Following the law : Really?

Almost every talk in the academy is referred to as "thought-provoking" by the fatigued probationer, compelled to give the vote of thanks. However, there are few speakers who can actually provoke some thoughts in the numbed minds of the IPS probationers.Satheesh Balan was one such rare speaker. A simple man, with a simple, straight-forward understanding of the world (which only a few can afford, because it needs a non-compromising attitude towards a lot of things typically seen as "worth" compromising for), he spoke about the complete lack of sensitisation in Indian police.

Combined with a number of instances from his personal life, both about pre-IPS and post-IPS days, of how police harassment is everywhere and is present in the most innocuous cases which we have come to perceive as harmless routine.

The most provoking aspect of his speech was how difficult it is to challenge the social norms concerning patriarchy and caste hierarchy. Giving his experiences of implementing the Domestic Violence Act and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, it was amply clear that there will be occasions when every single individual around an officer will prefer to avoid implementing these laws. It is then that the officer concerned need to ask himself whether he has what it takes to provide justice to the aggrieved even when he has absolutely no support (and often enough, violent opposition) from those around him. It will take officers with conviction and fearless zest who can take pains to make sure that people get what they are legally entitled to, even when their own social setup seeks to keep them perennially deprived.

Today, with laws like RTI, Domestic Violence Act, Juvenile Justice Act, SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, Panchayati Raj Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, etc. - we have a unique problem at our hands. These laws give the official machinery the teeth to act in a socially progressive and naturally just manner, however what it needs is officers with conviction and guts to do what is written. First of all, these officers need to themselves be sensitised enough as to understand that the time for such progressive legislations has come about. Second, they must have the courage and skills to show the way to others (including, their seniors and peers).

I believe if I can hold myself together and do my bit to this effect, I would die happy.