Politicians, Police and Criminal Nexus
ABSTRACT
Growth of criminal gangs, drug peddlers and economic lobbies in the country which have, over the years, maintained extensive contacts with the government functionaries, politicians, media persons and strategically located individuals in the non-State sector have been evident with disturbing regularity throughout the place. The police have confirmed protection to these organised syndicates either under the political pressure of their patrons, or are themselves in collusion with them as discussed in the context of Gulbarg massacre. This piece is an initiative to aware the readers about the nexus, overshadowing the principle of law and corrupting influence on members of the legal-administrative system. Some 17 years ago Vohra Committee submitted its report to curb criminalization of politics but, no actual implementation in this regard has still been made. The parties fielding candidates with a criminal record of moral turpitude and violence as pondered by the NEW report is itself a challenge, and was argued by the National Commission in 2002 to amend the Representation of People’s Act to prevent infiltration of such elements to contest elections. Establishment of an independent committee is essential for transparency in funding and working of political parties. Fast track courts to gear up the criminal justice system and a nodal outfit to liaison the work of the various enforcement agencies must be institutionalized, so that the tainted politicians are made to take a bow from public life. Eventually, it is the enlightened citizens who possess the ultimate power in deciding the fate of this nation.
POLITICIANS, POLICE AND CRIMINAL NEXUS: GREATEST THREAT TO THE RULE OF LAW IN INDIA
Law is a system of rules, usually enforced through a set of institutions. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a primary social mediator of relations between people. In Indian democracy, the central institutions for
Growth of criminal gangs, drug peddlers and economic lobbies in the country which have, over the years, maintained extensive contacts with the government functionaries, politicians, media persons and strategically located individuals in the non-State sector have been evident with disturbing regularity throughout the place. The police have confirmed protection to these organised syndicates either under the political pressure of their patrons, or are themselves in collusion with them as discussed in the context of Gulbarg massacre. This piece is an initiative to aware the readers about the nexus, overshadowing the principle of law and corrupting influence on members of the legal-administrative system. Some 17 years ago Vohra Committee submitted its report to curb criminalization of politics but, no actual implementation in this regard has still been made. The parties fielding candidates with a criminal record of moral turpitude and violence as pondered by the NEW report is itself a challenge, and was argued by the National Commission in 2002 to amend the Representation of People’s Act to prevent infiltration of such elements to contest elections. Establishment of an independent committee is essential for transparency in funding and working of political parties. Fast track courts to gear up the criminal justice system and a nodal outfit to liaison the work of the various enforcement agencies must be institutionalized, so that the tainted politicians are made to take a bow from public life. Eventually, it is the enlightened citizens who possess the ultimate power in deciding the fate of this nation.
POLITICIANS, POLICE AND CRIMINAL NEXUS: GREATEST THREAT TO THE RULE OF LAW IN INDIA
Law is a system of rules, usually enforced through a set of institutions. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a primary social mediator of relations between people. In Indian democracy, the central institutions for