Are Politicians Kith and Kin Above the Law??

Anyone who has power is expected to use it for the good of society, especially if they represent the people. But in the words of great Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo- "A politician does not represent the soul of a people or its aspirations. He represents the pettiness, selfishness, egoism, self deception that is about him." Some like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Laloo Prasad Yadav and Manu Sharma's father have a history of it, others face its ugly form after taking their oaths.

Lets face reality...Any man who had the opportunity would flout the law if it meant protecting his kith and kin. Therefore to tackle this very human dilemma, we have the Judiciary- law enforcers who may not need the people's support but certainly have the Constitutions. And they usually do their job.

Rahul Mahajan was chargersheeted for drug abuse despite his father Pramod Mahajan's tragic murder by his own brother (who incidentally was arrested as well). Instances where this hasn't happened are proof that a politician can tweak the system only to a certain extent. Jessica Lal's case was reopened after a public outcry and Manu Sharma was given a life sentence- so the public too can influence the system, Shibu Soren-a Minister was given a life sentence as well for murdering his Secretary, Sanjay Gandhi was murdered for his sterility program despite being the son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi- so kith and kin sometimes pay a harsher price for their decisions than most. Sachin Pilot and Milind Deora (sons of eminent politicians) won a fair election- so kith and kin sometomes derive thair own power, Natwar Singh was forced to resign for manipulating Food for Oil Programs in Iraq- Politicians and their kith and kin are punished.

This is the modern scenario but the problem still prevails that the system can be browbeaten into submission by any unscruplous man, and of that variety there isn't a shortage. Abraham Lincoln said "You can't fool all the people all the time but you can fool enough of them to rule a large country."

If our legal system can be fooled, it is outdated and weak. Its weakness stems from having lost its power to more materialistic things like money. But that is a natural progression and so, like Anti Virus software, the law needs to be updated to keep up with man's inherent criminality. Every lock may have a key, but the key can be hidden under a thorn bush..Similarly all possible exits and loopholes should either be blocked or made difficult to access.

Above all a 'neta'-minister derives the ability to influence , from the people-not Kryptonite. And if we uphold our duties as custodians of morality and integrity, we have the power to influence our politicians. If we choose our politicians as wisely as we spend our money, we can ensure that Justice for all becomes a reality.

As French philosopher Montesqui said- "The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a Democracy."