THE SEVEN SINS OF NEW INDIA

THE long-term damage caused by an acrimonious polity is seldom appreciated in the din of daily fireworks of accusations, innuendos and counter-accusations among parties. The unnerving instances of governments blithely misusing the once-reputed investigative agencies for settling scores have to be contextualised in a political landscape from where civility, sensitivity, decorum and humour have been exiled.

- K JAYAKUMAR

The young generation, with no exposure to an earlier ethos of public life, begins to believe that what it sees today is normal. This almost irreversible damage manifests in our national life as the seven sins of new India.

Unequal before law: An elected government is for all, including those who voted against it. Fairness and inclusivity are two cardinal presumptions of the modern State. The government's legitimacy is anchored to the principle that all citizens are equal before law. However, repeated instances in our recent history have shaken this faith and posited a question mark on the fate of the equality principle. The allegations against Mahua Moitra, an opposition party MP, were swiftly inquired into and the parliamentary ethics committee recommended her disqualification in record time. Responses to graver allegations against ruling party MPs and leaders are conveniently delayed and quietly buried. Unequal before law is indeed the new normal and the very idea of fairness stands discredited.