Out on Parole, again! Photo: PTI
I sincerely believe that a large number of the Indian population must be acquainted with Sanjay Dutt’s jail term by now. I assume not so much because of the cause for his sentence but more so because of his repeated paroles and furloughs. A man charged under the Illegal Arms Possession in the 1993 Bombay Blast has been out of jail for more than 118 days of his jail term from 2013 May to 2014 May! Sentenced to 5 years by the Supreme Court, he is serving his time in the Yerwada Jail in Pune. But is he, really?
Since his conviction in 2007 and 2013, he has been out of jail for several reasons. He was given time to finish his ongoing filming projects, allowed to visit his family every once in a while (more often that not), was granted parole citing his wife’s illness and many more such reasons. He had been granted parole twice in a month’s time! Repeated permissions to walk out of jail spurred agitation and protest. This alleged ‘favouritism’ was exposed more clearly when fellow convicts were denied paroles on fair and reasonable grounds.
Out with family. Photo: Hindustan Times
When asked why the rules are being bent for a celebrity convict, the Bombay High Court expressed the need for ‘radical changes’ in the Prisons Rules 1959. The partiality towards Dutt was also noted by the High Court.
As expected Sanjay Dutt rejected this argument and said, “There is not a case of favoritism towards me. I have come in a line…I have come in a process.” Well then I wonder what happened to process and fairness when it came to other convicts.
The special treatment is obvious in his case but it must be pointed out that the grounds on which he is granted parole and furlough are not entirely wrong or untrue. Although the frequency causes discomfort. Furlough is a prisoner’s right. But then again, what goes wrong with this right when it comes to the ordinary convict? It is a deeply dissatisfying sight for the common man. Why this partiality? Why this undue favouritism?
Out on parole, Dutt watches PK
What about the rule of law? What about equality? What about fairness? Instances like these just go on to prove that these are mere pretty concepts which we love to talk about but when it comes down to actual business, we seem to turn a blind eye to them. It further strengthens our belief, that to expect each person to be treated in an unbiased fashion, is utopian. A celebrity yields power whether at his home or in jail. Before being just another criminal, he is a celebrity. Isn’t this precisely what we get from Sanjay Dutt’s case?
Sadly enough this seems to be the reality. The only site for reform is the law. Stricter rules, controlled permissions, rigid enforcement and complete adherence to the law is what we need. Stop this politics of power.
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Tags: Sanjay Dutt Sanjay Dutt Parole
