Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Of Force Against Strong Public Sentiment
Of Force Against Strong Public Sentiment
when it comes to ending a practice such as, say, animal sacrifice, persuasion
and education and not use of force against strong public sentiment, are called
for. The problem in such cases is where to draw the line. If a law is violated with
impunity, even if it is a minor law, should the State remain a mute spectator and
condone violations promoting a culture of lawlessness? Or, should the State risk
triggering a major public order crisis in its effort to enforce a law whose gains
are minimal and risks are huge? The answer lies in two broad approaches. First,
the State should resist the temptation to over-legislate except in crucial areas
which constitute the essence of constitutional values or prevent significant
public loss or promote vital public good. Persuasion, public education and social
movements are the desirable routes to social change in such cases. Second, if
such laws do exist, effective enforcement on case-to-case basis through
prosecution of offenders is the better route and not the thoughtless precipitation
of a public confrontation. If indeed a confrontation is called for, there must be
adequate preparation, sufficient deployment of security forces, massive public
campaign and preventive action in order to avert major rioting and loss of life.
Processions can be regulated under the Indian Police Act, the State Police Acts or
even under crPc. Processions, especially religious ones, should be regulated and
properly escorted
There would be need for vigilance even if there is a lull because it has been
noted that this period of temporary respite is often used by the trouble makers
and rioters to re-organise themselves and carry out subsequent attacks.
Vulnerable areas need to be patrolled and protected even after peace has been
restored.
Once peace has been restored, relief measures should be taken up immediately.
Any delay in doing so (even on grounds of sheer fatigue) can result in prolonged
suffering of the victims which may further aggravate tensions.
There is a saying in the Old Testament (in the book of Ecclesiastes) that nations
without vision will perish. Another equally profound saying is that nations and
organizations cannot have vision if the people in them do not have visions.
These visionaries seek the answer that American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr
sought in his prayer, Oh God, give me the patience to accept the things I cannot
change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the
difference.