Overview
Recent incidents of bulldozer justice and leg‑shooting have been celebrated as "Operation Langda". These actions reflect a growing public acceptance of state‑sanctioned violence, signalling a loss of faith in the formal criminal justice system.
Key Developments
- Media and political narratives portray bulldozer demolitions and leg‑shootings as swift, effective solutions to crime.
- Public opinion polls indicate rising endorsement of such measures despite their extrajudicial nature.
- Legal scholars warn that these practices operate outside the discipline of law, eroding procedural safeguards.
Important Facts
India’s recorded crime rate stands at roughly 445 per 100,000 population, a figure that would suggest a relatively peaceful nation. However, the justice gap remains wide: many citizens do not approach courts even when they have legitimate grievances. The criminal justice system is plagued by delays, pendency, and a perception of inefficiency, prompting the public to favor “quick‑fix” violence.
Scholars such as David Garland describe this as a “culture of control”. Similarly, Tom R. Tyler’s procedural justice framework explains why declining trust in courts makes coercive shortcuts appear acceptable.
Other theoretical lenses include governing through crime and penal state. Both highlight how punishment is being used as a substitute for effective governance.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these trends is crucial for GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑4 (Ethics) papers. Aspirants should be able to discuss:
- The constitutional limits on state power and the right to life and liberty (Article 21).
- How procedural fairness and access to justice shape public compliance with law.
- The ethical implications of endorsing extra‑legal violence in a democratic setup.
- Policy options to restore faith in the criminal justice system, such as bail reforms, legal aid, and faster case disposal.
Way Forward
To curb the rise of extrajudicial practices, the following steps are recommended:
- Strengthen procedural justice: Ensure transparency, fairness, and timely hearings to rebuild public trust.
- Expand legal aid: Provide free, quality counsel to bridge the justice gap.
- Promote non‑custodial measures: Use bail, community service, and mediation where appropriate.
- Accountability mechanisms: Institutionalize oversight of police and administrative actions to deter misuse of power.
- Public awareness campaigns: Educate citizens about constitutional safeguards and the long‑term harms of “quick‑fix” violence.
Only by restoring faith in lawful processes can India prevent the normalization of state‑sanctioned violence and uphold democratic values.