Far away incidents but similar patterns

2 October 2012 07:01 pm - 1 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Marxism teaches us that law is the weapon of the ruling classes. During the feudal system, law was synonymous with the wish of the ruler. Capitalism could no longer ignore the people’s demands for the establishment of democracy during the mass struggles that erupted against feudalism. This is how the powers of the executive, legislative and the judiciary that had been heaped on one institution/individual were handed over to three institutions after the fall of the feudal system. They were named the three pillars of democracy. During the initial stages of capitalism the defenders of democracy stated that these three institutions would operate with “checks and balances” over each other to prevent despotic tendencies.

This is history. What’s happening now is contradictory to what was expected. What is approaching is an era where ‘kings’ attempt to muster powers that had been taken away from them. As such, the chains of freedom tied to democracy are being shortened.

Recently, the media reported an announcement made by the Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission that stated that the Commission has been subjected to threats and intimidation from persons holding different status. Various influences have been made on the Commission regarding decisions taken by it keeping with the service requirements. The Commission was subjected to various influences after it initiated disciplinary action against a judge recently.

“An attempt to convince the relevant institutions regarding the protection of the independence of the judiciary and the JSC over the attempt to call for a meeting with the chairperson of the JSC, who is the Hon Chief Justice, and two other Supreme Court judges too has not been successful. The Commission has documentary evidence on this matter.”

The general public is afraid to break the law. In short, many are scared of the policemen walking on the road. That is not because they commit offences; not even due to cowardice. The sole reason behind their fear is that the police have a reputation of charging a person on false charges. However, modern ‘aristocrats’ have political protection expect the OIC of a police station to offer his chair when they walk into the place.

When an ordinary citizen is locked up in a cell for an offence he had not committed the political henchman, despite being an offender, enjoys an undue freedom. Despite having a hundred warrants issued to arrest these perpetrators, who punitive action is not taken. They, who have lost fear of the law enforcement authorities do not even hesitate to challenge the Judiciary. This is why stones are pelted at courts of law. These are not stones pelted at the building but at the independence of the Judiciary.

Political power has various levels - from the councillor of a local government body to the highest in the land they enjoy various levels of power. They attempt to tilt the scale of the legal virgin according to their levels of power. This is what is indicated when the JSC states “It is regrettable to note that the JSC has been subjected to threats and intimidation from persons holding different status.” A cabinet minister gets his henchmen to pelt stones at a courts complex. The ordinary citizen who would never dream of such an attempt suspects that it was the act of an extraordinary being.

Meanwhile, the President addressing the meeting of heads of media institutions last month said no one would be allowed to tamper with the independence of the judiciary. The general public may have been joyous at this statement of the President who represents the executive, one of the pillars of democracy. This would have put to rest any suspicion the public had regarding the influences on the judiciary. However, the wrath within the government wouldn’t have ended.

Also, according to reports there is an alleged attempt by the Government to bring forward a charge that the Secretary to the JSC had threatened a female judge. Julian Assange, the editor-in-chief and founder of WikiLeaks, who exposed the truth about the USA and is now under the protection of the Ecuadorian embassy in London, too has been charged with rape and assault of a woman. Thousands of geographical kilometres are between the two actions. However, when it comes to the behaviour of capitalism, they are way too close.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 1

CW Wednesday, 03 October 2012 03:10 AM

Hey Modapala, Read " Infantile Disorder" written by Lenin. You will realise your problems.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Far away incidents but similar patterns

Comments - 1

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident