Rule of lawlessness

Thomas Paine had argued that a government is a curse for its people as it only sits and burdens their heads and shoulders -- yet, we need it as essential protection. So, protecting people remains the core function of the government. Now, our leaders often think that guarding territories by using the armed forces is the only protective function of the government. But protection as a function is more encompassing, including both the safety and dignity of people, and is thus held as a core responsibility of the government. In a country like India, protecting the weak and marginalised from exploitation and hegemony of other groups is yet another core responsibility as our society is largely communitarian in nature. In our country, this function rests on the respective state governments. The recent incident of sexual assault in Pollachi is rocking the entire nation and shaking the governance mechanism in Tamil Nadu which is being blamed for ineffective conduct by the police. Tamil Nadu was once rated as one of the few well-governed states in India, particularly when J Jayalalithaa served as Chief Minister.

But, now, it has reached its lowest ebb with the state witnessing the sexual assault of girls by a gang of youth in Pollachi. It is not a stray event with the involvement of one or two. It conceals a chain of events conducted in an organised way through a protective mechanism over the past few years. Thanks to social media, a deep malaise has been unearthed and brought to public notice despite the silence of mainstream media. It is not an ordinary event that can be ignored. It is alleged that the big gang involved in these repeated instances of sexual assault was gaining support from higher level politicians and police officials over the past four or five years. As a result, more than 100 girls have become victims. Now, only proper investigation can draw curtains on canards and bring forth the truth.

One year back, a similar event took place in Madurai Kamaraj University. It is alleged that women students of an affiliated college were lured by a female teacher to fulfil the sexual demands of higher level officials and consequently earn some benefits. Till date, inquiry and trial are underway to expose the truth. Teachers involved in the racket have been released after one year on bail.

Both these events have marred the reputation of our government and administrative machinery along with tarnishing the reputation of

our educational system. There was a time when our police were compared with Scotland Yard in terms of bravery and moral strength. But now, these qualities are amiss. Politics is being perceived with contempt as the police have stooped down to the lowest level of serving political masters instead of ensuring the safety of its citizens.

The highest police officer, without knowing the procedures laid down by law, revealed the names of the victim and her brother. This reveals the brutality and high-handedness of the police in dealing with such sensitive issues. The way in which the police handled the issue indicates how the police force in Tamil Nadu is being used to protect the political class instead of protecting the people. Had Jayalalithaa been alive and active in politics, she would have taken all involved to task and appropriate action would have been determined. As long as she was chief minister, she was firm in maintaining law and order in the state. No antisocial element would ever have been spared. Even party carders dared not go to the police station to rescue fellow men who were accused of criminality. There was no compromise on the safety of women during Jayalalithaa's regime. As a result, Tamil Nadu had been hailed as a peaceful state compared to its neighbouring states. She was always pro-poor and pro-women with great sensitivity towards gender issues. Her innovative pro-poor pro-women activities in governance and service drew the attention of Mother Teresa and Hillary Clinton. Both visited Jayalalithaa, extending deep appreciation for her leadership.

Here, it is to be noted that the severity, cruelty and vulgarity of the young boys in using young girls for sexual and monetary benefits despite resistance indicates a linkage with higher-ups who are within the political system. It is natural to garner such suspicion. Witnessing the brunt of public's anger and students' wrath, the government has handed over the investigation to CBI as a face-saving strategy. The incidents have occurred in the Kongu belt, which is dominated by Vellala Gounders who are supportive of the present AIADMK regime. The goal of consolidating the vote bank of these regions in favour of AIADMK has been dismantled. The police have been repeatedly blamed for their ineffective action in curbing these incidents; clearly, the rule of law, justice and fairness has vanished. Governance and administration are being crippled by the day.

While fulfilling requirements and enduring procedures adopted by the Government of Tamil Nadu, one will easily detect the deficiency in governance and administration. Unless the entire system of governance and public administration in Tamil Nadu is revamped, the credibility that has been painstakingly built by leaders over a period of time will be lost. Hence, attention must focus on eliminating deficiencies and improving efficiency in governance and administration. The culture of 'rule of law' must replace the current trend of 'ruling-party law'.

(The author is former Professor and Rajiv Gandhi Chair for Panchayati Raj Studies, Gandhigram Rural Institute. The views expressed are strictly personal)