Laws that help

Active citizenry is a Constitutional duty, says

- Srinivas Madhav

The 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution presents a unique opportunity to emphasize the importance of Article 51A, which outlines the Fundamental Duties of every citizen. The realization of Article 51A requires a nationwide initiative to instill the principles of active citizenry as a civic responsibility, thereby strengthening constitutional ideals such as justice, equality, and fraternity.

Recent incidents across the country, however, have highlighted a disturbing trend: the increasing prevalence of bystanders who prioritize recording an incident of crime or an accident on their phones over offering assistance or even dialing emergency numbers like 112 or 100. These situations demand urgent attention.

Many crimes happen on streets where bystanders remain mute spectators and do not intervene. It is often assumed that citizens have become unconcerned and lost empathy.

Fortunately, this is not entirely true. Bystanders can generally be categorized into two groups: those indifferent or paralyzed by fear, and those who feel empathy but are held back by the "bystander effect"—a psychological phenomenon where everyone assumes someone else will step in to help, and finally, none acts. This assumption often results in no one taking responsibility, leaving the victims alone without assistance.

Another obstacle is "pluralistic ignorance," where people interpret others' inaction as a sign that no help is needed. Sadly, this mute inaction also gives the perpetrator a sense of approval.