We saw a movie the other day called Jolly LLB. The title seemed to suggest that it would be a humorous film, perhaps because of the name or word 'Jolly'. In reality it turned out to be a serious piece of work about justice, corruption and coming of age. The seemingly ludicrous judge, typified by the way he looks, eats and behaves turns out to be the real hero. As he phrases it - he waits in his courtroom for real proof to be presented but invariably an 'understanding' takes place and what finally reaches him is a watered down, confused apology for evidence. When he does receive real proof he rises to the occasion and delivers the right verdict in-spite of various kinds of pressure that is being applied on him.
In the ultimate analysis life is about real people and their choices. It is not about some mythical 'system' that has been set up, presumably by unthinking and cruel aliens, that oppresses us and allows us to justify our failures and misdemeanors. Most Indians complain too much about the 'system'. Indians living abroad are particularly scathing. Perhaps they have encountered a less intrusive and heavy handed bureaucracy in their new homes. Perhaps like the 'naya mussalman' they feel obliged to uphold their new homelands. In any case, all of us, Indians and NRIs 'protest too much' like the lady in Hamlet.
In my earlier post 'Corrupter or Corruptee' I have tried to establish that the Corruptee is more culpable than the Corrupter. The issue hinges on morality and choices. The Corrupter is certainly bad but the one who succumbs to temptation is far worse. Very often it involves misuse of one's official position or worse. The case for not complaining about 'the system' is similar. I am not a legal or constitutional expert but whatever views I have heard about India's legal system and constitution are uniformly positive. It is to our credit that we have survived as a parliamentary democracy for so many years. Admittedly, the administration and implementation of our laws and the Police system leave a lot to be desired but the 'system' as it stands is not too bad. Those of us who have had long careers here know the pitfalls of dealing with the Indian State. From petty bureaucracy like getting a driving licence made, to land registration, school admissions, factory permissions - everyone has a horror story to relate. However, when you probe this, you realise that all of these people drive cars and have legitimate licenses, they have bought property and their children went to the best schools! How did this miracle happen? If you were to listen to them you would feel that nothing works in India!
The fact is that the Indian 'system' however archaic and moribund does work and it's getting better. In the recent past I have done several things without paying a penny to anyone and in a reasonable time frame:
The fact is that the Indian 'system' however archaic and moribund does work and it's getting better. In the recent past I have done several things without paying a penny to anyone and in a reasonable time frame:
- Renewed a driving licence
- Set up a company
- Paid property tax on line
- Filed tax returns on line
- Sold property
- Registered a lease deed
- Obtained an 'Aadhar Patra'
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