The Rule of Law, was a concept made conspicuous by its absence in the
erstwhile Digambar Kamat led government. That is why there was universal
rejoicing in Goa when we succeeded in strengthening Manohar Parrikar’s hands
to usher in what we hoped would be a new era governed by fairness, morality
and justice above all. Admittedly, our Chief Minister inherited a system and
culture embedded in corruption, nepotism and illegalities leaving him with
an unenviably difficult road to traverse in establishing a healthy culture
of respect and adherence to the law of the land. However, this certainly
does not absolve him from fulfilling his responsibility and rising to the
challenge of his chair. That is why, in the light of the many disquieting
contradictions in his utterances and actions pre and post elections, it may
be pertinent to remind him that the Rule of Law is defined as the principle
that no one is above or beyond the law. Therefore, the Rule of Law would
mean that politicians, bureaucrats and industrialists who have cornered vast
tracts of precious community land acquired by GIDC cannot be granted
"amnesty" and absolved of their crime just by returning the booty.
In the same spirit, Rule of law would also imply that mine owners cannot be
permitted to trade ore excavated illegally. In fact, Rule of Law would mean
that those of them who have failed to abide by the law, along with the nexus
of bureaucrats, politicians and government functionaries should all be held
accountable and penalised according to due processes of the law. Rule of Law
also means that natural and community resources cannot be destroyed along
with the environment to provide livelihood for part of the populace and
luxurious living for a few. Therefore, culprits and irresponsible
governments, both politicians and bureaucrats should be held culpable and
made to pay for the destruction and damage to communities and their
environment, restoring it as far as possible to its original pristine
condition.
In Manohar Parrikar, Goa looks forward to experiencing a Chief Minister who
will lead from the front and have the courage to draw an unambiguous
distinction between a firm commitment to the Rule of Law and toxic populism.
Or else, it will be yet another case of "the more things change, the more
they remain the same".
Diana Pinto
