What I feel about Ram Jethmalani’s comment in NDTV?

        We all know about the Ruchika case and media has given so much importance to the issue even after the judgment finding Mr.Rathore of guilty of molestation.  All news channels in India and especially National English Channels run special discussions on the issue.

        NDTV has conducted a panel discussion yesterday and where the interested parties and the experts like Ram Jethmalani has expressed their views on the 19 years investigation process, the CBI’s role and on the issue of quantum of punishment awarded to Mr.Rathore.

        It seems that media is giving a conclusion that something went wrong in the whole process and the influential Mr.Rathore could escape with very meager punishment and he is not punished for abetment to commit suicide.

        The gist of NDTV’s programme or the panel discussion on the topic is as follows.

The Channel wanted to ascertain the views of experts participated in the discussion on the following issues:

1.    The opinion at the whole episode.

2.    About the allegations of subsequent torture to the Ruchika’s family by Rathore with his influence.

3.    The 19 years time taken for initial conclusion of the issue.

4.    The punishment awarded.

5.    Where is the fault.

6.    Why not the suo motu action be taken by the Court.

       In response to the issues raised by the channel in their programme, most of the panelists expressed their anger at the episode and they are not happy at the quantum of punishment awarded. One has suggested for a change in law and mooted for special courts and speedy trial. Another has pointed out at the whole system and criticized the politics and politicians.

Ram jethmalani was also asked to express his views on the issue and the brief on his comments or statement is as follows:

1.    He is has criticized the media for all the hype?

2.    He has questioned the propriety of media in giving a conclusion to the issue as if Mr.Rathore is guilty of abetment to suicide where the court finds Mr.Rathore guilty of only molestation.

3.    He has questioned the basis for the conclusion of other panelists and the media focusing as if Mr.Rathore is guilty of abetment.

Many, who had seen the programme, could have really surprised at the comments made by Jethmalani, but, he is right on many issues. Mr.Jethmalani has given statement that we have a good law and it is to be intelligently managed. It is a great statement and carries so much meaning.  

There exist difficulties in the whole issue and we may not find fault even with our only credible institution, the CBI. We can’t punish Mr.Rathore based on opinions and sympathy and completely ignoring the law. It is really very very difficult to prove a charge of abetment to commit suicide where there is a gap of 3 years between the incident and the suicide. It may not be right to blame the CBI completely.

What we can highlight and criticise is like:

1.    How come Mr.Rahore is promoted pending serious allegations?

2.    The issue of subsequent harassments by Mr.Rathore and the alleged misdeeds with his influence.

3.    Why there is so much delay in completing the investigation?

What is being done by media is that they ignore the actual cause and they try to make it as a good film and provoke people. That should not be attitude of media and it should behave responsibly. It is true that there should not be any restraints or restrictions on media. But, if the media is irresponsible, then too, the consequences can be disastrous. Media is emerging as a major power house in the recent past with all round development in the country, the living standards, the living style and with increase in literacy and education.

It is true that media has played an important role in highlighting the misdeeds in the system, but, it should be cautious and behave responsibly. Many might have shocked at the comments made by Ram Jethmalani on the issue, but, I am impressed as a professional and also as a citizen.