Mob rule emerges while politicians demand death penalty for perpetrators. SC Judge Abhay Oka – The Week

Pune, Sept 1 (PTI) – Justice Abhay Oka of the Supreme Court on Sunday said that a “mob regime” was emerging as politicians were capitalising on certain incidents and ensuring death penalty for the perpetrators. He stressed that only the judiciary could give legal verdicts.
Speaking at a conference organised by the Bar Association of Maharashtra and Goa in Pune, Justice Oka stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of the judiciary and taking prompt and fair decisions.

He also said that in certain cases related to the granting of bail, the judiciary was being “bombarded with criticism” for no reason.
Justice Oka stressed that sensitivity among lawyers and judges was crucial to ensure compliance with the Constitution.
“If the judiciary is to be respected, its freedom must be preserved. The Constitution can only be upheld if lawyers and the judiciary remain sensitive. Lawyers play an important role in maintaining the judiciary and they must discharge this responsibility or democracy will not survive,” Justice Oka said.
He further commented on the current state of public debate, saying that a “mob rule” is currently emerging, with politicians capitalising on certain incidents and assuring people of the death penalty for the perpetrators, although only the judiciary has the power to make legal judgments.
“We have created a mob state. When an incident occurs, politicians capitalize on it. Politicians visit the scene and assure people that the accused will receive the death penalty, but that the decision-making power lies with the judiciary,” he said.
Although Justice Oka did not name any specific incident, his remarks came against the backdrop of the Kolkata rape and murder and the alleged sexual abuse of two girls at a school in Badlapur in Maharashtra, which sparked calls for the strictest punishment for the perpetrators.
Judge Oka further said that the judiciary is “bombarded with criticism” for no reason when bail is granted in certain cases. “Judges should make their decision according to the law, which should be transparent.”
For example, Indian minister Ramdas Athawale on Saturday called for the death penalty for those involved in the alleged rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, just days after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee promised to amend existing laws to ensure the death penalty for convicted rapists.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, who was also present at the Bar Association event, stressed the need to preserve constitutional values ​​through education and awareness.
“Preserving our values ​​and hard work are the keys to success. It is not only important to know or read our Constitution, we should also be aware of it. With the attacks on women, not only 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' is required, but now 'Beta Padhao' is also important,” Justice Varale said, pointing out the need to sensitise boys about girls and women.