Pardon

I can read daily about a controversy in Indian media, it is about pardoning an actor Sanjay Dutt, who was involved in a crime, a crime against the state. He procured some-firearms, that were found in his possession, some twenty years ago!! He was jailed and was in a prison for about 18 months. Now, the Supreme court has sentenced an additional term. While some are arguing that he deserves a remission, other counter argue, asking why? Only because he is a film star and a celebrity in Hindi movies? Really a tricky topic!! When does one deserve a pardon, a forgiveness and when not? What is the fruit of a punishment? Why punish?? Well it can be very easily argued, that those who break a law, deserve punishment. Because that is the only way to maintain the sanctity of law, and deter others from committing such follies, crime. Is it not possible that a person can get transformed after some suffering. What can be a way to know, whether s/he has transformed, isn't it a duty of societies to help in this transformation, is a prison sentence the ideal way? Have any society been able to do that? I really wonder!!! I believe societies should work harder, to find solutions to such common aberrations against themselves, rather then resting on the past. But, I know that would require lots of work, and no rewards for those who indulge in doing the effort. But, for those who love societies, doing the work is a reward in itself. I do remember the words of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. Rakesh Mohan Hallen