Everyone is discussing how much money the film industry will lose... We lost people in those blasts, but does anyone care,” asks Vinayak Devrukhkar whose siblings died in the blast
“Why are people talking only about Sanjay Dutt?” asks Vinayak Devrukhkar, who lost his sister and brother in the Century Bazar blast, one of the 12 explosions that rocked Mumbai on March 12, 1993. “Dutt had a gun and a rifle. How can people say he is innocent? Is that the main issue? And everyone is saying how much money the industry will lose and discussing the fate of his films. I find this so difficult to understand. We lost people in those blasts, but does anyone care?”
Devrukhkar, now 34, works for a private company. He is anguished by the memory of his siblings who were killed while waiting at a bus stop near their house. He is disappointed that though the verdict took so long in coming, almost 20 years, the real culprits are still at large. There have been so many blasts in the country since 1993, but no one gets punished. “People know that nothing will happen and the case will drag on. They feel they can get away with anything.
“Even if Yakub Memon has got death sentence, his brother has not been found. When such serious incidents happen, the government should conduct speedy trial and dispose of the case quickly. That will set an example to the others and act as a deterrent.” He is happy that some punishment has been handed down to the perpetrators. Survivors have had to deal with lifelong injuries and loss of livelihoods.
For Ujjwal Nikam, who was a special public prosecutor and prominent figure during the trial at the designated Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (prevention) Act (TADA) court in the Arthur Road jail, the Supreme Court order has far-reaching dimensions and consequences. The confirmation of the death sentence for Yakub Memon sends a strong message across the border that terrorism will not go unpunished in this country, Mr. Nikam says. More crucially, the judicial process in the 1993 blasts trial exposed for the first time how Pakistan was exporting terror and how the perpetrators of the blasts were trained in that country. This was a revelation for everyone, he says.
In addition, the conviction of Sanjay Dutt will reinforce the faith the common man has in the judiciary. Bollywood stars could not indulge in nefarious activities. It is a strong signal to the film world that they will have to face the music if they do something wrong. It shows that the law has scant regard for the social status of a criminal, he says.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Dutt’s house had been besieged by the media and fans since morning. The actor had tweeted last that “It’s late in the night. Have an early morning shoot for Policegiri. Good night and big Jaadu ki jhappi to all my lovely fans.”
Keywords: Sanjay Dutt, 1993 Mumbai blasts, Arms Act, TADA court
Thank you Hindu for highlighting at least some of the real victims here.
I would love to hear more about the innocents that lost their life that
day, the injured and their families. I am fed up with the attention
heaped on Mr. Dutt and ashamed and angry at the Bollywood and other
(read Mr. Katju) personalities pleading for mercy on his behalf. Did
even one of them bother to commiserate with the families of those killed
and maimed that day? Three years in prison will seem like a picnic to
these families -- their horror lasts a lifetime.
Most of the people have assumed that Sanjay Dutt was responsible for
the deaths of 200 odd people by just having a gun in his possession!!
Please note that the sentence is for Sanjay Dutt holding a gun without
a license. In that case, many more thousands of Indians must be
languishing in jails!! Only then we are talking about equality before
law. How many have been jailed for possessing a fire arm without a
license is a question that must be answered by the judiciary. The
entire episode is made to look as though Sanjay Dutt went on a killing
spree using this gun!!
Supreme Court’s judgement in case of Sanjay Datt -
I agree with advocate Ujval Nikan & Others .
While I do not agree with approach of Justice Katju & Company because they plead against Law of Natural Justice. In nutshell -
Constitution provides Equal punishment for equal offence.
The civil and criminal law applies equally to all irrespective of their religion, caste , ethnicity and social status. The height of personality cult , family and group pressure nonsense leads to protective discrimination in India can be exemplified by such examples. The judiciary and administrative machinery should work in cooperation for the benefit of the entire population rather than for a particular person, family or a group.
The Doctorine of equality before law as per the constitution of India says - "the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws within the territory of India".
Equality before the law implies the absence of any special privilege in favour of any individual and the equal subjection of all classes to the ordinary law.
The Right to Equality affords protection not only against discriminatory laws passed by legislatures but also prevents arbitrary discretion being vested in the executive [ here either the President of India or a Governer of a State in India ]. In the modern India, such top executives – president and Governer - is armed with vast powers, in the matter of enforcing discretionary powers and in the performance of a number of other functions. The equality clause prevents such power being exercised in a discriminatory manner. Thus, Article 14 lays down an important fundamental right which has to be closely and vigilantly guarded.
Thus, Indian Constitution stands for the establishment of a situation under which there is complete absence of any arbitrary discrimination by the laws themselves or in their administration.
Indeed, real and effective democracy cannot be achieved unless equality in all spheres is enforced in letter and spirit.
Lastly , Maratha Peshva Ruletime Judge Shri Ramshastri Prabhune was boldly delivering judgement against faulty Peshvas or their relatives or top Office-bearers. This is what Indian culture is and every Indian should be and is proud of it.
As Mr. katju pointed out about glory of Mr. Dutt's family backgrounds. Indeed there is no doubt about that but the real question is can he demand the same for the general masses.Its a request to him just don't put your views to get any attention, i will rather say a common man may be pardon but a well educated one who knows all the rules and regulations should not be spared. We can agree regarding his non involvement in the blasts. The constitution rules is not exceptional for a single individual however famous he is. The government need to show the equality among the citizens. Its really shame for those people who are saying the film industry will occur huge losses or some films will be halted. Aren't we loosing the moral values.Will a common man like any one of us will be pardoned had he done the same? Satyameo jayate
As fara s my concern they are very much important who are killed in this blast innocently. No one knows how many family is suffering just because of the death of theri source of earning. How many ladies became widow and how many kids became orphan no one cared for them. In fact we should including share something with family who are dead in this blast.Our leaders should take care and provide the required support to enable the normal life.
Justice should be equal to all - whether he is poor or rich, filmy or non-filmy person, famous or non-famous, powerful or non-powerful. Do not judge the person's mistake by how much famous he is, how mich money will be lost etc., punish the person of what he has done and what law says
I totally agree with Mr. Devrukhkar, why we are making so much fuss about Sanjay Dutt. He is getting punishment for his own deeds. He himself should be ashamed of what was done in 1993, so many innocent people were killed. I think he should be treated like any other criminal but I know we Indians treat actors as God. Too shameful!!
absolutely, why is the media making a big deal out of Sanjay Dutt. He
committed a crime, he gets punished, simple as that.
Thanks to Hindu ... still good voices can be heard ...
I am fully supported above thoughts. Sanjay Dutt is guilty under arms act and he has to punished irrespective of film industry loss or any thing else.
Think about the families of victims in those blasts.
As always i feel most for the victims of terror. The government never gets to the root of the problem, which is invariably the terror groups and controllers in Pakistan. India needs to be more stern and threatening to Pakistan otherwise this will continue into the future. Just as India's resolve has returned the Italian marines for trial, so the same resolve and determination must be applied to terrorists in Pakistan who have harmed India.
Truely said... Why are we talking only about Sanju baba???
The filmy folks are speaking as if he hasn't got justice.... What about the people who died in those blasts and the families who have lost their lives??? I agree that Sanjay Dutt has changed and he is been suffering from many years for his sins.. But, still he can come back after 3.5 years... Can those people who died come back or people who are injured&handicapped get back their lives?? NO!!! The least the govt can do for them is punish the people behind this.
And it should be applicable to everyone...
For few sins, apolopgies can never be accepted..
The next in the line is Salman...
Hope it finally happens to him too..
1. Even though he served 1.5 years already, Supreme Court still has
upheld the law and asked him to serve 3.5 years more. It is significant
since it perpetuates the 'equality before the law' doctrine.
2. At the same time, many are accusing that he was treated with kid-
gloves, and a normal person would have remained behind bars for a much
longer time.
3. He is a celebrity and we love to see any celebrity being punished
(sadistic voyeurism).
4. Crores riding on his films is the economic angle, where business
interests creeps in.
There may be many more reasons too. But overall its unfortunate that a
serious case has been trivialized in this manner.
It is to laugh, albeit bitterly. His pardon is only hours away. And it will happen precisely because the common man wants it. The Indian concept of justice has nothing to do with equality.
It is very heartening to note that almost the main culprits of the Mumbai
blasts have finally been brought to book. The verdict of the SC
should send a strong message to all that those who indulge in killing
of innocent people shall perish.
To prove that the rule of law is applicable to all those who indulge
in such inhuman acts irrespective of any consideration, the Judiciary
should also look into those responsible for the demolition of Babri
Masjid and the riots in its aftermath Viz.Mumbai riots where the
Srikrishna Commission Report has incontrovertibly exposed the people
behind the mercilessness killing of so many innocent people and also
those responsible for the Gujarat genocide.
Equitable justice for all would go a long way in instilling confidence
among the people of India especially the minorities.
Our country has gone down in history because of hero heroine worship both in films and in politics.
Why can we not understand that each of us is guaranteed by the Constitution the brain child of Rajendra Babu and Ambedkar,to be a hero by his or her actions to uphold the welfare and health of the ordinary indian citizen. Let celebrities worship the celebrities. We the plebians have much more to be concerned about. We shall go to boot strap
effort to bring all round employment and prosperity to the Daridra Narayan of India.
It seems that a lessor sentense or a complete pardon could have been handed out.Being in possession of a firearm without a proper license is not such a big deal.It is less than a murder. If a muderer can be given a pardon then why not this?
The rule of law has been established by the apex court of the country.
It is a strong message for the elements present both the sides of
border that the law is above all. No one has immunity from punishment,
he may be a politician, celebrity or government servant.Although it
took more time but justice has been delivered to the innocent people
who were killed in the blasts.
Mr. Vinayak. Many people do care. Many of the normal Indians do think about victims and don't give a hoot about Sanjay Dutt. He hobnobbed with terrorists, partied with them and procurred weapons from them (inclulding hand granades). There cannot be a self defence reason for possessing hand granades. The media and Indian cinema (disgustingly called as bollywood) are the ones who are focussing their attention on the likes of Sanjay dutt and their predicaments instead of the victim's anguish and closure. The common people are gullible and fall for the glitter of Cinema and their emotions are misguided by what they constantly read and see on the media. Shame on the Media. I am glad The Hindu decided to publish your voice. I hope they give me the opportunity to communicate this thought to Mr. Vinayak by publishing this letter. Hopefully, you and your family find closure after this judgement and can live in peace!
The remarks of Mr. Katju is most unfortunate Of late he is making such remarks on other matters not pertaining to his work The trial of Sharoo Khan had already taken 10 years Why such a delay
Over 200+ people died. That's someones brother's, sister's, children,
husband's, wives. And we, as a nation are obsessed with the 200 Crores
that will be lost if a film actor, who had illegal weapons that could
cause mass murder, goes to jail?
I am with you Vinayak Devrukhkar, Sanjay should go to jail...no one
should protect him.
We lost so many ppl on that day...
no one talks about that..
It is sad that rule of law is ridiculed by monetary prowess.
While he is guilty of possessing a prohibited weapon Sanjay Dutt has been acquitted
of the charges of terrorism and conspiracy. This punishment to Sanjay Dutt, is to
give common man a false sense that justice has prevailed. The more disturbing fact
is that this is being perceived as giving those affected by the blasts, a false sense of
closure. I am not commenting on whether Sanjay Dutt deserves his punishment or
not. I am just annoyed at how his sentence is being portrayed as victory against the
terrorists who schemed and executed the 1993 Mumbal blasts.
Please Email the Editor