The Law as we know it

I am compelled to write this as I read about yet another raid on a group of young revelers in this morning’s paper. The report as in the Times of India stated that a group of 110 youngsters partying at a farmhouse off Bangalore were caught in a raid. They were slapped with charges of obscenity at a public place (because they were shaking a leg or two on the dance floor) and illegal sale of liquor (which is a definite accompaniment to any party? Don’t they know that? If they do, then why didn’t they raid Abhishek Bacchhan’s wedding celebrations? What, was he serving? Virgin Pinacoladas at his wedding?) And these charges were forcefully slapped against them in a bid to sabotage because they didn’t find anyone in illegal possession of drugs. (Kya zabardasti hain yaar! I must say) The behest was a complaint from a neighbor about excessive noise post 1:00 a.m. Agreed! So, dude, press charges against that. Give them a warning. Why put behind bars a group of youngsters who believe in the maxim work hard party harder on a deserved weekend break.

A few things that make me wonder:

1.      1. Obscenity at public place (as reported). The poor guy who hosted the party/rented out the place for the party is in legal possession of the farmhouse in question! Goddammit! That ain’t no public property.

2.      2. Consumption of alcohol by anyone above the age of 21 is legal in any damn province within the Consolidated Union of India. What was so unlawful about having alcohol? The newspaper reported that most of the youngsters were from the ITes, so 21+ I guess with valid pan cards issued by the Govt. of India. Well, I’m aware that you need a liquor license of something in the range of Rs.5000+ for distribution of liquor at a party. But how many people actually do follow that? Besides, even if this harmless gang of youngsters did not acquire the said license, the incident was not worthy of being a source of cheap publicity of triumphant glory for the Bangalore police. They could have issued a warning or a fine or a punishment commensurate with the miniscule level of default committed.

3.      3. The newspaper reported that the cops seized Rs.1000, 35 four-wheelers and several 2-wheelers. What for? Is owning a four-wheeler or two-wheeler illegal in the country?  (I mean, Holy Cow! what kind of charges are these?)

4.      4. ‘Rave party’ busted! was the tagline below the heading of the article. Harmless dancing and drinking with friends on a Saturday night does not by any means figure in the definition of a rave party especially when they were not doing drugs. Why report it as a rave party when it actually wasn’t?  Why compel the young and hearty to overtly cover their faces whilst clicking them when the poor souls haven’t actually committed a grave crime.

I reckon, the newspapers should practice some kind of judicious discretion in the way they report. And I as a vigilant citizen of the country would have preferred reading something on the lines of what I’ve written here instead of the indiscrete report published by the Times.

Violation of law is taking place on an equally large scale by the law-makers and law-enforcers. Well, we always have been aware of that. But, oppressing those who ascertain their independence and liberty in this day and age has never taken place on a scale in which it is taking place now. We must not only stand up and take notice, but also stand up and raise a voice against it. We the youngsters of this country, the future of tomorrow, are cultured Indian citizens and we don’t need no moral brigade to drive home this point!