THE HINDU Editorial Vocabulary - July 20, 2018 - Topic 1
Lynching
& the law
The Supreme Court order calling for a special law to deal with lynchingsends
a strong message about the growing phenomenon of mob violence. From vigilante
violence targeting cattle traders in the name of cow protection, it has taken a
new turn. While the former was organised vigilantism, the recent spate of
killings seemingly comprises impulsive and unplanned acts of violence, fuelled
by rumour and panic-inducing social media messaging. Last year the apex court
reminded the Centre and the States they cannot remain silent while vigilantes
take the law into their own hands in the name of cow protection.
It asked all
States to appoint nodal officers in each district to curb mobs. While the
incidence of lynching and violence committed by self-styled gau
rakshaksappear to have reduced since then, the killing and attacks
on those mistaken to be child-kidnappers have
had a disquieting rise. The police say the circulation of videos and other
messages about child-lifters through messaging apps is the main reason. In its
45-page order, the Supreme Court has significantly located lynching and
vigilante violence in a socio-political framework linked to disrespect for an
inclusive social order, rising intolerance and growing polarisation. There is
an implicit indictment of the preponderant mood of the times when it says that
“hate crimes as a product of intolerance, ideological dominance and prejudice
ought not to be tolerated”.
Besides directing specific preventive, punitive
and remedial measures, a three-judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India
has mooted the idea of making lynching a separate offence.
It says a special law would “instil a sense of fear” among those involved.
Whether a special law is enough to ensure a greater level of deterrence is open
to question, especially so when murder and mob violence are covered by existing
provisions. But in sending this message out, the apex court has ensured that
the issue cannot be brushed under the carpet and, ipso facto, has forced
those who govern us to pay special attention towards curbing this madness. Any
legislation though should be comprehensive, covering not only incidents of
lynching, but also the extent to which criminality can be apportioned among
rumour-mongers, instigators, principal offenders and those who are accessories
to the crime. Whether it must penalise (and if so how) those who do nothing to
stop such crimes or help bring the offenders to book, is another issue worth
considering. The judgment places the onus on the law and order machinery to
prevent and punish lynchings. But we must heed what it says on the role of
bigotry, non-acceptance of plurality and diversity in creating an atmosphere
where human beings are dehumanised: one in which freedom of speech, expression
and personal choices are endangered.
Vocabulary
Phenomenon: a
fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose
cause or explanation is in question.
Example: Glaciers
are unique and interesting natural phenomena
Synonyms: occurrence, event, happening, fact, situation, circumstance, experience
Mob: a
large crowd of people, especially one that is disorderly and intent on causing
trouble or violence.
Example: A
mob of protesters
Synonyms: crowd, horde, multitude, rabble, mass, throng, group, gang, gathering
Impulsive: acting
or done without forethought.
Example: They
had married as young impulsive teenagers
Synonyms: impetuous, spontaneous, hasty, passionate, emotional, uninhibited
Incidence: the
occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or something else
undesirable.
Example: An
increased incidence of cancer
Synonyms: occurrence, prevalence, rate, frequency, amount, degree, extent
Disrespect: lack
of respect or courtesy.
Example: Growing
disrespect for the rule of law
Synonyms: contempt,scorn, disregard, disdain; discourtesy, rudeness
Intolerance: unwillingness
to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.
Example: A
struggle against religious intolerance
Synonyms: bigotry, narrow-mindedness, illiberality, parochialism
Dominance: power
and influence over others.
The worldwide dominance of Hollywood
Synonyms: supremacy, superiority, ascendancy, preeminence, predominance, domination
Prejudice: preconceived
opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
Example: English
prejudice against foreigners
Synonyms: preconceived
idea, preconception, prejudgment
Comprehensive: complete;
including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
Example: A
comprehensive list of sources
Rumour: a
currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
Example: They
were investigating rumors of a massacre
Synonyms: gossip, hearsay, talk, speculation, word, reports, stories
Plurality: the
fact or state of being plural.
Example: Some
languages add an extra syllable to mark plurality
Endangered: put
someone or something at risk or in danger.
Example: He
was driving in a manner likely to endanger life
Synonyms: imperil, jeopardize, risk, put
at risk, put in danger, expose to danger
