No more hiding

The Supreme Court has done well to bring clarity into the question of prosecuting public servants.

The Supreme Court has done well to bring clarity into the question of prosecuting public servants. Following on the heels of the convictions of former Union Minister Shibu Soren and BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, the apex court’s ruling leaves no room for doubt that the law does not treat public servants any differently from any other citizen of India. Our political class and bureaucracy have, for far too long, hindered attempts to scrutinise their conduct and bring transparency and accountability into the working of the administration. While the State offers them enormous protection so that they may discharge their duties without undue interference, this privilege has, unfortunately, become the skirt behind which corrupt and criminal elements hide.

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Concerns about the court’s ruling becoming a launch-pad for political vendettas and malicious prosecution are not entirely misplaced. But the benefits of such a ruling far outweigh any real repercussions that public servants may face. Coupled with the Right To Information (RTI) Act, this judgment will have a far-reaching impact in bringing public servants to book for misconduct and unlawful activities. There is an undeniable need to improve the quality of public service in this country, especially when one takes into account India’s aspiration to become an economic and political powerhouse.

It is also necessary to remind the UPA government of its promise to enact the Lok Pal Bill at the Centre and bring the Prime Minister and all legislators under its purview. This particular watchdog would be empowered to conduct rigorous investigations into allegations of corruption against public servants. The efficacy of its counterparts in unearthing corruption in the states and addressing the grievances of the public is undeniable. Yet, at the Centre, the Lok Pal Bill has been blocked for one reason or the other for decades. Its enactment would further strengthen the drive to ensure a clean, responsible and accountable administration. Just as the RTI Act has done, this would also make the people of India active participants in our democracy.