Wednesday, April 27, 2011

शादी का झूठा आश्वासन यौन शोषण

राष्ट्रीय सहारा (आधी दुनिया) २७.४.२०११
शादी का झूठा आश्वासन यौन शोषण


अरविंद जैन
अधिकतर रेप के मामले अनियंत्रित यौन-वासना को संतुष्ट करने के लिए सावधानी से रचे होते हैं और कामुक फिल्मी छवियों का एहसास और फैंटेसी का एकमात्र उद्देश्य महिलाओं पर हावी होना है। दरअसल, वास्तविक बलात्कार या 'डेट रेप' करने से पहले बलात्कारी के दिमाग में नशे की तरह कई बार रिहर्सल होता है। सदा ही पीड़िता को ही दोषी ठहराया और अपमानित किया जाता है और खुद के परिजनों द्वारा 'कथित फेमिली ऑनर एंड रिप्यूटेशन' के लिए भी अपमानित किया जाता है। शादी का झांसा देकर किसी लड़की के साथ शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाना और बाद में शादी के बंधन में बंधने से मना करना बलात्कार के दायरे में जाता है, वह भी तब जब लड़के का लड़की से शादी करने का कोई इरादा न हो। हम इसे 'शादी की आड़ में यौन शोषण' कह सकते हैं। अधिकतर लड़के शादी का झांसा देकर शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाते हैं और तब तक बनाते रहते हैं जब तक लड़की गर्भवती नहीं हो जाती। कुछ समय बाद गर्भपात कराना भी मुश्किल हो जाता है और फिर ये बातें परिवार और पड़ोसियों की नजर में आ ही जाती हैं। बाद के अधिकतर मामलों में दोषियों के खिलाफ मामले दर्ज होते हैं। भारतीय अदालतों ने कई बार सवाल उठाए हैं- 'किसी लड़की से शादी का झूठा वायदा करके शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाना गलत सहमति है या नहीं? यदि वह बलात्कार नहीं है तो यह धोखेबाजी है या नहीं?'
शादी के झूठे वादे देकर बालिग लड़की की सहमति से तब तक शारीरिक रिश्ते कायम करना, जब तक कि वह गर्भवती न हो जाए, तो इसे स्वच्छंद संभोग कहा जाएगा
जयंती रानी पांडा बनाम पश्चिम बंगाल सरकार और अन्य के मामले में कलकत्ता हाईकोर्ट ने स्थानीय गांव के उस स्कूल शिक्षक को दोषी ठहराया, जो पीड़िता के घर जाता था। पीड़िता के मां-बाप की अनुपस्थिति में उसने उसके करीब जाकर अपने प्यार का इजहार किया और शादी करने की इच्छा जताई। पीड़िता भी तैयार हो गयी और उसने आरोपी से वायदा किया कि अपने माता-पिता की समर्थन मिल जाने के साथ ही वह उससे शादी कर लेगा। इस आश्वासन के बाद आरोपी पीड़िता के साथ शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाने लगा। यह सिलसिला कई महीनों तक चला। इस अवधि में आरोपी ने कई रातें उसके साथ गुजारीं। आखिरकार जब वह गर्भवती हो गई और जोर देने लगी- अब हमें जल्द से जल्द शादी कर लेनी चाहिए तो आरोपी ने उस पर गर्भपात कराने का दबाव डालकर बाद में शादी करने पर सहमति जताई। पीड़िता ने उसकी बात नहीं मानी और आरोपी अपने वादे से मुकर गया, यहां तक कि उसने पीड़िता के घर आना-जाना बंद कर दिया। इसका अर्थ यह है कि अगर बालिग लड़की शादी के वादे के आधार पर शारीरिक रिश्ते को राजी होती है और तब तक इस गतिविधि में लिप्त रहती है जब तक कि वह गर्भवती नहीं हो जाती, यह उसकी ओर से स्वच्छंद संभोग (प्रॉमिस्क्यूटी) के दायरे में आएगा। ऐसे में, तथ्यों की गलत इरादे से प्रेरित नहीं कही जा जाएंगी। आईपीसी की धारा-90 के तहत कुछ नहीं किया जा सकता, जब तक अदालत आश्वासन न दे दे कि रिश्ते बनाने के दौरान आरोपी का इरादा शादी करने का नहीं था। (1984 सीआरआई.एल.जे. 1535, हरि माझी बनाम राज्य : 1990 सीआरएल.एल.जे. 650 और अभ्ॉय प्रधान बनाम पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य : 1999 सीआरएल.एल.जे 3534)
शादी का झूठे वायदे को लेकर दिया गया सोचा-समझा पल्रोभन महज धोखाधड़ी बंबई हाईकोर्ट के न्यायाधीश बी. बी. भग्यानी ने कहा कि ऐसे मामले काफी कम ही ध्यानार्थ सामने आते हैं कि आईपीसी की धारा-415 के तहत धोखाधड़ी को अपराध के दायरे में परिभाषित किया गया है। याचिका को निरस्त करने के निर्णय के दौरान न्यायाधीश भग्यानी ने माराह चंद्र पॉल बनाम त्रिपुरा राज्य की सुनवाई (1997 सीआरआई 715) को ध्यान में रखा और इस पर कायम रहे कि पीड़िता को जानबूझ कर शादी के वादे के झांसे में रखकर शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाने के लिए उकसाया गया था। याचिकाकर्ता-अभियुक्त के कार्य निश्चित रूप से शरीर, मन और सम्मान को क्षति पहुंचाने की वजह हैं। शादी का झूठा वायदा कर जानबूझकर दिए गए पल्रोभन के बाद याचिकाकर्ता और आरोपी के शारीरिक रिश्ते 'धोखाधड़ी' की परिभाषा के तहत 'शरारत'
के दायरे में आते हैं, जैसा आईपीसी की धारा-415 के तहत परिभाषित किया गया है और जो आईपीसी की धारा-417 के तहत दंडनीय है। (आत्माराम महादू मोरे बनाम महाराष्ट्र राज्य (1998 (5) बीओएम सीआर 201 आदेश- दिनांक 13/11/1997) (शेष पेज 2 पर)
धोखाधड़ी
जयंती रानी पांडा मामले में पटना हाईकोर्ट के न्यायमूर्ति राम नंदन प्रसाद ने कहा कि मामले से जुडे तथ्यों को देखते हुए पाया गया कि बलात्कार अपराध से अलग नहीं है। शादी के झूठे वायदे की आड़ में लड़का आरोपी को धोखे में रखकर लगातार शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाता रहा, लेकिन झूठे वादे की आड़ में वह शारीरिक रिश्ते कायम करने के लिए राजी नहीं थी। याचिकाकर्ता का दायरा, इसलिए आईपीसी की धारा-415 के तहत धोखाधड़ी के रूप में परिभाषित है और आईपीसी की धारा-417 के तहत प्रथम-दृष्ट्या अपराध सिद्ध होता है। धोखाधड़ी के इस कृत्य के अलावा, याचिकाकर्ता और दूसरे आरोपियों पर डराने-धमकाने में लिप्त रहने का आरोप लगाने और शिकायतकर्ता और उसके माता-पिता को डराने के मामला भी आईपीसी की धारा-506 और 323 के तहत अपराध है। (मीर वाली मोहम्मद उर्फ कालू बनाम बिहार सरकार (1991 (1) बीएलजेआर 247 आदेश दिनांक 2/7/1990)
परिवार की ओर से सच्चा दबाव
सुप्रीम कोर्ट के न्यायमूर्ति पी. वेंकटरमन रेड्डी और पीपी नेवलेकर ने 03.11.2004 को फैसला सुनाया- 'हमें इसमें संदेह नहीं कि आरोपी ने लड़की से शादी का वायदा किया था और इसी प्रभाव से लड़की ने उसके साथ शारीरिक रिश्ते भी बना लिया। लड़की भी उससे शादी करने को उत्सुक थी, जैसाकि उसने खासतौर पर कहा भी। लेकिन हमारे पास बात के कोई सबूत नहीं हैं कि किसी ठोस संदेह के हम इस संदर्भ में यह कह दें कि आरोपी का शुरू से ही लड़की के साथ विवाह का कोई इरादा नहीं था और यह कि लड़के ने जो वायदा किया, वह उसकी जानकारी के मुताबिक झूठा था। इसके विपरीत, बाद में लड़की का यह बयान कि आरोपी उससे विवाह करने को तैयार हो गया था लेकिन उसके पिता और दूसरे लोगों ने उसे गांव से दूर ले गये। इससे संकेत मिलता है कि आरोपी असल में विवाह का इरादा तो रखता था लेकिन परिवार के बड़े-बुजुगरे के दबाव में ऐसा नहीं कर पाया। यह विवाह करने के वायदे को लेकर वायदा खिलाफी का मामला प्रतीत होता है, न कि विवाह के झूठे वायदे का मामला।' (दिलीप सिंह उर्फ दिलीप कुमार बनाम बिहार राज्य, 2005 (1) सुप्रीम कोर्ट 88)।
निंदनीय कृत्य के एवज में पचास हजार
न्यायमूर्तियों ने हालांकि, गौर किया कि याचिकाकर्ता ने अपने विरुद्ध लगे आरोप में संदेह का लाभ लेते हुए दंड कानून के दायरे से खुद को अलग कर लिया। लेकिन, हम उसके निंदनीय आचरण को अनदेखा नहीं कर सकते, क्योंकि उसने पीड़ित लड़की से विवाह का वायदा कर उसे शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाने के लिए फुसलाया, जिसके चलते वह गर्भवती हो गयी। आरोपी के इस कृत्य से लड़के को काफी दुख हुआ, यहां तक कि उसकी बदनामी हुई, जिससे वह सदमे में पहुंच गयी। आरोपी इस नुकसान का दोषी है और वह मुकदमा खत्म करने के लिए लड़की को पचास हजार रुपये खुशी-खुशी देने को राजी हो गया।
लड़की की कम उम्र ज्यादा संवेदनशील
विश्लेषण करने पर पता चला कि जिस समय यह सब हुआ, जयंती रानी पांडा की आयु 21- 22 साल थी, जबकि येदला श्रीनिवास राव के मामले में लड़की की आयु 15 से 16 साल के बीच थी। यह साक्ष्य का मामला है कि लड़की से झूठे वायदे करके उसकी सहमति या उसकी राय की गयी और आरोपित को पता था कि वह कभी अपने वायदे को पूरा करने का इरादा नहीं रखता। यदि आरोपी कम उम्र की लड़की को फुसलाकर उससे विवाह करने का वायदा कर ले, तो ऐसे में यह उसकी सहमति नहीं होती, बल्कि फुसलाकर किया गया कृत्य होता है और आरोपी शुरू से ही अपने वायदे को पूरा करने का इरादा नहीं रखता। ऐसी कपटपूर्ण सहमति को सहमति नहीं कहा जा सकता, क्योंकि अपराध के लिए हामी भराना आरोपी का अपराध है।

पर्याप्त समझ, महत्व और नैतिक गुण
उदय बनाम कर्नाटक सरकार के मामले में 19.2.2003 को सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने दृढ़तापूर्वक कहा कि कोई कड़ा फामरूले नहीं रखा जा सकता कि पीड़िता ने स्वैच्छिक सहमति से ही रिश्ते बनाए हों या किसी गलत इरादे के अंतर्गत है लेकिन निम्नलिखित मामले सामने होते हैं : क) यदि लड़की की उम्र 19 साल है और उनमें इस करतूत के महत्व और नैतिक गुण की पर्याप्त समझ है, उसकी सहमति मानी जाएगी। ख) उसे मालूम है कि जाति के आधार पर उनकी शादी होने में परेशानी है। ग) याचिकाकर्ता के संज्ञान में यह आरोप लगाना काफी मुश्किल है कि उसके वायदे से पैदा हुई गलतफहमी के चलते पीड़िता राजी हुई थी और घ) इस मामले में साबित करने का कोई साक्ष्य नहीं है कि आरोपी का पीड़िता से शादी करने का कभी इरादा नहीं था।
भावनाओं और नाजुक पलों में जुनून से जुड़े मामले
न्यायाधीश एन. संतोष हेगड़े और बी. पी. सिंह ने गंभीर संदेह जताया था कि शादी के वादे के चलते आरोपी पीड़िता पर शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाने के लिए दबाव डाल सकता है, क्योंकि वह जानती है कि जाति के आधार पर आरोपी के साथ उसकी शादी नहीं हो सकती और दोनों परिवारों के सदस्यों का विरोध झेलने के लिए मजबूर होंगे। वह पूरी तरह जानती है कि अपीलकर्ता द्वारा किये के बावजूद शादी नहीं हो सकती। हालांकि अपीलकर्ता के पास ऐसा विश्वास करने के कारण हैं क्योंकि जब भी वे मिलते हैं, एक-दूसरे को बहुत प्यार करते हैं, वह उस लड़के को काफी छूट देती है, जिससे वह बेहद प्यार करता है, सिर्फ उसी के लिए ऐसी छूट भी है। याचिकाकर्ता लड़की ने रात 12 बजे सुनसान जगह पर चुपचाप गयी। जब दो लोग जवान हों, तो आमतौर पर ये होता ही है कि वे सभी अहम बातों को भुलाकर जुनून में आकर प्यार कर बैठें, खासकर तब जब वे कमजोर क्षणों में अपनी भावनाओं पर काबू न कर पायें। ऐसे में, दोनों के बीच शारीरिक रिश्ते कायम हो ही जाते हैं। लड़की स्वेच्छा से लड़के के साथ रिश्ते कायम करती है, वह उस लड़के से बेहद प्यार करती है, इसलिए नहीं कि उस लड़के ने उससे शादी के वायदा किया था, बल्कि इसलिए कि लड़की ऐसा चाहती भी थी। (सुप्रीम कोर्ट 46 2003 (4))
शुरू से ही शादी का इरादा नहीं
सुप्रीम कोर्ट के न्यायमूर्ति एके माथु र और अल्तमस कबीर ने 29.09.2006 को फैसला सुनाया- 'हम संतुष्ट हैं कि आरोपी ने उसे राजी करते हुए सबकुछ किया, लेकिन वह ऐ च्छिक भी नहीं था क्योंकि याची ने शादी करने जैसा वायदा करके उसे फुसलाया। कानून इसकी इजाजत नहीं देता। पीड़ित लड़की और गवाहों की गवाही से पूरी तरह स्पष्ट होता है कि गवाह पंचायत की तरह काम कर रहे थे। आरोपी ने पंचायत के समक्ष स्वीकार किया कि उसने लड़की के साथ शादी करने का वायदा कर उसके साथ शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाये लेकिन पंचायत के समक्ष वायदे करने के बावजूद वह पलट गया। इससे पता चलता है कि आरोपी का शुरू से ही लड़की से विवाह करने का कोई इरादा नहीं था और वह पीड़िता से शादी करेगा, इसका झांसा देकर उसने शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाये। अतएव, हम संतुष्ट हैं कि प्रतिवादी को सजा देना न्यायसंगत है। हमारे निष्कर्ष के मुताबिक, कोई मामला नहीं बनता। अपील खारिज की जाती है।' (यादला श्रीनिवास राव बनाम आंध्र प्रदेश राज्य, आपराधिक अपील 1369, 2004) माननीय सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कहा कि ऐसे मामलों में लड़की की उम्र, उसकी शिक्षा और उसके सामाजिक स्तर और लड़के के मामले में भी इन्हीं सब पर गौर किया जाना जरूरी है। याची लड़की स्वयं इस कृत्य में बराबर की भागीदार है। वह इस मामले में प्रतिवादी को माफ करना चाहती है लेकिन एक गरीब लड़की के मामले में ऐसे हालात में जबकि उसके पिता की मौत हो गयी हो, तो वह समझ नहीं पा रही कि किन हालात के चलते वह ऐसे कृत्य में फंस गयी और जब आरोपी ने उससे शादी का वायदा किया, लेकिन शुरू से ही वह शादी करने का इरादा नहीं रखता था। ऐसे में, लड़की के हामी भरने की कोई अहमियत नहीं है। उससे गलतफहमी में हामी भरवाना धोखा है। इसे लड़की की मंजूरी नहीं माना जा सकता।
मासूम लड़की का शोषण
दिल्ली हाईकोर्ट के न्यायमूर्ति वी के जैन ने 1 फरवरी, 2010 को आरोपी की जमानत याचिका खारिज करते हुए ऐसे आपराधिक कृत्य की निंदा करते हुए लिखा- 'इस पर गौर करने पर कि आरोपी ने शादी का झांसा देकर लड़की से शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाये, इस आशय से कि उससे विवाह का उसका कोई इरादा नहीं था, कोई बलात्कार का मामला नहीं बनता। यह न सिर्फ घोर निंदनीय कृत्य है बल्कि प्रकृति से भी आपराधिक है। यदि ऐसा हो ने रहने की अनुमति दी जाए, तो इससे इनसान अनैतिक और बे ई मानी बनेगा। जो भी इस इरादे से इस देश में आएगा, शादी का ढोंग रचाएगा और कमजोर वर्ग की लड़की से शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाने का दबाव डालकर उनका शोषण करेगा। उधर, लड़की को यकीन रहेगा कि वह उसके साथ शादी करेगा। उसे भी यही लगेगा कि जिससे भविष्य में शादी होनी है, वह पति बनेगा ही, कम से कम उससे शादी से रिश्ते रखने में कुछ भी गलत नहीं है। इस वायदे का हवाला देकर उसके साथ दुष्कर्म करके आरोपी आराम से जब चाहे, चलता बनेगा। ऐसे मौकापरस्त लोगों को लड़की की भावनाओं के साथ खिलवाड़ करने का लाइसेंस नहीं दे सकती। इस तरह तो शादी के पवित्र रिश्ते में भारतीय लड़की को डाल देना कोई दो दिलों का मेल नहीं है। बेसहारा लड़कियों का शोषण करने वाले ऐसे लोगों को बेखौफ बच निकलना हमारे ऐसे कानून का मकसद कभी नहीं हो सकता, जो इस घिनौने कृत्य के बाद ताउम्र जेल की सजा का हकदार है।' (निखिल पराशर बनाम राज्य)
बेसहारा या सेक्स-संबंधी असंतुष्टि
बंबई हाईकोर्ट के माननीय न्यायमूर्ति बी. यू. वाहाने ने शिवाजी पुत्र श्रवण खैरनार बनाम महाराष्ट्र राज्य (1991) मामले में वयस्क लड़की द्वारा सहमति के हालात या शारीरिक रिश्ते बनाने में इच्छा से एक पार्टी बन जाने संबंधी दलील दी। विद्वान न्यायमूर्ति ने सामाजिक अनुभव के आधार पर स्पष्ट किया कि वयस्क लड़की से चालबाजी से उसकी सहमति ले ली जाए, वह भी तब जब वह बेसहारा और सेक्स को लेकर असंतुष्ट हो, उसे पैसे की जरूरत हो, इसलिए बहाने से उसे प्रभावित किया जाए या हामी भरने का हालात बनाये जाएं आदि में भारतीय औरतों की सोच को लेकर न्यायिक संदर्भ का हवाला दिया।
विवाह करने संबंधी वायदे के साथ सेक्स करना और गर्भवती होने पर पुलिस रिपोर्ट वर्ग, धर्म, क्षेत्र, आयु या सामाजिक स्तर संबंधी ज्यादातर मामले एक जैसे होने पर आदमी लड़की पर सेक्स के लिए दबाव बनाता है, विवाह करने का भरोसा देकर गर्भवती करता है, परिवार और पुलिस का रिपोर्ट के संदर्भ में बरी होने, संदेह का लाभ पाने या उच्च अदालत में सजा..अपील और इस तरह अंतिम न्याय मिलने में पांच से बीस साल लगना। ये वे मामले हैं, जो समूचे मामलों की नजीर भर हैं। (लम्बोदर बेहरा बनाम उड़ीसा राज्य, 103 (2007) 399 सीएलटी और ज्योत्स्ना कोरा बनाम पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य, 2008 के सीआरआर नं.2657)
कानूनी नजरिया उलझन भरा
इस खास संदर्भ में कानूनी राय और फैसले सीधे-सीधे बंटे हुए हैं और सहमति और तथ्यों के उलझाव में उलझे हुए हैं, क्योंकि कानून पूरी तरह पारदर्शी नहीं है और फैसले हर मामले के तथ्यों और हालातों के आधार पर होते हैं। न्यायिक राय को लेकर आमराय यही है कि विवाह का वायदा कर पीड़िता से शारीरिक रिश्ते की सहमति लेना कि भविष्य में वह विवाह करेगा, गलत तथ्यों के तहत ली गयी सहमति नहीं कही जा सकती। कुछ अदालतों का विचार है कि विवाह करने का झूठा वायदा करने को लेकर दी गयी कथित सहमति विवाह का राजीनामा नहीं है। इसके मुताबिक, विवाह के झूठे वायदे को लेकर पति-पत्नी जैसा शारीरिक रिश्ता बनाने संबंधी सहमति हासिल करना कानूनी नजरिये से सहमति ही नहीं है। ऐसे मामलों में सबसे कठिन काम यह साबित करना होता है कि आरोपी का शुरू से ही पीड़ित लड़की से विवाह करने का कोई इरादा नहीं था। वह कह सकता है कि मैं विवाह करना तो चाहता हूं लेकिन मेरा माता-पिता, धर्म, जाति, 'खाप' आदि इसके लिए अनुमति नहीं देते। औरत के खिलाफ अपराध संबंधी किंतु -परंतु को लेकर जब तक कानून में संशोधन नहीं होता, न्याय से जुड़े ऐसेकानूनी पेंच यूं ही कायम रहेंगे।

Thursday, April 21, 2011

ATROCITIES ON DALITS & SHOCKING INTERPRETATIONS

ATROCITIES ON DALITS & SHOCKING INTERPRETATIONS
ARVIND JAIN

If social conflicts and contradiction are not resolved well in time the unequals will be left with no alternative except to demolish the basic foundations of parliamentary democracy, which has been hijacked by few by virtually seducing the regional political leaders to share power. Atrocities, sexual violence and blatant discrimination against Dalits is increasing day by day due to lack of sensitization of the administration, poor implementation of the laws and strong brotherly nexus between criminals and a section of public servants. The rampant anti-Dalit mind-set of higher castes in justice delivery system often leads to denial of justice.
FROM BELCHI TO GOHANA
In India a crime is committed against some Dalit every 18 minutes. 11 Dalits are beaten and three raped every day. 13 Dalits are murdered, 6 kidnapped or abducted and 5 Dalit’s homes burnt every week. According to the National Crime Record Bureau 80,489 matter were registered during 1995-2009 crime against SC/ST members. Out of these 2000 cases of murder and 7500 cases of rape were registered. 30,913 cases have been registered only in 2008.
Dalit women are stripped, paraded naked and beaten/burnt to death in broad daylight in full public view of ‘helpless’ witnesses. Needless to state that all this is happening even after six decades of Independence. Gouging out the eyes, burning alive to death, chopping of hands or feet, raping women, destroying villages (Belchi, Tsundur, Gohana) and terrorizing them to suffer in silence is backlash or prejudicial hatred against constant resistance to oppression by dalits. The persons who attained social, economic and political status are also no exceptions to the cancerous disease of untouchability.
Oppression, atrocities, and humiliation of dalits are a shameful chapter in our country's history. In Northern India if a Scheduled Caste boy/girl falls in love and marries (or wants to marry) a non-Scheduled Caste girl/boy, often both are murdered by the family members and they proudly call it "honour killing". What is honourable in such abominable, disgraceful and shocking murders?
The infamous Lakshmanpur Bathe Carnage (December, 1997) resulted in the killing of 58 persons by members of Ranveer Sena in that village and three fishermen on the southern bank of the river Sone by slitting their necks and thus, in all 61 persons lost their lives in the carnage. Since time immorial such atrocities are going on in perpetuation.

Deep roots of religious myths and mythology
Cases are not reported to the police, if reported -it is registered with great reluctance, poor victims are threatened and the local mafia of criminals get political protection. It seems that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, remains only a paper tiger. The incidents of the atrocities perpetrated against Dalits, is a matter of National record and history. Their tyranny has deep roots like religious myths and mythology.
Caste system among the Hindus has been structured on graded hierarchy of Chaturvarnya and the Dalits and Scheduled Tribes (Sudras) are placed on the last rung in the social ladder. Impregnable walls of separation with graded inequalities has been erected between different sections among Hindus. The Dalits are held responsible to serve the society in menial jobs as slaves. The Dalits were/are denied access to water sources, education, cultural life and economic pursuits. They are forced to live as beasts of burden at the outskirts of the villages, towns and slums. Manu Smriti prohibited the Dalits to wear good clothes, ornaments, utensils, food etc.
In the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar "it is a diabolical contrivance to suppress and enslave humanity. Its proper name would be ‘infamy’. ‘untouchability’ is a unique phenomenon unknown to humanity in other parts of the world. Nothing like it is to be found in any other society - primitive, ancient or modern.”
Basically the problem of ‘untouchability’ is a clash between castes of haves and have not’s. Inhuman injustice has been done by one class against another. The struggle starts with demand of equality and equal behavior, which has not been acceptable to upper caste Hindus and that’s why they get irritated and start insulting and humiliating the Dalits. Dalits are subjected to severe discrimination, disabilities, liabilities, prohibitions, restrictions or conditions in most of the rural India.
Abolition of untouchability
Article 17 of the Constitution of India, abolished "untouchability" and its practice in any form is forbidden. The Untouchability (Offences) Act 1955 was enacted, which was renamed in 1976 as "Protection of Civil Rights Act". Parliament later passed Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Despite abolition it is being practiced with impunity more in breach. More than 80% of the cases under the Act end in acquittal, due to apathy and lack of proper perspective. The problem can never be resolved merely from the perspectives of criminal jurisprudence. It has to be reexamined from sociological angle and constitutional commitment.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has been enacted to ‘prevent the commission of offences of atrocities against the members of the SC/ST. The expression 'atrocities' is defined in Section 2 of the Act to mean an offence punishable under Section 3, which reads as follows:
"3(2) (v): Punishments for offences of atrocities -
(2) Whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, -
(v) commits any offence under the Indian Penal Code punishable with imprisonment for a term of ten years or more against a person or property on the ground that such person is a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe or such property belongs to such member, shall be punishable with imprisonment for life and with fine;”
Why dalit women was raped?
Apex court has interpreted that whoever (not being a member of a SC or ST) commits any offence (under the I.P.C. punishable with imprisonment for a term of ten years or more) against a person or property the prosecution must prove that such offence was committed ‘on the ground that such person is a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe’ and ‘the mere fact that the victim happened to be a girl belonging to a scheduled caste does not attract the provisions of the Act.’
Everybody knows that if she would not have been a girl belonging to scheduled caste, he could not even dare to touch her. Stark reality is that even today after 60 years of independence, particularly in Indian villages everybody is known by his/her caste and religion only. Moreover the peculiar dress and other social-religious symbols disclose much more about a person than his/her caste and religion even in urban India. If the accused knew before committing offence about the caste of the victim, then it must be presumed by courts of law that the offence was committed ‘on the ground that such person is a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.’
The law is torn and twisted
Hon’ble Supreme Court considered the applicability of the provision under Section 3(2)(v) of the Act and laid down that “sine qua non for application of Section 3(2)(v) is that an offence must have been committed against a person on the ground that such person is a member of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In the instant case no evidence has been led to establish this requirement. It is not case of the prosecution that the rape was committed on the victim since she was a member of Scheduled Caste. In the absence of evidence to that effect, Section 3(2) (v) has no application." [Dinesh alias Buddha Vs State of Rajasthan [2006 Crl.L.J.1679]
Hon'ble Supreme Court once again confirmed "in the instant case rape was committed on a girl belonging to Scheduled Caste. However, there is no evidence whatsoever to prove the commission of offence under Section 3 (2) (v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The mere fact that the victim happened to be a girl belonging to a scheduled caste does not attract the provisions of the Act. Apart from the fact that the prosecutrix belongs to the Pardhi community, there is no other evidence on record to prove any offence under the said enactment. The High Court has also not noticed any evidence to support the charge under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and was perhaps persuaded to affirm the conviction on the basis that the prosecutrix belongs to a scheduled caste community. The conviction of the appellants under Section 3(2) (v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 must, therefore, be set aside." [Ramdas and Ors. Vs State of Maharashtra (AIR 2007 SC 155)
Lets follow the precedents
In a case of rape with a 16 years old girl, where the Principal Sessions Judge found the accused guilty under Section 376 IPC read with Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act and convicted and sentenced him to undergo Life Imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/-, in default, to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for six months but The Hon’ble Justice C.Nagappan and Justice Chitra Venkataraman held that “ the mere fact that the victim happened to be a girl belonging to a Scheduled Caste does not attract the provision under Section 3(2)(v) of the Act and it is not the case of the prosecution that the rape was committed on the victim since she was a member of Scheduled Caste and there is no other evidence on record to prove the said offence under the Act. Hence, the conviction and sentence imposed on the appellant under Section 3(2) (v) of the SC/ST Act are liable to be set aside.” [S. Balaraman Vs State, Crl.A.No.681 of 2008]
The learned judges not only set-aside the conviction and sentence under SC/ST Act but also reduced the sentence of life imprisonment to seven years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs. Ten thousand by following the above cited judgments of Apex Court.
Apex Court Judgments are not like a blind street
In case of C.T.Raveenran, S/O.Damodaran Nair Vs State of Kerala (CRL.A.No. 2213 of 2009) at 00.30 hours on 20.1.2005, the appellant in order to commit rape on now late P, broke opened the door of house bearing door No.V/1985 of Kozhikode Corporation, wherein P was residing and thus committed house breaking by night and then committed rape on late P, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community. The appellant belongs to Hindu Nair Community. Late P was employed as a Nursing Assistant at medical College Hospital, Calicut. She had two daughters. Youngest daughter, R had an inter-caste marriage with Venugopal, the brother of the appellant.
The Sessions Judge, Kozhikode, who is also a Special Judge under the 'SC/ST Act' convicted the appellant for offence under Section 457 and 376 IPC and Section 3(2) (v) of the SC/ST Act and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for two years and a fine of Rs.1000/- under Section 457 of the IPC. For offence under Section 376 of the IPC, the appellant was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of Rs.5,000/-. For offence under Section 3(2) (v) of the SC/ST (PA) Act, the appellant was sentenced to imprisonment for life and a fine of Rs.10,000/- with default sentence of imprisonment for one year.
Even Sri. S. U. Nazar, the learned Public Prosecutor conceded that the evidence on record would not show that the offence under the Indian Penal Code were committed against the victim on the ground that she is a member of the Scheduled Caste. It was further conceded that there is no material to come to a finding that the appellant had committed offence under Section 3(2) (v) of the SC/ST(PA) Act, 1989.
Relying upon the decision in Ramdas v. State of Maharashtra (2007(2) SCC 170) Hon'ble Justice Pius C.Kuriakose and Justice P.S.Gopinathan of Kerala High Court set-aside the conviction and sentence for offence under Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST(PA) Act, 1989, and only conviction and sentence for offence under Sections 457 and 376 IPC were confirmed.
In this case admittedly youngest daughter of the victim had an inter-caste marriage with Venugopal, the brother of the appellant, who belongs to Hindu Nair Community. It’s absolutely unbelievable that the accused did not know about the caste of the victim. He dared to rape only because the victim was a member of Scheduled Caste community. In such a case it should be presumed that the offence of rape must have been committed against the victim on the ground that she is a member of the Scheduled Caste. Such offences are often committed by the persons belonging to upper caste, just to exhibit their supremacy on the women of lower castes. Judgments of the apex Court are not like a blind street to be entered by Hon’ble judges, without meticulous analysis of facts and circumstances of each case.
SHE WAS NOT RAPED KNOWINGLY THAT ‘SHE WAS A SCHEDULE CASTE GIRL’
In an another case Puja was raped by the accused appellant Dhruvendra Singh and rest accused persons were flirting with her and when she came to senses, they threatened her that in case she would tell this incident to anybody, her brothers would be killed. Whenever she went to school, all accused persons used to commit rape on her and this process remained continued for many times.
Hon’ble Justice S.K.Garg of Rajasthan High Court held that “so far as conviction of the accused appellants Dhruvendra Singh, Sushil and Shivmuni for the offence under Section 3(2) (v) of the SC/ST Act is concerned, they cannot be convicted unless she was raped knowingly that she was a schedule caste girl. In the present case, there is no such evidence that they raped the prosecutrix Puja knowing that she was a scheduled caste girl. In the present case, there is no such evidence that they raped the prosecutrix Puja knowing that she was a scheduled caste girl. Hence, their conviction and sentence passed by the learned Special Judge for the offence under Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act are liable to be set aside and they are entitled to be acquitted of the charge for the said offence. In this respect, the decision of this Court in Pappu Khan v. State of Rajasthan may be referred to where, it was held that "Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Section 3/2(v) Scope. For offence under Section 3(2)(v), besides proving ingredients of respective offence, it must further be proved that target of crime was selected on ground that he/she belonged to scheduled caste or scheduled tribe." [Dhruvendra Singh and Ors. vs State Of Rajasthan, 2001 (3) WLN 380]

A CASE PRIOR TO APEX COURT’S VERDICTS
Hon’ble Justice Umeshwar Pandey of Alahabad High Court on the other hand rightly held that “the, accused was perfectly an adult person of 25 years of age on the date of the incident when he committed this heinous offence in a barbarous manner subjecting a tender aged girl of about 11 years to forcible rape in order to quench his sexual thirst. The act was so much cruel and inhuman that the prosecutrix had to be admitted for several days in the hospital for treatment. It is an admitted fact that the minor girl belonged to a 'Dalit' Class and the accused being a member of Non-Dalit Class had all the guts and courage to down grade and humiliate the prosecutrix in such a cruel manner. He obviously does not deserve any sympathy by the Court in so far as it relates to the award of punishment in the present case.” [Udai Bahadur S/O Ramdeo Badhai vs State Of U.P. on 25 October, 2005]
NO INSULT IF NOT PRESENT
Hon’ble Jusice Dalveer Bhandari and Deepak Verma has most innovatively interpreted that “the words used in sub-section (x) of SC/ST Act are not "in public place" but "within public view" which means the public must view the person being insulted for which he must be present and no offence on the allegations under the said section gets attracted. (Asmathunnisa Vs State of A.P.,Criminal Appeal no.766 of 2011)"

Justice Bhandari relied upon a judgment of Kerala High Court in E. Krishnan Nayanar v. Dr. M.A. Kuttappan & Others wherein it was held "under sub-section (x) insult can be caused to the person insulted only if he is present in view of the expression "in any place within public view." (1997 Crl. L.J. 2036)
In brief whether it means that any SC/ST member can be insulted even in public view if the member being insulted is not present there? What a ‘brilliant interpretation’ of law from the Supreme Court!
These are just few illustrative cases only where from High Courts up to Apex Court have interpreted the words ‘on the ground’ meaning as the sole basis or reason of the crime. Now the courts have burdened the poor victim to prove that she has been raped just because she is Dalit and it is not enough to be Dalit only. What a morbid process of interpretation of such a social statute.
The Judiciary must respond to the challenges in dispensation of justice (social, economic and political) by interpreting the law with pragmatism, keeping in mind the constitutional dreams and ground realities.
We should also remember that it is not eternal and in the process of historical change, shackles of slavery will vanish. Dalits will not remain lowest in society forever. Eradicating untouchability by destroying the caste system may be a distant dream but education, resistance and social consciousness will certainly empower them to claim equal share in economic and political power. In recent past from the day Dalits captured political power in some states, atrocities on their caste particularly women has increased due to revenge and frustration of higher castes. It is shocking that their own ‘Dalit leaders’ have not taken care to protect and provide them justice because the cries of ‘poorest of poor’ are mostly lost in transit. No need to explain the sorrows of dailt brothers and sisters with facts and figures.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

FAIR TRIAL BY COURTS & MEDIA MUST GO ON

FAIR TRIAL BY COURTS & MEDIA MUST GO ON
Without active and positive participation of media, the mission of fair trial and justice cannot be achieved. Though one sided uncontrolled or unedited telecast or propagation of news including sex-scandals, scams and sting operations for the vested interests of big capital or corporate houses, may prove to be fatal for ‘freedom of speech and expression’ and result in miscarriage of justice.

The right to freedom of speech and expression can be restricted by law only in the “interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with Foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.” Freedom of press cannot be suppressed by pleading the individual’s right to privacy and right to a ‘fair trial’. Fair trail means trial before an ‘impartial Judge’, a ‘fair prosecutor’ and peaceful judicial atmosphere without any bias or prejudice for or against the accused. Though, impartial judge, fair prosecutor and/or judicial atmosphere without any bias or prejudice are not available all the time.

But the question is what would have been the fate of Priyadarshini Mattoo, Jessica Lal, Nitish Katara, and Bijal Joshi case, if media remained silent spectator of injustice? Needless to underline that role and responsibilities of aggressive media, generating unwarranted controversies and clouds of confusions like an unruly horse also needs overhauling and reconsideration.

NEWS 24X7
Undoubtedly the Mass media has enormous power to reach to the world, which should be exercised with a great degree of care and responsibility because it is believed to be accurate by masses hence the professional limits must not be transgressed. Media has right and duty to raise issues of public concern and national interest and citizens also have right to know about investigation or delay in investigation or soft-Pedaling on investigations in matters of social concern and importance. In pending cases the media may report the proceedings fairly, truly, faithfully and accurately without any bias towards anyone with a fair comment to avoid action of defamation, injunction or contempt of court. Press must remember that public interest or the right to know cannot outweigh or shake the century old structural foundations of an impartial administration or justice delivery system.
Hon’ble Supreme Court observed that “the reach of the media is to every nook and corner of the world, particularly these days when we have 24-hour news channels and webcasts on the Internet. A large number of people tend to believe as correct that which appears in the print or electronic media. For these reasons alone, the mass media has to be circumspect while dealing with news.” (Rajendra Sail v. M.P. High Court Bar Association, (2005) 6 SCC 109) But “unfortunately, it is not realized that any item of news telecast in the channels would reach persons of all categories, irrespective of age, literacy, and their capacity to understand or withstand. The impact of such a telecast on the society is phenomenal.” (D.N. Prasad v. Principal Secretary, 2005 Cri LJ 1901)
The Hon’ble Full Bench of Delhi High Court symbolized the Press like ‘Nuclear power’ and observed that “the power of the Press is almost like nuclear power, it can create and it can destroy. Keeping this in mind, it is imperative for the media to exercise due care and caution before publication of a potentially damaging piece. It was said that such news reports are like a loaded gun and it may not be appropriate for the media to contend that it not know that the gun was loaded. (Surya Prakash Khatri Vs Smt. Madhu Trehan, 92 (2001) DLT 665 (FB)
Media may influence, disturb or confuse Judges
Cardozo, one of the great Judges of American Supreme Court in his "Nature of the Judicial Process" observed that the judges are subconsciously influenced by several forces. Supreme Court of India has also expressed a similar view in P.C. Sen In Re: AIR 1970 SC 1821 and Reliance Petrochemicals Ltd. v. Proprietors of Indian Express 1988 (4) SCC 592.
The Indian courts have deprecated the ‘yellow journalism’ and sting operations several times with a red caution and helplessness “curse the day, when a judicial functionary will have to render decisions with one eye on the headlines in the media next morning. Loathe the day when such opinion makers can even indirectly influence the decision who must be bound only to the law and his own conscience.” (Shaji V/s. State of Kerala, 2005 (4) KLT 995, Para 12)
It was seriously apprehended because “judges are also human beings and when hue and cry is made by the media it is possible that the equilibrium of a Judge is also disturbed.” (Indian Council of Legal Aid and Advice v. State, Delhi High Court in WP No. 17595/2006 decided on 27th November, 2006)
While speaking on media trail at Banglore in 2006, Ex-Chief Justice Y.K.Sabharwal confirmed that “these are matters which will have serious reflections on judiciary. We can’t ignore them. Think of the person to whom injustice is caused by this. If this continues, there can’t be any conviction. Judges are confused because the media has already given a verdict.”

Few years back While granting bail in Perveen Malhotra Vs State (Delhi Administration) Cr.M.(M) 161/90 popularly known as ‘whisky burning case’ Hon’ble Justice Y.K. Sabharwal of Delhi High Court said “It could be comprehended that cassette may be an important piece of evidence and may come up for consideration before a court of law. Doordarshan ought to have exercised restraint and not displayed it. At this stage I wish to say nothing more that let there be trial by court and not by media, be it Doordarshan or press.”
Apex Court also declared that “a trial by press, electronic media or public agitation is the very antithesis of the rule of law.” (State of Maharashtra Vs Rajendra Jawanmal Gandhi, (1997) 8 SCC 386)
Sensationalized journalistic adventures and courts displeasures

Hon’ble Justices of Apex Court expressed their ‘displeasure’ with a caution to note that these types of articles appearing in the media would certainly interfere with the administration of justice. We deprecate this practice and caution the publishers, editors and the journalists who were responsible for the said article against indulging in such trial by the media when the issue is sub-judice. However to prevent any further issue being raised in this regard, we treat this matter as closed and hope the other concerned in journalism would take note of this displeasure expressed by us for interfering with the administration of justice.” (M.P. Lohia V/s. State of West Bengal, AIR 2005 S.C. 790)

But unfortunately the courts had to again express their serious and strong displeasure about investigation lapses by writing that “the Fourth Estate does not seem to realize the irreparable damage inflicted on the victim of crimes and the alleged culprits and those close to them through the sensationalized journalistic adventures. Truth is very often surpassed, exaggerated or distorted to add flavors and spice to the stories. Trial by the media can do more harm than good to the society at large. Instances are not rare when test parades are reduced to mere farce due to the injudicious publicity given to the alleged assailants by publishing their photographs. Every such act of adventurism exert unnecessary pressure on the courts which are to eventuality try the alleged offenders. The fickle minded pulse which has been conditioned to believe a particular version through a calculated process of media in doctrination will be loath to accept a different conclusion. Hence, if the court which finally tries the alleged culprit were to ultimately record an order of acquittal for want of legal evidence before it, it may not be only of place for the public at large to conclude that the verdict of the court is wrong. They may even attribute motives in the presiding Judge. No disciplined society which believes in the rule of law can afford such state of affairs to come to stay. We wish to express our strong displeasure at the increasing trend of investigation lapses and trial by media in respect of matters which are sub-judice. After the case under investigation is seized by the court, it is not open for the investigation agency or other busy bodies to given their own versions about a crime and influence the mind of the public without realizing the worth or otherwise of what has been collected during investigation and placed before the court concerned. Lapses in this regard will be viewed seriously and the erring police officers and media persons will be proceeded against appropriately.” (State of Kerala Vs Poothala Aboobacker, 2006 (2) KLD (Cri) 482.

Hon’ble Supreme Court clearly stated that it would be a sad day for the court to employ the media for setting its own house in order and the media too would not relish the role of being the snoopers for the Court. Media should perform the acts of journalism and not as a special agency for the Court. The impact of television and newspaper coverage on a person's reputation by creating a widespread perception of guilt, regardless of any verdict in a Court of law. This will not be fair. (R.K. Anand v. Delhi High Court (2009) 8 SCC 106)

Conscious or unconscious press(ure)

It was once again explained about ‘over publicity’ that “judiciary can’t function properly if the press is calculated to disturb the judiciary in the performance of its duty and capacity to act solely on the evidence placed before it. …….. It is the duly of the courts to decide criminal cases; it is no part of the duty of newspapers to take up that function in the name of serving public cause. Free trial is an impartial and open trial conducted by an independent Judge free from prejudice and after considering all the available evidence which is properly submitted before him. Publicity to trial is, no doubt, one of the means of ensuring fair trial for, if publicity is present, the judge would be careful in acting free from bias, prejudice or illegality. But it is well recognized that over publicity of crime cases may prejudice the trial inducing feeling of hostility among members of the public and thereby consciously or unconsciously building up pressure on the court. This is so even in a country like ours where trial is not by jury bent by legally trained judges. Such over publicity may also deter witnessed from going to the court or sometimes from speaking the truth. It may affect a proper, just and truthful investigation. This is true of publicity at the pre-trial or investigation stage also. The press has, no doubt, the right and duty to inform the public about crimes and bare facts relating to investigation arrests and the like. But excessive publicity with all lucid details, interviews of witnesses, accused or investigating officers tend to prejudice issues which, in the final analysis are within the jurisdiction of the court to decide. In relation to the present case and some other crime cases in the recent past, the mass media has been giving tremendous publicity ………. Introspection by the press with a view to fulfill its true role with the limitations set by law is caused for, heeding the caution that otherwise it is possible to poison the fountain of justice before it begins to flow.” (Kannan V/s. State of Kerala, 1984 KLT 412)

Extend cooperation and ensure fair investigation
Justices P. Sathasivam and Swantanter Kumar in Sidhartha Vashisht @ Manu Sharma vs. State (NCT of Delhi) accepted that media reports on Jessica Lall trial did create “certain confusion” in the mind of public but did not prejudice the court and sought Media’s cooperation though with a caution by saying “we would certainly caution all modes of media to extend their cooperation to ensure fair investigation, trial, defence of accused and non interference in the administration of justice in matters sub-judice.”
Apex Court held “despite the significance of the print and electronic media in the present day, it is not only desirable but least that is expected of the persons at the helm of affairs in the field, to ensure that trial by media does not hamper fair investigation by the investigating agency and more importantly does not prejudice the right of defence of the accused in any manner whatsoever. It will amount to travesty of justice if either of this causes impediments in the accepted judicious and fair investigation and trial.”
Balancing the freedom of Press and individual’s rights the court propounded that “presumption of innocence of an accused is a legal presumption and should not be destroyed at the very threshold through the process of media trial and that too when the investigation is pending. In that event, it will be opposed to the very basic rule of law and would impinge upon the protection granted to an accused under Article 21 of the Constitution [Anukul Chandra Pradhan v. Union of India & Ors. (1996) 6 SCC 354]”
Fair trial by courts & media must go on
It is true that dignity of Courts must be maintained, which is one of the cardinal principles of rule of law but in a democratic country the fair criticism or factual reporting on the administration of justice should not be suppressed under the double edge sword of contempt of court. Without Media’s positive role the investigation in 2G spectrum, Common wealth Games, Adarsh Housing Scam, illegal mining, Hawala rackets, rampant corruption, electoral reforms, innocent prisoners languishing in jails, and other matters of national significance cannot even be imagined. Let the Press expose the system, which is breeding institutional corruption and stinking like a henhouse.

Matters relating to judicial indiscipline, dishonesty, indirect corruption, undue favours to kith and kins, ‘misappropriation of provident funds’, ‘cash at door step’, misuse of powers and miscarriage of justice (social-economic-political) etc can never be out of focus of media lenses. Let there be ‘fair trial’ by courts as well as media in protecting the basic constitutional rights of the people of India at any cost, what so ever it may be.