Democracies fail to hold offenders accountable, allow them to escape with little consequence

By NS Venkataraman*

There has been a long-standing debate about the best form of governance for a nation. Should it be dictatorship, military rule, rule by a select few (as seen in China's communist regime), monarchy (where a ruler governs for life), or democracy? Each system has its advocates and critics, with some political analysts arguing that no one system can be deemed universally superior due to differing merits and drawbacks.

Alternate Perspective

A political analyst with experience living in both democratic and monarchical systems observed that for the average person, governance is secondary to peace and stability. Most citizens, uninvolved in politics, desire a society with strict law and order where they can live harmoniously with their families, regardless of whether the country is led by a dictator, monarch, or democratically elected leader. Chaos in democratic nations, often caused by power struggles and political competition, can lead to public disillusionment.

The Case for Democracy

Despite its flaws, many believe democracy is the most suitable form of governance. It aligns with humanity's inherent desire for freedom—freedom to think, speak, write, and act according to individual preferences. The consensus is that democracy can work effectively if there are robust checks and balances and if leaders demonstrate integrity and commitment.

Politicians in Democracies: A Global Phenomenon

The behavior of politicians in democratic systems worldwide often reveals striking similarities. Instances of unruly conduct and political chaos are not uncommon, whether in India, Sri Lanka, the United States, the United Kingdom, or France.

In Taiwan and South Korea, parliamentary debates have occasionally turned into physical altercations.

In the U.S., the Capitol Hill riots during Donald Trump’s contested election loss to Joe Biden shocked the world.

In India, recent parliamentary sessions have seen lawmakers resorting to physical confrontations, leading to hospitalizations.

In authoritarian regimes, such actions would likely result in swift and severe punishment, but democratic systems often fail to hold offenders accountable, allowing them to escape with little or no consequence.

The Judiciary's Crucial Role

The judiciary is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring checks and balances in governance. While elected officials frame laws, the judiciary interprets and enforces them, often stepping in to resolve disputes. In democratic societies, its decisions are usually respected, even if some perceive them as flawed. This independent authority of the judiciary is a significant advantage that is absent in systems like monarchy or military rule.

The Indian Context

India, the world’s largest democracy with over 1.4 billion people, has adhered to democratic principles since its independence in 1947. Regular elections ensure a peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of a functioning democracy.

However, India faces significant challenges:

Political Chaos: Politicians frequently exchange inflammatory remarks, and street agitations disrupt daily life.

Corruption and Nepotism: Allegations of corruption are widespread among politicians, government officials, and even private entities. Despite investigations, convictions are rare, with cases often languishing in courts for decades.

Caste and Social Conflicts: The democratic system has struggled to address deep-rooted societal divisions effectively.

This has led many Indians to question whether the country is paying too high a price for democracy. The overwhelming sentiment is that politicians bear significant responsibility for these issues, yet reforming the system seems daunting, as they are integral to democratic governance.

Judiciary and the State of Indian Democracy

The judiciary, while respected, has not been free from criticism. The public perceives it as contributing to the erosion of democracy due to:

1. Delays in Justice: Court cases often drag on for years, undermining faith in the system.

2. Limited Accountability: The judiciary is seen as failing to exercise its authority fully, particularly in recalling corrupt or unethical elected officials.

Despite these shortcomings, many believe the judiciary holds the key to strengthening Indian democracy. Speeding up judicial processes and taking a more proactive stance against corruption could significantly improve governance and public trust.

Conclusion

While democracy remains the most favored form of governance for its alignment with human aspirations for freedom, its success hinges on strong institutions, especially the judiciary. In India, the judiciary must rise to the challenge of ensuring accountability and swift justice to uphold the democratic system. The responsibility—and opportunity—rests squarely in the hands of the judiciary to restore faith and order in the world's largest democracy.

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*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai

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