half months? More poignantly, what has prompted the institution mandated by democracy to allow the prolonged suffering and loss of life, rather than proactively seeking resolution? These are questions of profound significance, poised to echo through the corridors of history, posing a formidable challenge to the collective conscience of future generations.
The essence of ‘Kanoon,’ or the law, lies in its ability to ensure justice and uphold the democratic principles chosen by the people. When the ‘Kanoon’ turns ‘Andhaa’ or blind, its very purpose is compromised. The cinematic metaphor of “Andhaa Kanoon” should be relegated to the realm of fiction, with no place in the democratic fabric of a nation like ‘Bharat.’ Democracy, as chosen by the citizens, implies not just the existence of institutions but their active and conscientious pursuit of justice and the well-being of the populace. The ongoing crisis in Manipur raises pertinent doubts about the efficacy of democratic governance when confronted with challenges that undermine the very essence of justice and societal harmony. It beckons for a reassessment of the commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the constitution, challenging the nation to transcend the role of a mere spectator and actively engage in the preservation of its democratic ideals.
Blind Justice: Unraveling Andhaa Kaanoon – Do We Turn a Blind Eye?
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