Undemocratic Conduct Must Be Checked: Rule of Law is Non-negotiable
·1 day ago·4 min read
Key Points
Editorial raises concerns over two Odisha incidents: MLA allegedly firing gun during Ram Navami and politician's husband threatening a tehsildar.
Bhubaneswar, Mar 31: India is a democratic nation governed by a well-defined constitutional framework. From legislators and ministers to the Chief Minister, Prime Minister, and President -- every public functionary is expected to operate within the boundaries of law and institutional propriety. Yet, occasional deviations from these norms expose a worrying trend: individuals in positions of influence, or those connected to power, overstepping their limits and setting dangerous precedents in public life.
Odisha has recently witnessed two such disturbing incidents. One involves the husband of a legislator allegedly issuing a death threat to a tehsildar. The other concerns a sitting MLA reportedly firing a gun during a Ram Navami celebration. While these may appear as isolated acts of indiscipline, they, in fact, raise deeper concerns about the erosion of respect for the rule of law.
A tehsildar is not merely an individual; he represents the administrative machinery of the state. Threatening such an officer is tantamount to intimidating the government itself. Such acts are rarely impulsive—they often stem from an intent to coerce the system for vested interests. If those entrusted with governance or linked to political authority begin to undermine officials, it weakens the very foundation of democratic administration.
Public representatives -- whether MLAs or MPs -- are lawmakers. They are duty-bound not only to create laws but also to uphold and exemplify them. Law, at its core, signifies order and fairness. Elected representatives are expected to function within these boundaries and, importantly, ensure that their associates and family members do not violate public decorum or institutional dignity.
The conduct in the first case, if proven, is no different from that of a habitual offender. It demands firm and immediate police action. When a tehsildar feels unsafe, it sends a chilling message about the vulnerability of ordinary citizens. Swift arrest, a time-bound investigation, and transparent legal proceedings are essential to restore public confidence in the justice system.
The second incident raises equally serious concerns. A public representative carries the weight of public trust. Every action—especially in a public setting—is closely observed. The controversy over whether the weapon used was real or a toy only underscores the larger issue: the symbolism of such behavior. What purpose does firing a gun serve during a religious festival like Ram Navami? What message does it send to society? Such acts risk normalizing aggression and trivializing the sanctity of public celebrations.
Political parties, too, cannot remain indifferent. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which often emphasizes discipline and decorum as its core values, must recognize that such incidents can erode its moral standing. This is not merely about individual misconduct; it reflects on the party’s internal discipline and its commitment to its stated ideals.
History offers clear lessons. Political formations whose members indulged in unruly or arrogant behavior have eventually faced public rejection. The decline of the Congress in Odisha since the late 1990s, and the eventual electoral setback of the Biju Janata Dal, serve as reminders that public patience has limits. If lessons from the past are ignored, history has a way of repeating itself.
At this juncture, the role of the police and administration becomes crucial. Law enforcement agencies must act impartially and decisively, without fear or favor. The credibility of governance depends on the perception—and reality—of fairness in action. If influential individuals are seen to escape accountability, it emboldens anti-social elements and weakens societal discipline.
Ultimately, the responsibility does not rest with institutions alone. Citizens, too, must remain vigilant and uphold democratic values. A healthy democracy thrives when both the governed and those in power respect the rule of law.
Undemocratic conduct, especially by those in or around power, cannot be normalized. The rule of law must prevail—not selectively, but uniformly. Only then can social order, justice, and public trust be meaningfully preserved.
Odisha has recently witnessed two such disturbing incidents. One involves the husband of a legislator allegedly issuing a death threat to a tehsildar. The other concerns a sitting MLA reportedly firing a gun during a Ram Navami celebration. While these may appear as isolated acts of indiscipline, they, in fact, raise deeper concerns about the erosion of respect for the rule of law.
A tehsildar is not merely an individual; he represents the administrative machinery of the state. Threatening such an officer is tantamount to intimidating the government itself. Such acts are rarely impulsive—they often stem from an intent to coerce the system for vested interests. If those entrusted with governance or linked to political authority begin to undermine officials, it weakens the very foundation of democratic administration.
Public representatives -- whether MLAs or MPs -- are lawmakers. They are duty-bound not only to create laws but also to uphold and exemplify them. Law, at its core, signifies order and fairness. Elected representatives are expected to function within these boundaries and, importantly, ensure that their associates and family members do not violate public decorum or institutional dignity.
The conduct in the first case, if proven, is no different from that of a habitual offender. It demands firm and immediate police action. When a tehsildar feels unsafe, it sends a chilling message about the vulnerability of ordinary citizens. Swift arrest, a time-bound investigation, and transparent legal proceedings are essential to restore public confidence in the justice system.
The second incident raises equally serious concerns. A public representative carries the weight of public trust. Every action—especially in a public setting—is closely observed. The controversy over whether the weapon used was real or a toy only underscores the larger issue: the symbolism of such behavior. What purpose does firing a gun serve during a religious festival like Ram Navami? What message does it send to society? Such acts risk normalizing aggression and trivializing the sanctity of public celebrations.
Political parties, too, cannot remain indifferent. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which often emphasizes discipline and decorum as its core values, must recognize that such incidents can erode its moral standing. This is not merely about individual misconduct; it reflects on the party’s internal discipline and its commitment to its stated ideals.
History offers clear lessons. Political formations whose members indulged in unruly or arrogant behavior have eventually faced public rejection. The decline of the Congress in Odisha since the late 1990s, and the eventual electoral setback of the Biju Janata Dal, serve as reminders that public patience has limits. If lessons from the past are ignored, history has a way of repeating itself.
At this juncture, the role of the police and administration becomes crucial. Law enforcement agencies must act impartially and decisively, without fear or favor. The credibility of governance depends on the perception—and reality—of fairness in action. If influential individuals are seen to escape accountability, it emboldens anti-social elements and weakens societal discipline.
Ultimately, the responsibility does not rest with institutions alone. Citizens, too, must remain vigilant and uphold democratic values. A healthy democracy thrives when both the governed and those in power respect the rule of law.
Undemocratic conduct, especially by those in or around power, cannot be normalized. The rule of law must prevail—not selectively, but uniformly. Only then can social order, justice, and public trust be meaningfully preserved.
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