Sunday, January 9, 2011

No one killed Jessica !

The movie 'No one killed Jessica' is an interesting insight into the system of criminal justice, role of media on social issues and journalistic courage. More importantly, it is about reinforcing a common man's belief in Justice. For every Jessica who got justice (may God keep her soul in peace), there are hundreds of others who have no means to obtain the same. Crime against ordinary citizens in countries across the world is a matter of great concern since it is these common men and women who need a system of governance to take care of their lives and grievances.

One of the important lessons from Jessica's case is about witness protection. Apart from deficiencies in the Indian legal system on the issue, attitude of law makers, police and Judiciary on the subject need a serious makeover in order to ensure that ordinary citizens get courage to speak up for justice. In societies where poverty, social inequalities and marginalisation prevail, justice suffers due to the lack of sufficient protection to witnesses.

The International Criminal Court's model on witness protection program and procedures is a good example of such a step that may be replicated within the ambit of criminal law system of any country. It is time that such issues beget serious consideration of law makers every where so that Jessicas of the world get faster justice!   

No comments:

Post a Comment

Will of the People Must Prevail

On 19 th November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln spoke about 273 words that eventually became the bedrock of the concept of democracy. Lin...