Not
by law alone
Sir,
There is more than one
dimension to the satistics published in
your editorial not by law alone (Dec 15)
one that the tolerance limits have
lowered (as highlighted by your
editorial) and the other that women have
begun to wake up and shed inhibitions
imposed by customs and traditions to seek
(not fight for) their legal rights (which
everybody should welcome and be happy
about rather than look at it negatively).
There is one more dimension, that of
steady erosion of scruples. The third
dimension is doubly essential to study
and explore; because there are
unscrupulous individuals on either side
of this gender divide, i.e., both men and
women can be equally unscrupulous).
It is necessary to have a
balanced view of all these dimensions
before making a definite and correct
interpretation of the prevailing scene.
The traditional, family-value-based
Indian family system is going to suffer
heavily and irrevocably if we fail to
highlight and take into account all the
dimensions relevant to the prevailing
trend. This multi-dimensional nature of
this issue needs to be studied and the
scenario (I am refraining from calling
this a problem, because it can be a case
of women coming of age!) commentated upon
suitably. In short there are three major
components of this situation, and to
blame it onto men being unscrupulous and
dominating is going to hit at the very
foundation of the Indian family system.
It will be in the interest of Indian
family culture that this situation be
appreciated and analysed holistically so
that suitable and appropriate corrections
can be suggested. Otherwise, we are
muddying the already muddied waters that
a present Indian family finds itself in.
Justice JD Kapoor of Delhi
High Court while giving his judgment on a
case (filed under section 498-A meant to
empower women) has deemed it necessary to
put his valued opinion based on his
experience on record: ‘There is
growing tendency to come out with
inflated and exaggerated allegations
roping in each and every relation of the
husband and if one of them happens to be
of higher status or of vulnerable
standing, he or she becomes an easy prey
for better bargaining and blackmailing.
These ground realities have persuaded
this court to recommend to the
authorities and law makers to have a
review of the situation and legal
provision.’
It is not for nothing that
the learned judge has commented like
this. This is just one example of how
justice administering authorities look at
the situation. It is time that public
opinion prevents politicians from playing
politics with this sensitive issue and
not fail in its duty to bring to light
all the dimensions before the masses.
Masses are the masters of the media and
highlighting their issues is its duty.
And the issue is that of providing a
legal set-up that can help family members
bond together, complement each other, and
live happily while encouraging family
values. Family life is aimed essentially
at belongingness not at individuality. We
do not want one more law that will lock
spouses into unending, unfruitful,
egoistic legal battles on such issues as
calling names!
Yours
etc.
Sanjay Pandita
Jammu
Musharraf's
kite flying
Sir,
Mr. Jagmohan's recent write
up under the caption ''Musharraf's kite
flying....'' publihsed in this paper (Dec
22, 23). The write-up is thought
provoking, informative, scientific in
nature, mathematical in approach,
analytical in exercise and a blueprint
guideline for the powers that be at the
centre. The article has exposed the real
ambitions of Musharraf to trap India to a
point of no return. The writer has
skillfully spelled out self rule,
demilitarisation, joint control and
regionalism. A realistic and factual
comparison with historical context of
self rule on Indian side Kashmir and
Pakistani side of line of control. When
entire Pakistan has been ruled for half
the period of its existence by the
military rulers, what bothers them to
worry for others. The writer's
explanation about demilitarisation which
is not possible until conditions are
created for the safety and security of
Kashmiris from deadly forces of
subversion and terrorism let loose by
Pakistan. Joint control is totally
impracticable when there are two separate
systems of Governments one Sharie
(Islamic) and the other 'Democracy'.
Moreover fanaticism and
fundamentalism have been allowed to grow
with the game plan of resorting to terror
tactics. Pakistan couldn't continue
enrolment drive for terrorist
organisations without spreading fanatic
hatred. Same is the situation of
regionalism spliting Jammu and Kashmir
into regions as proposed by Musharraf is
against the basic principle of 'Unity in
Diversity' and coexistence. The writeup
carries much weight and importance in the
prevailing political scenario. The Govt
of India shouldn't therefore temper with
the present structure on the demand of
Musharraf or politically ambitious local
leaders/blue eyed youth who day in and
day out parrot the four point Musharraf
formula. We salute Mr. Jagmohan a true
nationalist, a statesman and expert in
Kashmir affairs for presenting such a
good write up.
Yours
etc..
P K Koul
Budgami
Jammu
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