It is our duty to fight every injustice. Or so we rightly feel. But how far can we go?
Among other valid points the Ruchika case has once again brought into focus the issue of delayed justice, which may be as good as justice denied. And when people are continuously living in conditions where justice and equality are denied, their frustration may turn violent as they seem convinced that the most they could loose is their meaningless life.

Hence under such circumstances if Ruchika's family has kept up their fight for justice within the legal setup of the country in the face of humiliation, torture and tragedy, it is very commendable. They must be vehemently supported in their endeavour.

Having said this I wish to point out that while the reports in the media create awareness which is very important, their role is not limited to just that much. Also, there must be a system whereby laws of the land and the judicial system must become meaningful. It is very important for the working of a democracy that laws must be implemented without discrimination and the judicial system must be just and transparent. But as of now most of the time we see the laws of the land being openly mocked at and I have a strong feeling that before enacting a law, loopholes therein are worked out so as to misuse it as and when required.

A system of justice where the victim has to prove his innocence and where witnesses can be "bought" and justice can be "sold" can never do justice. Many of us have seen people go to courts of law with complete false cases against their opponents just to harass and humiliate them.
Also political patronage for a criminal is appalling. Like in this case, Rathore could get away with so much all these years under alleged political favours.
And when he is finally punished what he gets is six months in prison,
which he easily dodges as he gets a bail, and comes out smiling.
The judicial system trounced under his boots!

In the present setup the common man is fearful of the police. He is
frightened of the courts.
Out-of-court settlements actually "settle" cases. And cases like Ruchika are dragged on forever.
Let us all give this paradox some serious thought...

By Zohra Javed