All posts by Maati Maajra

RSS chief faces backlash on independence claim

January 27, 2025 | By Maati Maajra
RSS chief faces backlash on independence claim

Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks undermine history, freedom fighters, and constitutional ideals; critics demand national unity

Undermining the freedom struggle

Bhagwat’s assertion undermines the monumental significance of August 15, 1947, as the day marking India’s liberation from colonial rule. The sacrifices of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, and numerous unsung heroes are side-lined in favour of an ideological claim. Rahul Gandhi denounced the remark as “insulting to freedom fighters,” while Jairam Ramesh characterised it as “anti-national” and reflective of an agenda to rewrite history. Leaders like Tejashwi Yadav noted that this narrative belittles the immense sacrifices made by the freedom fighters under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, disregarding their unparalleled contributions. Revanth Reddy, echoing these concerns, demanded that Prime Minister Modi clarify his position on Bhagwat’s remarks, questioning whether the government stands by the freedom fighters or supports this ideological stance.

Historical revisionism and its dangers

Shashi Tharoor warned against conflating India’s independence with ideological or religious milestones. He emphasized that independence was achieved through the collective sacrifices of patriots who endured British oppression, including incarceration and execution. Tharoor cautioned that attempts to redefine this historical truth risk diminishing its universal and inclusive nature. Digvijaya Singh echoed these concerns, demanding an apology from Bhagwat and criticizing the divisive undertones of the statement.

Assault on constitutional values

The remarks challenge the principles enshrined in India’s Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950. By linking independence to a religious event, Bhagwat’s comments contradict the secular and pluralistic ethos envisioned by the framers of the Constitution, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Jairam Ramesh argued that such rhetoric undermines the democratic foundation of the Republic, disrespecting the Constitution’s commitment to equality and unity.

Political and social implications

The political backlash to Bhagwat’s statement has been unequivocal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labelled the remarks “anti-national” and “dangerous,” highlighting their potential to distort history and disrupt social harmony. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), led by Varun Choudhary, called for stringent action against the RSS, asserting that Bhagwat’s rhetoric threatened the nation’s unity and integrity. Shashi Tharoor pointed out that linking independence to religious milestones risks alienating minority communities and rewriting India’s collective historical achievements. Sachin Pilot also voiced strong opposition, condemning the remark as an affront to the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters. He criticized the government for weakening constitutional institutions and fostering an environment where such divisive statements are normalised.

Divisive ideology and historical context

Critics like Tejashwi Yadav and Digvijaya Singh underscored the RSS’s historical non-participation in the freedom movement. They argued that such statements attempt to appropriate the legacy of the independence struggle while marginalizing diverse contributions. Farooq Abdullah’s response emphasised the collective effort and sacrifices of all communities, warning against narratives that could deepen communal divides. This sentiment was echoed by Sachin Pilot, who criticized the remark for diminishing the inclusive struggle that defined India’s fight for freedom.

Public sentiment and wider repercussions

The broader public and political reaction to Bhagwat’s statement reflects its polarizing nature. Leaders across party lines, including KC Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge, have condemned the remarks as an affront to the sacrifices of martyrs and freedom fighters. Organizations like the Congress and NSUI have staged protests, with demands ranging from an apology to a ban on the RSS. This widespread opposition underscores the importance of safeguarding India’s historical narrative from ideological distortions.

Broader concerns on historical narratives

Bhagwat’s statement aligns with a broader trend of historical revisionism, where specific ideological milestones are promoted as central to India’s identity. Such narratives risk side-lining the secular and pluralistic contributions of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Jawaharlal Nehru. Jairam Ramesh noted that this trend undermines the Constitution and the values it represents. By celebrating the Ram Temple’s consecration as “true independence,” the RSS projects a narrow and exclusionary vision of Indian history.

Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks represent more than a historical misrepresentation; they pose a challenge to India’s pluralistic and democratic framework. The struggle for India’s independence was a collective effort transcending religious, regional, and ideological boundaries. Attempts to rewrite this narrative for political or ideological purposes must be actively challenged to preserve the integrity of India’s democratic and constitutional ideals. Moving forward, reaffirming the values of unity, secularism, and inclusivity is essential to maintaining the spirit of the freedom struggle and the Republic it helped establish.

(CJP)

Supreme Court frowns upon the absolutely inadequate functioning of the RTI machinery

January 18, 2025 | By Maati Maajra
Supreme Court frowns upon the absolutely inadequate functioning of the RTI machinery

Upholding accountability, resisting the erosion of justice by the powerful.

The RTI Act which was implemented as a measure to increase transparency in the functioning of the Government machinery, has suffered various attacks and negligence of the Government, which has now rendered it powerless. The Act has empowered the citizens of India and protected their fundamental right to information, however, now that power is being taken away. This article delves into how strategically through amendments and due to the lackadaisical attitude of the government, RTI is becoming a defunct machinery.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act which will soon complete 20 years, has been a very important thread in the democratic fabric of India. The Act empowers citizens to request information from public authorities and promotes transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Government. By enabling informed participation and holding the public officials accountable, the Act aims to strengthen the democratic governance system in our country.

However, over the last few years, questions have been raised about the functioning of the RTI machinery as the number of pending complaints and appeals has increased, various State Information Commissions (SIC) remain defunct, while the Central Information Commission (CIC) is not functioning at its full capacity.

On January 7, 2025, the Supreme Court expressed its concerns over the delay in appointment of the Information Commissioner by Centre and States for protecting the citizens’ right to information, asking what was the use of creating a law protecting the rights of the citizens and creating transparency in the functioning of the government machinery, if there is no one to work for that law.

A defunct RTI machinery

The condition of the functioning of the CIC and the SICs can be better understood by analysing the report published by Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS) on the functioning of the 29 commissions across the country with information accessed under the RTI Act through various applications.

Out of the 29 SICs, seven were not functioning at different lengths of time in the year 2024, including Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. For a period of four years, the SIC in Jharkhand has not been functional, which is the longest as compared to any other SICs.

Additionally, there were no Chief Information Commissioner in five commissions, along with eight that have been functioning at a reduced capacity with an inadequate number of information commissioners.

As per the Act, each commission shall have 10 commissioners and a chief commissioner, despite that multiple states and even the CIC are functioning at a reduced capacity. The CIC has been working with only three commissioners, including the chief commissioner.

In its recent order, Supreme Court also took cognizance of the situation in Jharkhand, where the commission has been defunct since 2020, and the lack of a leader of opposition (LOP) has resulted in no appointments in the SIC as the Act lays down that the Selection Committee for appointing commissioners must have LOP as a member.

The Court thereafter directed the single largest opposition party in Jharkhand, National Democratic Alliance, to appoint one of its elected representatives for the Selection Committee and complete the appointment process within the next 10 weeks.

As a result of this defunct machinery, the backlog of cases in the 29 commissions has drastically increased, from 2.18 lakh in the year 2019, to 4.05 lakh in the year 2024, which is an increase of around 80 percent, as reported by Newslaundry.

The CIC, which is the final appellate body as per the RTI Act, has more than 23,000 matters pending with 8 vacant posts for commissioners as per the website of the Central Information Commission.

The primary objective of the information commissions is to ensure transparency in the functioning of the government, however with regards to mandatorily making available the annual reports on the websites of respective commissions, it is pertinent to note that 33 percent of the commissions have not made their annual reports available as per an article published in the Business Standard.

The article further analyses the report of SNS as per which nearly 14,000 complaints and appeals were returned while 19,347 were registered by the CIC between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, which comes to 42 percent of the total number of complaints registered.

The article further quotes the report stating “CIC website discloses how many appeals/complaints were re-submitted to the CIC after addressing deficiencies. The data reveals that nearly 96 per cent of the cases which were returned to the appellant/complainant were not re-submitted to the CIC by them”.

Reference can also be made to the 2019 judgement of the Supreme Court in the case of Anjali Bhardwaj vs Union of India, where the apex Court directed the Government to fill up the vacancies in the Information Commission and advised the government to make timely appointments of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners 1 to 2 months prior the vacancy is created.

In this judgement, the Court also held that the selection of Information Commissioner must not be merely from Government employees or ex-government employees and highlighted the requirement of appointing people from other streams to increase transparency.

However, the judgement has not made much difference, and the appointment of retired bureaucrats continues.

2019 amendment

The negative attitude of the Government towards the RTI Act has been reflected in the 2019 Amendment to the Act, which has struck a huge blow to the independence and autonomy of the RTI machinery. The scope of the Act has been shrunk and the Government has attempted to defeat the purpose of the legislation. The power given under the RTI Act is now being eroded.

The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019 breaks down the backbone of the law by striking its most important aspect, independence. The Amendment tinkers with status, salary and autonomy of the Information Commissioners at both Central and State levels. The Act which was passed hurriedly without proper consultations gives wide-ranging powers to the Central Government in controlling the one organization that has the power to hold the Government accountable.

To provide autonomy and prevent the information commissions from government interference, the tenure of chief information commissioners and 10 information commissioners was fixed at 5 years, and their salaries were of the rank of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners respectively.

The 2019 Amendment takes away the fixed tenure of the chief information commissioner and the information commissioners and also alters their salaries. As per the amendment, the Central Government has been granted the power to decide the tenure and salary of the chief information commissioner and the information commissioners. This can result in arbitrary removal and curtailment or increment of salary for elections commissioners as per the suitability of the ruling government.

While attempting to explain the objectives and the reasoning behind the amendment to the RTI Act, Bar and Bench in its article reported that, the Minister for PMO, Jitender Singh has argued that

“The functions being carried out by the Election Commission of India and Central and State Information Commissions are totally different. The Election Commission is a constitutional body established by clause (1) of article 324 of the Constitution and is responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all election to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of election to the office of President and Vice President held under the Constitution. On the other hand, the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions are statutory bodies established under the provision of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Therefore, the mandate of Election Commission of India and Central and State Information Commissions are different. Hence their status and service conditions need to be rationalised accordingly.”

Shri Yashovardhan Azad and Prof. Madabhushanam Sridhar Acharyulu, former Information Commissioners of the CIC argued that the Amendment may kill the RTI Act itself. They argued that the CIC and the SICs are not very different from the Election Commission of India especially with regards to their constitutional duties, and therefore the equivalence between ICs and EC with regards terms and conditions of service and salary were rightly drawn as per an article of the Economic and Political Weekly.

An article of India Today, cites Shashi Tharoor (MP, Indian National Congress) arguing that “It is not an RTI (Amendment) Bill. It is an ‘RTI elimination bill’. This bill is removing the two greatest armours of institutional independence and on top of that, by controlling the State Information Commissioners, by taking over the power to determine their salaries, the Central government is destroying it.”

Backdrop to the 2019 Amendment

Before the introduction of the RTI Amendment Act, 2019, a few orders had been passed by the Information Commission which were considered to cause unease to the Modi Government. Two examples can be referred to here of the row over PM Modi’s degree and the status of non-performing assets in public sector banks.

The Delhi University was directed, in January 2017, to allow the search of records of the students who had cleared the BA Course in the year 1978 which is when PM Modi passed the said exam, by the then Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu.

Based on another complaint filed with the Information Commission during the tenure of the Modi government, the Commission directed the RBI to provide details with regards to the NPA in public sector banks and also the details of primary big loan defaulters. The information was denied by the RBI citing the confidential nature of the said information.

The matter even reached the Supreme Court where the Court directed the RBI in 2015 to make the requested information available and the order was reiterated in 2019 after the Central Bank had previously failed to comply with the order of the apex Court.

A conclusion can be drawn here as to how such complaints that have made the Modi government uncomfortable have resulted in the introduction of the RTI Amendment Act, 2019.

Other Issues with the RTI Machinery –

A pertinent question rises after the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (hereinafter referred as the DPDP Act), 2023 came into force regarding how to balance right to information and right to privacy, both of which are fundamental rights protected under Article 19(1) and Article 21 of the Constitution of India respectively.

Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The previous provision exempted release of “information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual unless the Central Public Information Officer or the State Public Information Officer or the appellate authority, as the case may be, is satisfied that the larger public interest justifies the disclosure of such information”, which is now substituted with “information which relates to personal information”.

The revised provision has provided a blanket exemption of any personal information and removed the consideration of larger public interest thereby resulting in huge potential of decrease in transparency and accountability.

The provision provides for protection of privacy of the government, meanwhile to protect the democratic fabric of the country, increased transparency on the end of the government would help in protecting the right of privacy of the citizens. Increased accountability of public officials would promote the objective of the RTI Act, which has been severely diluted by the amendment made by the DPDP Act.

Concerns have been raised as the DPDP Act was passed with great haste and without any consultation. In the documents obtained by an RTI application, it has been found that NITI Aayog which is government’s own think tank had formally written to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), urging to not pass the proposed DPDP Bill citing its repercussions and impact on the RTI Act especially, as reported in an article published by ET Government.

A fine will be imposed on the citizens if wrong information is provided to the government even by mistake or if there has been a failure to provide identity proof or address, or even if a complaint has been filed regarding breach of data privacy which is found to be false at a later stage as per an article published by the Deccan Herald. The Government expects the citizens to be perfectly candid and provide with their personal information, meanwhile exempting itself from doing the same and thereby destroying the balance between the governing and the governed.

In 2012, the Report of the Planning Commission headed by Justice AP Shah contended that Section 8 of the RTI Act provides for the exception of privacy to the right to information and when contended, the same can be decided by the Information Commissioners applying the public interest test. Therefore, the Privacy Act should in no way circumscribe the Right to Information Act. (Chapter 4, para 4.2, page 29 of 92)

Further, the Report of Justice Srikrishna Committee in 2018 attempted to balance the right to privacy with the right to information by suggesting amendment to the RTI Act by laying down that information must be exempted “only if such information is likely to cause harm to a data principal and such harm outweighs the aforementioned public interest, can the information be exempted from disclosure.” (Page 110 of 213)

From the above analysis it can be seen how time and again the Centre has attempted to whittle down the power of the RTI Act to protect itself. These acts of the Centre are against the basic fabric of a democratic government, accountability and transparency. Citizens’ right to information has been recognized by the Supreme Court as a fundamental right protected under Article 19(1) of the Constitution of India in a catena of judgments, however, the Centre has left no stone unturned to try and dilute the one law protecting that right.

(The legal research team of CJP consists of lawyers and interns; this primer has been worked on by Yukta Adha)

पर्दाफाश: दलित महिला की जमीन पर बनाया गया राजकीय महिला महाविद्यालय, सरकार और प्रशासन की मिलीभगत से छीना गया हक!

December 31, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
पर्दाफाश: दलित महिला की जमीन पर बनाया गया राजकीय महिला महाविद्यालय, सरकार और प्रशासन की मिलीभगत से छीना गया हक!

राजस्थान के लाडनूं में एक दलित महिला, सीता देवी हरिजन, की संघर्षमय कहानी आज न केवल सामाजिक न्याय के मुद्दे को उजागर करती है, बल्कि यह भी बताती है कि कैसे सरकारी मशीनरी और प्रशासनिक तंत्र दलितों के संवैधानिक अधिकारों को कुचलने में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाते हैं। सीता देवी की जमीन पर बनाए गए राजकीय कन्या महाविद्यालय का विवाद यह साबित करता है कि कैसे ताकतवर तबका अपनी शक्ति का इस्तेमाल करते हुए गरीबों और कमजोर वर्गों को न्याय से वंचित करता है।

विवाद की जड़: किसकी जमीन, किसका अधिकार?

लाडनूं के खसरा नंबर 1548, 1587 और 1587/1 की कुल 27 बीघा 16 बिस्वा भूमि, जो बारानी अव्वल कृषि भूमि के रूप में जानी जाती है, मूलतः सीता देवी हरिजन की संपत्ति है। इस भूमि पर खेती करते हुए उन्होंने अपना जीवन यापन किया। लेकिन एक षड्यंत्र के तहत इस जमीन को आनंदपाल सिंह का “टॉर्चर हाउस” और “बंकर” घोषित कर दिया गया। प्रशासन ने इसे जब्त कर सीता देवी और उनके परिवार को डरा-धमकाकर उनसे सादे कागजों पर जबरन हस्ताक्षर करवा लिए। यह आरोप लगाया गया कि आनंदपाल ने सीता देवी को डरा-धमकाकर जमीन अपने नाम करवा ली थी, जबकि वास्तविकता यह है कि यह जमीन कभी आनंदपाल की नहीं थी।

महाविद्यालय निर्माण: दलित अधिकारों पर कुठाराघात

राजकीय कन्या महाविद्यालय का संचालन पहले जौहरी राजकीय उच्च माध्यमिक विद्यालय भवन से किया जा रहा था। लेकिन 14 दिसंबर 2024 को इसे एनएच-58 पर स्थित विवादित जमीन पर स्थानांतरित कर दिया गया। यह वही जमीन है, जिसे सीता देवी अपने हक की लड़ाई में राजस्थान उच्च न्यायालय में चुनौती दे चुकी हैं। मामला अदालत में लंबित रहने के बावजूद, प्रशासन ने इस जमीन पर निर्माण कार्य शुरू कर दिया और अब वहां 251 छात्राओं के साथ महाविद्यालय संचालित हो रहा है। यह कदम न केवल दलित महिला के अधिकारों का हनन है, बल्कि न्यायिक प्रक्रिया में हस्तक्षेप भी है।

“आनंदपाल का बंकर” बताने की साजिश: सच्चाई क्या है?

इस जमीन को “आनंदपाल का बंकर” कहकर प्रचारित किया गया। आरोप लगाया गया कि आनंदपाल इस जमीन का इस्तेमाल अपने अपराधों के लिए करता था। लेकिन जांच में यह तथ्य सामने आया कि आनंदपाल का इस जमीन से कोई संबंध नहीं था। उसका पुश्तैनी मकान सांवराद गांव में है, और लाडनूं में भी उसका अलग मकान है। इस जमीन पर खड़ी फसलें और सीता देवी की वर्षों की मेहनत इस बात की गवाही देती हैं कि यह भूमि केवल एक किसान परिवार की जीविका का साधन थी। तथाकथित “यातना गृह” का आरोप केवल इस जमीन को विवादित बनाने और सीता देवी के हक को खत्म करने का एक प्रयास था।

दलित महिला के संघर्ष की कहानी: हर दरवाजे पर दस्तक

सीता देवी ने अपनी जमीन वापस पाने के लिए हर स्तर पर प्रयास किया। उन्होंने तहसीलदार से लेकर संभागीय आयुक्त तक गुहार लगाई, लेकिन हर जगह उनकी बात अनसुनी कर दी गई। जब कोई रास्ता नहीं बचा, तो उन्होंने राजस्थान उच्च न्यायालय का दरवाजा खटखटाया। उच्च न्यायालय ने मामले की सुनवाई के लिए 19 दिसंबर 2024 की तारीख तय की है। लेकिन इससे पहले ही प्रशासन ने महाविद्यालय का संचालन शुरू कर दिया।

सरकार की भूमिका: दलित विरोधी मानसिकता उजागर

राजस्थान सरकार, जो दलितों के उत्थान और अधिकारों की बात करती है, इस मामले में पूरी तरह दलित विरोधी रुख अपनाए हुए नजर आ रही है। कानून स्पष्ट रूप से कहता है कि दलितों की कृषि भूमि को सवर्ण या अन्य वर्ग नहीं खरीद सकते। लेकिन इस मामले में कानून को दरकिनार कर प्रशासन ने जमीन पर कब्जा किया और इसे सरकारी संस्थान में तब्दील कर दिया।

न्यायिक प्रक्रिया और संवैधानिक अधिकारों का उल्लंघन

यह मामला केवल एक दलित महिला के अधिकारों का हनन नहीं है, बल्कि यह संविधान के अनुच्छेद 17 (अस्पृश्यता का उन्मूलन) और अनुच्छेद 46 (अनुसूचित जातियों की सुरक्षा) का सीधा उल्लंघन है। अदालत में मामला विचाराधीन रहते हुए जमीन की स्थिति बदलना न्यायिक प्रक्रिया का मजाक उड़ाने के समान है।

कब मिलेगा दलितों को न्याय?

सीता देवी हरिजन का यह संघर्ष केवल उनकी जमीन तक सीमित नहीं है। यह सवाल उठाता है कि क्या भारत के दलित समुदाय को उनके संवैधानिक अधिकार और न्याय मिल पाएगा? क्या सरकार और प्रशासन उनकी आवाज सुनने को तैयार हैं? यह मामला सामाजिक न्याय और समानता की लड़ाई का प्रतीक बन चुका है। अदालत को इस मामले में त्वरित और निष्पक्ष निर्णय लेते हुए सीता देवी को उनका हक दिलाना चाहिए। इसके अलावा, सरकार और प्रशासन को अपनी दलित विरोधी मानसिकता को छोड़कर वंचित वर्गों के अधिकारों की रक्षा के लिए कदम उठाने चाहिए।

(Dalit Times)

The alarming rise of anti-Dalit violence and discrimination in India: A series of gruesome incidents since July 2024

December 29, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
The alarming rise of anti-Dalit violence and discrimination in India: A series of gruesome incidents since July 2024

Citizens for Justice and Peace report

This report chronicles a disturbing series of anti-Dalit incidents that have occurred since July, shedding light on the pervasive nature of caste-based violence in contemporary India. These incidents, spanning from the southern state of Karnataka to the northern territories of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as eastern states like Bihar, reveal a grim pattern of violence and systemic oppression against individuals from the Dalit community. Victims range from children to the elderly, showing that no age group is spared from the cruelty rooted in caste prejudice. The atrocities include not only physical violence but also psychological torture, sexual assault, and social exclusion, underscoring the pervasive and multi-faceted nature of caste-based discrimination in contemporary India.

From Karnataka, in the southern part of the country, three incidents of murder and assault have highlighted the continuing dangers faced by Dalits even in everyday situations. The cases of a young Dalit woman poisoned to death following an inter-caste marriage and an elderly Dalit man beaten for seeking shelter during a rainstorm starkly illustrate the lethal consequences of caste hatred.

In the north, Uttar Pradesh has once again proven to be a hotbed of caste-based violence. The incidents there range from the rape of a minor Dalit girl, whose pleas for justice were ignored by the police, to the horrific act of forcing a Dalit boy to drink urine as a form of punishment. These crimes highlight a culture of impunity where caste-based violence is often dismissed or inadequately addressed by the authorities.

In Uttarakhand, Dalit families have been subjected to a social boycott, effectively cutting them off from essential resources, simply for failing to participate in a religious event due to illness. This act of collective punishment, sanctioned by the local panchayat, demonstrates the extent to which caste hierarchies are enforced in rural India, where non-compliance with oppressive traditions can lead to severe and life-threatening consequences.

In Bihar, the rape of a Dalit girl and the subsequent threats made by police to her family reveal a disturbing collusion between perpetrators and law enforcement. Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh, the torture of a Dalit man by police officers, who allegedly used casteist slurs and inflicted severe physical harm, points to the institutionalization of caste discrimination within the very systems meant to protect citizens.

These incidents, scattered across the diverse geographic and cultural landscape of India, reveal a grim reality: caste-based violence and discrimination continue to be a pervasive issue in the country. It is essential to be highlighted here that out of all the states from where these incidents have been report, only the state of Karnataka is being governed by the Congress party, rest of the states are ruled by Bharatiya Janata Party and their allies. Despite legal protections and decades of social reform movements, Dalits remain vulnerable to extreme forms of violence, and the perpetrators often act with impunity. This series of attacks, occurring within a period of two months, serves as a stark reminder that the fight against caste oppression is far from over and requires urgent, comprehensive action at both societal and governmental levels.

CJP report decribed many incidents of caste violence post July 2024. Highlights of some were as follows.

Social Boycotts and Discrimination:

July 17, 2024: On the night of July 17, a 24-year-old Dalit youth named Ajay Parmar was violently assaulted by a group of upper-caste men in Sayebapur village, Himatnagar taluka, Sabarkantha district, North Gujarat. The incident allegedly stemmed from Parmar’s Instagram profile picture, which featured him wearing a traditional headgear and sunglasses. According to the FIR filed on July 18, Parmar, who works as an auto rickshaw driver, was confronted by two men from the Darbar community, who identify themselves as Kshatriyas, near the Navanagar bus stand. The men reportedly objected to Parmar’s display picture and demanded that he remove it. As per the report of Deccan Herald, the confrontation quickly escalated into physical violence as the men beat him. Parmar managed to escape and left his auto rickshaw behind. He was later informed by a friend that a group of 20-25 men from the Darbar community were waiting to attack him. Fearing for his life, Parmar called his father and brother for help. The group subsequently confronted Parmar and his family, slapping and abusing them. Despite calling the police, help arrived only after an hour. Parmar, the only Dalit resident in a village predominantly inhabited by the Darbar community, detailed the harassment and violence he endured. The FIR names four accused: Kirpalsinh Rathod, Manusinh Rathod, his son Hitendrasinh Rathod, and Shukalsinh Rathod. Police Sub-Inspector Sanjay Goswami from the Himatnagar rural police station spoke to the Deccan Herald and confirmed that the accused have fled the village and that an investigation is underway.

July 23, 2024: In a shocking incident of caste-based violence, a 15-year-old Dalit boy from Shravasti district, Uttar Pradesh, was forcibly made to drink urine by three upper-caste youths. As per the report of the Times of India, the incident occurred on July 23, 2024, when the victim, who works as a technician setting up sound mixers and audio systems for events, was on his way home after work. The trio, identified as Kishan Tiwari, Dilip Mishra, and Satyam Tiwari, accosted the boy while in an inebriated state. According to the police, the incident was triggered by the boy’s family charging the accused extra for an audio system they had installed for a function. Enraged by this, Dilip Mishra urinated into a liquor bottle while Satyam and Kishan pinned the boy down, forcing the bottle into his mouth. The trio also thrashed the minor and filmed the entire incident, which later circulated on social media. The victim narrated the ordeal to his elder brother after reaching home, following which his family lodged a police complaint the next day. The police conducted a preliminary investigation and arrested the three accused based on eyewitness accounts and the viral video. SHO Mahimanath Upadhyay confirmed the arrests and stated that the incident stemmed from a prior dispute involving a DJ service run by the victim’s family.

July 24, 2024: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has been engulfed in controversy following the discovery of objectionable graffiti at Kaveri Hostel. The slogans, which included “Chamar Quit India,” “Dalit Quit India,” “Brahmin-Bania Zindabad,” and “Hindu-RSS Zindabad,” have incited widespread protests and condemnation among the student body. Dhananjay, President of the JNU Students Union (JNUSU), strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing the university’s commitment to equality and denouncing the divisive nature of the slogans. “We strongly oppose such divisive actions,” he asserted. In response to the outcry, university officials have ordered the immediate removal of the graffiti and are taking steps to prevent future incidents. The administration is considering additional security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras in the hostel to enhance surveillance and security.

No equality and justice for Dalits?

The pervasive nature of these atrocities—ranging from brutal assaults and forced social boycotts to systemic abuse by law enforcement—reveals a grim reality where the promise of constitutional safeguards remains largely unfulfilled for marginalized communities. The horrific incidents reported across various states, including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, reflect a deeply rooted social malaise that continues to undermine the dignity and rights of Dalits.

Addressing this crisis requires more than mere acknowledgment; it demands a proactive and sustained commitment to reform. Immediate measures should include rigorous enforcement of existing laws, transparent investigations, and accountability for perpetrators, especially those in positions of power. Furthermore, there must be a societal shift towards recognizing and confronting caste-based discrimination in all its forms. Only through a united front, combining legal, social, and educational reforms, can India hope to dismantle the entrenched caste hierarchies that perpetuate such egregious violations of human rights and ensure that every citizen, regardless of caste, can live with dignity, equality and safety.

The judiciary’s commitment to protecting rights: notable Supreme Court judgments of 2024

December 28, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
The judiciary’s commitment to protecting rights: notable Supreme Court judgments of 2024

Defending Justice: Landmark rulings that upheld equality and India’s constitutional values

The year 2024 has been a defining one for India, with the Indian higher judiciary, the Supreme Court reinforcing core Constitutional principles, ensuring that the rights enshrined within it remain robust and inviolable. In an era when an aggressive executive impinges on individual and collective rights and liberties, the Supreme Court has, in several cases, played a pivotal role in upholding the foundational ideals of justice, equality, and fairness

These 2024 judgments emphasise the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, equality before the law, and freedom from arbitrary state actions. Whether it be in the context of protecting the right to shelter, ensuring judicial oversight in executive actions, or reaffirming the presumption of innocence in criminal justice, the judgments affirm India’s commitment to constitutional safeguards. These rulings have sent a clear message that any infringement on these rights—be it by the state or any other authority—will be met with judicial scrutiny and, where necessary, corrective action. These decisions are not just legal victories but are symbolic of the Court’s role in holding the mighty Indian state accountable, ensuring that the protection of individual rights is never compromised in the pursuit of public order or convenience. Apart from the pronouncements that ensured personal liberty of journalists and politicians from the opposition, a significant ruling on bulldozer justice included stringent directions that has, so far at least, acted as a strong deterrent.

January

Supreme Court quashes remission for Bilkis Bano gang rape convicts- Upholding justice and rule of law

On January 8, the Supreme Court delivered a judgment in the Bilkis Bano case, quashing the Gujarat government’s premature remission of 11 convicts who had been sentenced for heinous crimes, including the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan unequivocally held the remission order to be unlawful, highlighting procedural lapses and asserting that it violated the principles of rule of law. The Court criticised the Gujarat government’s complicity in granting the remission, which it termed an “instance of usurpation of the Maharashtra government’s authority” given the case’s transfer to Mumbai for a fair trial. The judgment marked a firm stance against arbitrary executive action and reaffirmed the victim’s rights within India’s criminal justice system.

The Court observed that the Gujarat government, backed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, acted with “unclean hands,” misled the Court, and disregarded due process in granting remission. Justice Nagarathna underscored that liberty under Article 21 must be exercised only in accordance with law, asserting that allowing the convicts to remain free would undermine public trust and violate the rule of law. The judgment ordered the convicts to surrender to custody within two weeks, asserting that their deprivation of liberty was justified based on their convictions and criminal conduct.

This ruling stands out as a monumental affirmation of judicial integrity, accountability, and victim-centric justice. Bilkis Bano’s relentless 20-year struggle, supported by human rights activists, faced numerous challenges, making this judgment a beacon of hope. By quashing the remission, the Supreme Court ensured that arbitrary decisions by the executive do not erode the foundations of justice, emphasising the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional values and preserving public confidence in the rule of law.

February

Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds scheme- Upholding transparency in political funding

In a pivotal ruling on February 15, the Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, 2017, declaring it unconstitutional. A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, held that the scheme violated the fundamental right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The judgment underscored that anonymous donation through electoral bonds infringed upon the public’s right to access information vital for participatory democracy, emphasising that transparency in political funding is indispensable for free and fair elections.

The bench addressed two key issues: the impact of anonymous donations on the right to information and whether unlimited corporate funding to political parties compromised electoral integrity. Striking down the scheme and related amendments to the Income Tax Act, Representation of People Act, and Companies Act, the Court held that such measures unjustly treated corporate and individual donor’s alike, enabling companies to exercise disproportionate influence over politics. Chief Justice Chandrachud further observed that the scheme failed the “least restrictive means” test, as less opaque methods could effectively address concerns about black money without undermining transparency.

The Court directed the State Bank of India to cease issuing electoral bonds and ordered disclosure of all donation details to the Election Commission of India, mandating publication by March 13. However, in a subsequent decision, another bench led by CJI Chandrachud refrained from initiating a criminal inquiry into allegations of quid pro quo arrangements tied to electoral bonds, stating the matter required further substantiation.

This judgment marked a watershed moment for electoral reform, reinforcing the democratic imperative for transparency in political funding. By dismantling a scheme that obscured the flow of money into politics, the Court affirmed its commitment to free and fair elections, even while leaving some accountability questions unresolved.

This judgment marked a watershed moment for electoral reform, reinforcing the democratic imperative for transparency in political funding. By dismantling a scheme that obscured the flow of money into politics, the Court affirmed its commitment to free and fair elections, even while leaving some accountability questions unresolved.

March

Supreme Court reverses 1998 PV Narasimha Rao judgment- A milestone against legislative corruption

On March 4, the Supreme Court overturned the 1998 PV Narasimha Rao judgment, which had controversially upheld immunity under Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution for legislators receiving bribes linked to their vote or speech in the legislature. The seven-judge bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud rejected this interpretation, holding that parliamentary privileges cannot shield corruption. The Court clarified that immunity applies only to actions essential for legislative functions, not criminal acts like bribery, which undermine democratic values and probity in public life.

The judgment dismantled the earlier precedent that had paradoxically protected legislators who accepted bribes and voted accordingly but allowed prosecution of those who acted independently after accepting illicit gratification. Highlighting that corruption erodes the foundation of democracy, the Court emphasised that bribery is a punishable offence the moment illegal gratification is accepted, regardless of subsequent legislative actions.

This ruling is a landmark for its robust stand against corruption in public office. It upholds the principle that legislative privileges exist to foster free debate, not to shield malfeasance. By reaffirming accountability and rejecting immunity for bribery, the judgment reinforces public trust in democratic institutions and strengthens the fight against corruption in governance.

Supreme Court affirms freedom of speech, quashes criminal case against professor

On March 7, the Supreme Court upheld the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression while quashing a criminal case against Professor Javed Ahmed Hajam, who faced charges under Section 153A of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code for his WhatsApp status criticising the abrogation of Article 370. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that dissent and criticism of state decisions, such as describing the abrogation as a “Black Day for Jammu and Kashmir,” are integral to democracy and protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Court asserted that such expressions, while critical, do not amount to promoting communal disharmony under Section 153A.

The ruling also criticised the Bombay High Court’s earlier refusal to quash the FIR against the professor, emphasising that dissent cannot be suppressed based on the reaction of individuals with “weak minds.” The Court noted, “If every criticism or protest of the actions of the State is to be held as an offence, democracy will not survive.” It further stressed the need to educate law enforcement on the nuances of free speech and reasonable restrictions, urging the sensitisation of police machinery to democratic values.

Significantly, the Court also addressed a second message shared by the professor, which celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day. The bench clarified that extending goodwill to another country does not inherently promote disharmony and cautioned against imputing motives to individuals based solely on their religion. This ruling reaffirmed the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles, ensuring that freedom of speech remains robust and not stifled by overreach or misinterpretation of the law. By setting a precedent for protecting individual expression, this judgment reinforces the essence of dissent as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

March

Supreme Court declares arrest and remand of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha illegal

On May 15, the Supreme Court, in a significant ruling, declared the arrest and remand of Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of NewsClick, to be illegal. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta quashed the remand order issued on October 4, 2023, by the Delhi police, highlighting that the copy of the remand application had not been provided to the accused or his counsel prior to the remand order being passed. This failure to comply with the legal requirement rendered the arrest and subsequent remand invalid. The Court referenced its earlier judgment in Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India, emphasising the necessity of adhering to procedural safeguards in arrests.

Following the ruling, the Court ordered Purkayastha’s release from custody, contingent on his meeting the bail conditions set by the trial court, as the chargesheet had already been filed. While ASG Raju sought clarification regarding the authorities’ powers of arrest, Justice Gavai confirmed that the Court’s order did not restrict legal actions within the bounds of the law. Purkayastha had been incarcerated since October 2023, and this judgment provided a crucial safeguard for individuals detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) without proper procedural protections.

This decision was pivotal in reaffirming the importance of due process and individual rights in cases of preventive detention. By setting aside the remand order and ordering Purkayastha’s release, the Supreme Court reinforced the need for accountability and transparency in the legal process, safeguarding the constitutional right to a fair trial and protection against unlawful detention.

July

Posthumous vindication: Supreme Court restores Rahim Ali’s Indian citizenship

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a significant judgment in the case of Rahim Ali, who had spent over a decade battling accusations of being a foreigner. Despite having passed away over two years earlier, Rahim Ali’s posthumous victory highlighted the deep struggles of many residents in Assam, caught in the ongoing citizenship crisis. The Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah quashed the Foreigners Tribunal’s decision that had declared him a foreigner, ruling that authorities cannot arbitrarily accuse individuals without material evidence to substantiate such claims. This judgment came after years of legal battles, where Ali’s name appeared in several voter lists, contradicting the accusations of illegal migration.

The case against Rahim Ali, initiated in 2004, was rooted in allegations of illegal migration from Bangladesh after the 1971 cut-off date. Despite presenting evidence of his family’s presence in Assam before the cut-off, Ali was declared a foreigner in 2012. He challenged the decision in the High Court and then in the Supreme Court, which ultimately recognised the absence of sufficient evidence for the accusations. The ruling not only vindicated his citizenship but also emphasised the need for credible and fair investigations into such serious allegations.

Rahim Ali’s case is a tragic example of how systemic issues in Assam’s citizenship process, including unfair legal procedures and arbitrary decisions, can devastate families. The Supreme Court’s judgment, although delivered too late for Ali himself, sets a precedent for future cases, ensuring that the rights of citizens are not disregarded without solid legal grounding. It underscores the importance of due process and the protection of fundamental rights, particularly in regions struggling with identity and nationality issues.

Supreme Court strikes down invasive bail condition, upholds right to privacy

In a significant decision, the Supreme Court ruled that bail conditions cannot infringe upon an accused’s right to privacy or subject them to continuous surveillance. The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, examined the legality of a bail condition that required the accused to drop a pin on Google Maps for the police to access their location. The court held that such a condition, which would allow the police to constantly track the accused’s movements, violates the right to privacy protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The judgment emphasised that the primary purpose of bail is to ensure that the accused can remain free while awaiting trial, and that conditions should not impose undue restrictions on their liberty. The Court observed that conditions like constant surveillance would amount to a form of confinement, effectively undermining the very essence of granting bail. It also pointed out that the accused’s right to privacy cannot be compromised by arbitrary conditions set by the investigating agency.

In the specific case before the Court, involving Frank Vitus, a Nigerian national accused in a drug-related case, the bail condition requiring the accused to drop a location pin was found to be unnecessary. Inputs from Google LLC clarified that such a pin does not enable real-time tracking of the user, thus rendering the condition redundant. The Court ruled that imposing such a condition without technical consideration was unwarranted and directed its removal.

This ruling reinforces the balance between ensuring effective investigation and respecting individual rights, particularly the right to privacy.

August

Judgment on sub-classification of scheduled castes- A progressive step amidst criticism

On August 1, 2024, a landmark judgment by a 7-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of reservations within Scheduled Castes (SC). The Court, by a majority of 6:1, ruled that sub-classification within the SC category is permissible, allowing for more nuanced quotas for historically underrepresented sub-groups. The seven-judge bench was led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprised Justices B R Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra, and Satish Chandra Sharma. Notably, a dissenting minority judgment was delivered by Justice Bela Trivedi. The judgment overturned the 2005 decision in E.V. Chinnaiah v. State of A.P., which had held that SCs form a homogenous group and thus could not be subdivided. The Court’s ruling is poised to benefit certain marginalised sections of the SCs that remain disadvantaged despite the existing reservation framework.

However, the judgment also came with its share of controversy. While the majority opinion laid down that sub-classification could be done with empirical evidence to show the underrepresentation of certain groups, the decision included an unsolicited discussion on the “creamy layer” concept within SCs. This part of the judgment was met with strong criticism as it appeared to misapply the creamy layer criterion, which traditionally excludes more economically advanced individuals from availing of affirmative action benefits, to the SC category. Many argue that such an application overlooks the unique social and historical context of SCs, where even economically empowered members still face significant social stigma and discrimination.

This judgment was significant as it opened the door for further fine-tuning reservation policies to ensure that the most marginalised within the SCs are not overlooked. The ruling, however, also raised critical concerns regarding the potential for confusion and uneven implementation, especially with regard to the introduction of the creamy layer. While sub-classification can bring more targeted benefits, the introduction of the creamy layer without addressing its constitutional implications could undermine the very purpose of affirmative action. Despite these concerns, the decision was a progressive step towards improving the representation of underrepresented groups within India’s reservation system.

IIT-Delhi Dalit Student Anil Kumar Suicide Sparks Outrage

December 16, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
IIT-Delhi Dalit Student Anil Kumar Suicide Sparks Outrage

The recent suicide of a student from the SC/ST community at IIT Delhi has sparked yet another discussion on caste discrimination in India’s premier educational institutes, and the lax attitude of the administration towards such issues.

On Friday, 1st September, Kishangarh Police Station received a call at around 6 pm and rushed to the spot, where they found that “the door was closed from inside and had to be broken open by the Fire Department,” according to DCP South West Delhi Manoj C.

The student was identified as Anil Kumar, 21, from the Mathematics and Computing Department. Anil was given an extension of six months to stay at the college’s Vindhyachal Hostel so that he could clear his pending subjects, and was supposed to vacate his accommodation in June 2023.

By all accounts, Anil was a diligent student, who got All India Rank 16 in the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) in 2019, and yet that does not seem to be enough for the casteist Savarna crowd.

According to a survey of students at IIT-Bombay, which was published on March 11 by The Hindu, Savarna students admitted that they frequently inquire about JEE scores and last names to determine whether a student belongs to a reserved category. They even acknowledged using casteist slurs and memes.

Part of the problem remains that this is not the first incident of this kind. In fact, the student body was incensed at the suicide of Ayush Ashna, a fourth-year Dalit student of the Mathematics and Computing department, the same as Anil’s, earlier this year.

In light of the disturbing consecutive deaths, the students of IIT Delhi have issued a statement, “In recognition of the recent on-campus suicides of two Dalit B.Tech. students, both from the same department and batch, Ayush Ashna and Anil Kumar, we must understand that suicide is not a personal failure- it is an institutional failure. We must take immediate steps to ensure such traumatic incidents are prevented and no student loses their life.”

The students have called for the resignation of the head of the mathematics department and sought to know what structural changes had been made following Ayush Ashna’s suicide.

“The Department of Mathematics cannot shirk its responsibilities by labeling students who died as introverted, reserved, withdrawn and that the students did not take the initiative to seek counseling processes as they claimed during Ayush Ashna’s death,” the students stated in their statement.

(Dalit Times)

Preserve historical integrity – Syed Ubaidur Rahman

December 09, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
Preserve historical integrity – Syed Ubaidur Rahman

At the Weekly  conclave  the renowned historian and writer Syed Ubaidur Rahman spoke on the enigmatic title Rewriting History: Fact or Fiction? The talk explored the context of continued efforts to revise India’s history, especially by those in power trying to erase the contributions and engagements of Muslim rulers and society with the ancient country.

The Significance of History

Rahman began by emphasizing the need to preserve historical integrity. “To write history is to be more than a scribe; it’s to protect the spirit of a civilization,” he said. Highlighting a worrying apathy among Muslims toward their own heritage, he contrasted this with concerted attempts by organizations like the Sangh Parivar to “rewrite history,” particularly whitewashing almost a millennium of Muslim rule in India.

Four Phases of Muslim History in India

Rahman traces the historical arc of the Muslims in India into four phases:

  1. Coastal Trade:The Muslim traders arrived in India even before the Prophet, subhanahu wa ta’ala, and they had contact with the coastal cities like Malabar and Gujarat.
  2. Delhi Sultanate:This started with the invasion of Sindh by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 CE and consolidated with the victory of Qutb-ud-din Aibak in Delhi in 1192 CE.
  3. Regional Sultanates:With the fall of the Delhi Sultanate, regional kingdoms such as the Bahmani Sultanate and Kashmir Sultanate emerged and influenced local cultures.
  4. The Mughal Empire:From Babur’s victory in 1526 to the empire’s collapse in 1857, this period witnessed a golden age of cultural, architectural, and scientific achievements.

Rahman said these contributions, which are represented in Indian architecture, education, language, and cuisine, are still under ideological attack today.

Rahman said these contributions—reflected in Indian architecture, education, language, and cuisine—continue to face ideological assault even today.

The Politics of Historical Revisionism

Rahman highlighted systematic attempts to demonize Muslim rulers and downplay their contributions. He pointed to textbook revisions, such as the removal of chapters on the Mughal courts and secularism, as part of an ideological project to fit India’s past into a narrow, exclusionary framework.

The historian also refuted popular myths, including the claim that Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed Nalanda University. “There’s no reason to believe that statement today,” Rahman stated, noting how such narratives often surface decades after the supposed events.

A Broader Ideological Project

Rahman referenced prominent historians, including Audrey Truschke, who argue that this revisionism is an attempt to redefine India as a Hindu nation. He cited examples of manipulated narratives, such as the “Hindu Holocaust,” which he described as historically baseless yet ideologically potent.

Rahman concluded with a hopeful note, urging greater engagement with history—particularly among Muslims. “It’s important not only for us but also for future generations to take care of that history authentically,” he said.

दलित किसान की अनोखी खोज, एचएमटी-सोना चावल ने रचा इतिहास, पढ़िए दिल छूने वाली स्टोरी

December 05, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
दलित किसान की अनोखी खोज, एचएमटी-सोना चावल ने रचा इतिहास, पढ़िए दिल छूने वाली स्टोरी

दादाजी खोबरागड़े, एक दलित किसान, ने दुनिया भर में मशहूर “एचएमटी-सोना चावल” की खोज की। उनकी इस उपलब्धि ने भारतीय कृषि को नई दिशा दी और किसानों के लिए एक सस्ती और उन्नत किस्म का चावल प्रदान किया। उनकी मेहनत और नवाचार ने उन्हें एक प्रेरणास्रोत बना दिया, जिससे दलित समाज और भारतीय कृषि दोनों को गौरव मिला।

भारत की हरित क्रांति के इतिहास में दलित किसान दादाजी खोबरागड़े का नाम स्वर्ण अक्षरों में लिखा जाना चाहिए। महाराष्ट्र के चंद्रपुर जिले के नांदेड़ गांव के एक साधारण किसान, दादाजी खोबरागड़े ने ऐसा अनमोल योगदान दिया, जिसने न केवल भारतीय कृषि को बदल दिया, बल्कि पूरी दुनिया में उनकी पहचान बनाई। उन्होंने एचएमटी-सोना चावल की किस्म विकसित की, जिसे अपनी अधिक उपज, गुणवत्ता और कम लागत के कारण दुनियाभर में सराहा गया।

संघर्ष से सफलता तक का सफर

दादाजी खोबरागड़े का जन्म एक गरीब दलित परिवार में हुआ था। उनके पास सीमित जमीन थी, लेकिन उनके सपने विशाल थे। गरीबी के बावजूद, उन्होंने खेती को विज्ञान के नजरिए से समझने की कोशिश की। 1983 में, अपने प्रयोगों और मेहनत के बल पर, उन्होंने चावल की एक नई किस्म विकसित की। यह किस्म कम पानी में उगाई जा सकती थी, जल्दी पकती थी और अधिक उपज देती थी। इस नई किस्म को “एचएमटी-सोना चावल” का नाम दिया गया, क्योंकि इसके दाने सोने जैसे चमकते थे।

एचएमटी चावल: क्रांति का प्रतीक

एचएमटी चावल ने कृषि क्षेत्र में क्रांति ला दी। इस किस्म ने किसानों को कम लागत में अधिक लाभ कमाने का अवसर दिया। यह चावल भारत ही नहीं, बल्कि एशिया, अफ्रीका और अन्य महाद्वीपों में भी लोकप्रिय हुआ। इसकी विशेषता यह थी कि यह न केवल अधिक उत्पादन देता था, बल्कि स्वाद में भी बेहतरीन था।

मान्यता और भुला दिया गया संघर्ष

दादाजी खोबरागड़े को उनकी उपलब्धियों के लिए अनेक पुरस्कार मिले, लेकिन उनके योगदान को वह सम्मान और पहचान नहीं मिली जिसके वे हकदार थे। सरकार और समाज ने उनके संघर्ष और उपलब्धियों को लंबे समय तक अनदेखा किया। उनका जीवन इस बात का उदाहरण है कि कैसे समाज के हाशिए पर रहने वाले लोग भी दुनिया को बदल सकते हैं, अगर उन्हें अवसर मिले।

दुनिया के लिए प्रेरणा

आज दादाजी खोबरागड़े की कहानी सिर्फ चावल की एक किस्म तक सीमित नहीं है। यह कहानी इस बात का प्रमाण है कि प्रतिभा जाति और वर्ग की बेड़ियों से ऊपर होती है। उन्होंने साबित किया कि साधारण परिस्थितियों में भी असाधारण काम किए जा सकते हैं। उनकी यह उपलब्धि न केवल दलित समाज, बल्कि पूरी मानवता के लिए प्रेरणा है।

खेत से लेकर दुनिया तक: दादाजी की विरासत

एचएमटी-सोना चावल आज भी भारत के लाखों किसानों की आजीविका का आधार है। यह केवल एक कृषि उत्पाद नहीं, बल्कि दादाजी खोबरागड़े के सपनों और संघर्ष का प्रतीक है। उनकी कहानी हमें यह याद दिलाती है कि अगर अवसर और समर्पण हो, तो कोई भी बाधा रास्ते में नहीं आ सकती।

मेहनत और जुनून का अद्वितीय उदाहरण

दादाजी खोबरागड़े ने अपनी मेहनत और वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण से यह दिखा दिया कि महान उपलब्धियां समाज के किसी भी कोने से आ सकती हैं। उनकी कहानी भारतीय कृषि और समाज के लिए एक मील का पत्थर है। उनकी उपलब्धि हर किसान और युवा को सपने देखने और उन्हें पूरा करने का हौसला देती है।

The Cost of Clicks: how thumbnails encourage misleading and hate news consumption

December 02, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
The Cost of Clicks: how thumbnails encourage misleading and hate news consumption

From “Ab Hoga Khel” to “Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai”: the quest for engagement prioritizes sensationalism by using ‘!’ and ‘?’, leading to a rise in misleading news and toxic narratives in viewers’ minds at the cost of fact, truth and reality,

In today’s digital landscape, especially on YouTube channels, thumbnails serve as the first impression of online content, wielding the power to shape perceptions in an instant. However, many thumbnails are crafted with a dangerous agenda, prioritising the ‘click of the mouse’ over truth. Eye-catching visuals often lure viewers into a web of misleading narratives and hate-driven rhetoric, particularly around burning topics like supremacy, religion and other ‘social issues’. These sensational images transform the quest for engagement into a perilous game of misinformation. As sensationalism reigns supreme, the line between fact and fiction blurs, fostering a culture of division and fear. This exploration of thumbnails reveals how they manipulate emotions, encouraging the consumption of hateful and misleading content for profit.

The distinction between the themes of thumbnails and the actual content of video is stark, often serving merely as a trigger to provoke viewers into clicking on sensational videos. This tactic exploits ongoing, contentious issues that evoke curiosity and generate excitement among audiences. Thumbnails designed to capture attention ask questions like, “What will happen next?” This psychological appeal plays into a fundamental human tendency to seek out information about impending developments (and often, accompanied by a sense of apprehension, or doom).

Media channels compete fiercely to deliver the latest updates, often prioritizing sensationalism over accuracy.

For example, when gangster Atiq Ahmad was transferred from Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh in Umesh Pal murder case, media outlets sensationalised the event with dramatic thumbnails reading “Encounter” or “Accident,” creating an atmosphere of anticipation.
From “Ab Hoga Khel” to “Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai,” the pursuit of engagement in Indian media has increasingly prioritised sensationalism, leveraging eye-catching punctuation like exclamation marks and question marks. This strategy aims to captivate viewers, often at the expense of truth. As headlines grow more dramatic, they foster an environment ripe for misleading news and toxic narratives. Thumbnails designed to grab attention can misrepresent the actual content, leading to a cycle of misinformation. In this race for views, media outlets often harvest hate and divisive content, exacerbating communal and social tensions.

The lure of sensationalism

The YouTube media environment is a bustling arena where competition for viewer attention is fierce. In this race, headlines have transformed into clickbait, carefully crafted to provoke emotional responses rather than inform. The use of punctuation marks like exclamation points and question marks has become a hallmark of this sensationalism. A simple headline can shift from informative to inflammatory with just a few strategic characters.

Take, for instance, the phrase “Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai” (Something Big Is Going to Happen), this phrase evokes curiosity and anticipation, especially for J&K reporting and the issue involves communal agenda. It draws viewers in, promising excitement or drama. When paired with an exclamation mark, the urgency escalates, making it almost impossible for viewers to scroll past without clicking. But what lies behind these headlines often falls short of the promises made, leaving viewers with distorted narratives that can shape their beliefs and attitudes in harmful ways.

Reporting of Bahraich violence

Pertinently, during the recent Bahraich violence, YouTube news channels of several media houses resorted to inflammatory and provocative thumbnails, effectively sensationalising the events to create a dramatic climax. Phrases like “100 Ghanto Main… Encounter Ke Baad, Force Ne Ghera Pura Bahraich! Bhage Musalman! Bhayankar Action Shuru” dominated their narratives, casting the incident in a sensational light that fueled fear and division. Further inflammatory headlines, such as “Bahraich Hinsa par Yogi ka tagda aylaan, sunte hi kamp uthe ‘Musalman’!”, served to criminalize a particular community, reinforcing harmful Islamic stereotypes and framing the narrative as a government versus Muslim conflict.

This approach not only misrepresents the complexity of the situation but also positions UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as a savior figure in the face of alleged threats. Media coverage linked various incidents—from the Durga Puja pandal dispute to the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra and the arrests of suspects—using hate-filled thumbnails to garner mass viewership through sensationalism. By prioritising provocative imagery and sensational headlines, these channels contribute to a divisive atmosphere that undermines community cohesion.

(CJP)

JIH Members Conclave rejects the new Waqf Bill, Concern over legal complexities being raised on the community

December 05, 2024 | By Maati Maajra
JIH Members Conclave rejects the new Waqf Bill, Concern over legal complexities being raised on the community

Hyderabad: The All-India Members Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) concluded successfully with the gathering passing comprehensive resolutions on some of the critical national, community, and international Issues confronting the nation and the world. The three-day event, which drew together 15,000 JIH members, featured comprehensive discussions on social, educational, and economic issues and covering areas such as spirituality, interfaith dialogue, human rights, academia, healthcare, and education.
Addressing a press conference at Hyderabad, the President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Syed Sadatullah Husaini along with JIH Vice President, Prof Salim Engineer and JIH Vice President, Malik Moatasim Khan said that the Conclave would enable members to reinforce their commitment towards establishing a peaceful and just society.
Following are the resolutions passed by the All-India Members Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) held on 15-17 November 2024 in Hyderabad‎:

(1) This All-India Members Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind expresses its deep concern that ‎the ongoing subversive tactics by communal forces have rendered conditions increasingly ‎challenging for Muslims in our beloved country. Numerous institutions, places of worship, ‎properties, and individuals are being targeted through legal complexities, occasional illegal ‎actions, and violence. ‎

(2) The slow pace of judicial proceedings raises serious questions regarding the supremacy of ‎justice and law. Despite clear instructions from the Supreme Court against bulldozing, several ‎governments continue unjust demolitions with indifference. Voices raised against injustice are ‎being forcefully suppressed. This All India JIH Members Conclave views this situation not ‎only as a grave danger to Muslims but to the entire nation and warns that if this wave of ‎hatred is not halted, it will engulf the whole country.‎

(3) This JIH Members Conclave rejects the new Waqf Bill. It is encouraging that Muslims have ‎attempted to highlight its flaws and significant harm to the public. The Jamaat has also ‎presented its stance before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) with full clarity, ‎demanding that this bill be entirely rejected, keeping public sentiment in mind. This All India ‎JIH Members Conclave strongly supports this demand.‎

(4) It is a matter of satisfaction that numerous proponents of truth and justice in the country ‎stand with the oppressed, raising their voices against injustice. These individuals, including ‎several women, risk their lives and assets to support the truth. They are the essence of ‎humanity and the precious asset of our country. This All India JIH Members Conclave ‎regards these supporters of justice and their struggles with great respect. Muslims should ‎strengthen and broaden their connections and relations at all levels with their fellow citizens ‎and influential figures, working towards creating an environment of mutual trust, love, and ‎cooperation.‎

(5) This All India JIH Members Conclave seeks to remind Indian Muslims that their ‎responsibilities have only increased under these circumstances. They must remain steadfast in ‎their faith, trust Allah, and avoid succumbing to despair. They should foster unity within their ‎ranks and, both individually and collectively, represent Islam accurately. The pursuit of justice ‎and fairness and the fight for the rights and human dignity of the weak and oppressed are ‎their religious duties.‎

(6) Attention must be paid to fulfilling these obligations. Rather than reacting negatively to the ‎provocations of mischief-makers, Muslims should respond with patience, courage, and an ‎inviting character, continuing their well-planned efforts to effect change in social, political, ‎and judicial arenas. They must ensure that, even in these times, they actively contribute to the ‎country’s growth and development, guaranteeing these temporary challenges do not distract ‎them from their ultimate purpose and responsibilities.‎

(7) This All India JIH Members Conclave also draws the attention of Indian Muslims to the ‎important duty of countering the false propaganda against Islam and Muslims. They must ‎undertake a planned struggle to provide accurate and reliable information about Islam and ‎Muslims to fellow citizens on a large scale, aiming to shift public opinion in a positive ‎direction.‎

(8) This Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind members feels that our country currently has immense ‎opportunities for advancement and progress. With the world’s largest population, an active ‎youth workforce, rapid advancements in science and technology, especially in information ‎and communication technology, a constitution that provides a clear vision for a democratic ‎and welfare state, and centuries-old harmonious relationships among people from various ‎cultures, languages, and religions, all of these are valuable assets for our beloved country. ‎Unfortunately, several harmful trends have emerged here that have shackled our progress.‎

(9) This All India JIH Members Conclave acknowledges that communal aggression, racism, ‎prejudice, oppression, exploitation, and corruption have tarnished the peaceful atmosphere of ‎the country. Due to government policies, economic inequality is increasing, and the nation’s ‎wealth is accumulating in the hands of a few. The majority of the population is becoming ‎poorer, facing countless challenges. ‎

(10) Constitutional institutions are in decline, and democratic values are rapidly eroding, leading ‎to an increasing trend of authoritarianism and self-governing rule. Media and the educational ‎system are also being affected by extremist communalism, fostering biases among the public ‎and obstructing intellectual and academic development.‎

(11) This All India JIH Members Conclave appeals to all citizens of the country to unite to halt the ‎agenda of hatred in society and come together to end division and polarization in society. ‎Injustice, exploitation, inequality, and corruption are the real issues of this country. The All ‎India JIH Members Conclave urges the citizens to foil efforts to divide them based on caste, ‎race, and religion, and to unite in a collective struggle to solve these real problems. ‎

(12) On the other hand, the country’s moral crisis has become grave. There is hardly any field ‎where the honour and dignity of women are safeguarded. Offenders rarely face punishment, ‎which not only mocks justice but also encourages other wrongdoers or potentially corrupt ‎elements. This situation is leading society into a severe moral decline, where those who ‎commit crimes are honoured instead of punished. This is a matter of grave concern, negatively ‎impacting the overall moral and social situation of the country.‎

(13) This Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind considers this grave situation extremely dangerous for ‎the integrity of the country and strongly demands that government leaders and law enforcers ‎rise above their political interests and biases and fulfil their responsibilities, taking effective ‎measures to preserve constitutional institutions and restore an atmosphere of peace and justice ‎in the country. The All India JIH Members Conclave urges the central and state governments ‎to fulfil their responsibilities sincerely in upholding the rule of law. Immediate and lawful ‎action should be taken against those spreading hatred and disturbing the peace, regardless of ‎how powerful they may be.‎

(14) This Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind members expresses grave concern that the war that ‎began in Gaza last year has now spread to Lebanon and Iran, and the threat of war looms ‎over the entire region. This All India JIH Members Conclave strongly condemns Israel and its ‎supporting powers. The ongoing brutal genocide in Palestine is undoubtedly one of the most ‎severe and worst crimes against humanity in recent history. The All India JIH Members ‎Conclave warns that oppression and persecution always lead to disgrace and defeat. The ‎courage and resilience demonstrated by the brave people of Palestine, especially in Gaza, ‎against this brutality is commendable. This steadfastness has drawn the attention of justice-‎loving individuals and organizations worldwide, bringing about a positive change in global ‎public opinion. A significant manifestation of this is the historic decision of the International ‎Court of Justice, which has declared Israel a usurping and racist state, supported by the ‎majority in the United Nations General Assembly. This All India JIH Members Conclave ‎salute the people of Palestine on their perseverance and prays for their success.‎

(15) The All India JIH Members Conclave likes to remind the people of this country and our ‎government that supporting the legitimate rights of Palestinians has been India’s historic ‎stance. This stance is aligned with the guidance of the Indian Constitution and the principles ‎underlying our freedom struggle. This Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind strongly urges the ‎Government of India to raise its voice even more strongly in support of the Palestinians, ‎taking an active role in ending the genocide in Gaza. This All India JIH Members Conclave ‎also feels that military assistance and arms sales to Israel are a blatant violation of our long-‎standing anti-colonial stance and should be immediately halted.‎

(16) The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war for the past three years and the recent tensions in Central ‎Asia make it clear that these wars are not merely political but are linked to serious economic ‎interests. Arms manufacturers are fuelling wars by influencing government foreign policies to ‎pursue their interests. This situation has become a severe threat to global peace.‎

(17) This All India JIH Members Conclave makes a strong appeal to international organizations ‎and institutions to set aside political and economic interests and take practical steps to protect ‎humanity and natural resources, bringing individuals guilty of war crimes to justice and ‎ensuring the establishment of peace and justice on a global scale. ‎
(18) This Conclave of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind specifically appeals to the leaders of Muslim countries ‎to step forward in practical assistance to their oppressed brothers, keeping in view Islamic ‎fraternity and accountability in the Hereafter. Their human and religious duty is to use their ‎influence to raise their voices in support of oppressed nations worldwide and to awaken ‎global public opinion against oppressors.‎