The challenges of criminal justice system in India

Source: The post the challenges of criminal justice system in India has been created, based on the article “An absconding MP, the colossal failure of the system” published in “The Hindu” on 24th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-government-Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: The article discusses a series of crimes against women in Hassan, Karnataka, involving MP Prajwal Revanna. It highlights police and political failures, delayed action, and the difficulties in apprehending the accused who fled to Germany.

How did the authorities respond in this case?

Initial Inaction: Despite finding evidence like pen drives with videos of the crimes strewn in public places, local police did not act promptly, allowing Prajwal Revanna to flee the country.

Delayed Legal Actions: It was only after Revanna escaped to Germany that the police lodged the first case, formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and recorded statements from survivors.

Lookout Circular Issued: After Revanna had already left, a lookout circular (LOC) was finally issued, and his father, HD Revanna, was arrested and then released on bail.

For detailed information on lookout circular (LOC) read this article here

Interpol Involvement: A Blue Corner Notice was issued by Interpol to gather more information about Revanna, rather than a Red Corner Notice which would have sought his arrest.

What does this case reveal about the political and judicial system?

Political Influence: Prajwal Revanna, a member of a powerful political family, faced delayed legal actions, illustrating how political connections can influence law enforcement decisions.

Administrative Delays: The lookout circular, which is an administrative tool issued by the immigration authorities, was not issued until after Revanna had already left the country.

Judicial Delays: The judicial system showed delays in more proactive measures, such as issuing restraining orders or moving quickly with the prosecution once evidence became public.

Election Concerns: The support of Revanna’s candidacy by major political parties, despite the allegations, suggests that electoral prospects may have been prioritized over swift and impartial justice.

What are the broader implications for society?

Erosion of Trust in Law Enforcement: The delay in police action despite having clear evidence, such as videos, undermines public trust in law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens and uphold justice.

Impact on Women’s Safety: The case highlights persistent vulnerabilities in the protection of women, especially when influential individuals are involved, leading to potential underreporting of similar crimes.

Political Accountability: The involvement of political figures in criminal cases and their continued electoral support illustrates a lack of accountability, affecting public perception of political integrity.

Need for Judicial Reforms: The delayed responses and administrative inaction call for urgent judicial and procedural reforms to ensure swift and unbiased justice.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the Prajwal Revanna case sheds light on the intersection of political influence, judicial delays, and administrative shortcomings in addressing crimes against women