So whether it is JP Nadda of BJP breaking all covid protocols, AAP’s Pratima Counto distributing rations with no helmet or mask, or another one distributing cake at a petrol pump without a mask, the problem of breaking all laws and rules is common across all politicians and leaders. We seem to have become a country where our leaders think they are Kings and we are their subjects, when it is they who are to be serving suit is only the common man that has to pay fines and follow rules, which is just sad, when leaders should be leading by example, considering the impact of this pandemic on people’s mental and physical health, and wealth.
– Nupura Hautamaki,
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It often seems like there are one set of rules for the rich and powerful and a wholly different set of rules for everyone else. Covid does not differentiate between economic, social or political classes; the chances of being infected are the same. In a democracy everyone must be treated equal. The authorities should take steps to ensure that norms are not flouted because lives are at stake. In fact, the very first group the authorities should bring to heel are the political classes that think they can walk around mask less with impunity.
– Jason Fernandes,
Founder, Tokenjay.com
When it comes to politics, we Indians stop thinking rationally. The root of the problem lies in VIP and celebrity culture. VIPs and celebrities get away with anything. We have recently witnessed huge crowds to welcome the BJP president, AAP president and the Congress representative from Delhi and this is just the beginning. In the coming days these politicians will be turning Goa into a battlefield until the elections (Just like West Bengal). In this scenario, it is the media and public who should question every little pitfall in the SOP. I hope people of Goa will show some sanity and avoid attending election rallies in great numbers. The media should continuously hammer such events with criticism so that the politicians also avoid conducting such rallies. Government will maintain double standards because they themselves need to promote their party but if all the media houses and the people come together and decide to take these politicians to task, then a devastating 3rd wave can definitely be avoided.
– Samrat Kataktalware, Director at Joyversity Overseas Education
I feel, wearing a mask is a personal choice and definitely we need to be responsible for our actions. I have never been stopped for not wearing a mask in my car. However if someone stops me and fines me for not wearing a mask while I am with my family then it really doesn’t make sense. I have seen some two-wheelers being stopped mostly for masks and helmets. Wearing them together is definitely suffocating.
– Mangirish Salelkar,
CEO & Cofounder at Corporate Deck
The law is the same for all. Unless there are exceptions made, it applies across the board irrespective of caste, creed, status or religion. The Police have shown over-enthusiasm in booking ordinary citizens for violations of 144 Orders and even arrested such persons. The Police can invoke Section 41A CrPC and summon the offenders even if they are highly placed persons. In the absence of such action, the Police and the authorities can be held accountable for dereliction of duty in the legal forum and such officers who seek to play hide and seek and act with double standards need to be sent home as being unfit to continue in service.
– Carlos Alvares Ferreira, Advocate
That is very bad because on one side we talk about equality and on the other side we only make differences. Terms and conditions and rules and regulations should be equal for everyone. We all here are Citizens of india. We all are here to serve our country, then why so much differences ? Politics should be an open forum, we all are here to be treated equal and not different
– Sonam Morajkar, Actress
Society wise we seem to put people in authority on a pedestal. It’s not so much that political leaders or statesmen have an advantage, all are equal under the eyes of the law. When it comes to enforcement of the law, human discretion is tested. As a nation who is majorly driven by ‘marks on exams’, we really need to do better. It’s easy to point a finger and say ‘they’. But till we all follow protocols ourselves as a society, we will not be able to ensure enforcement of those breaking these protocols.
– Jervis Pereira,
Founder, Digital Kwills LLP
We need Kiran Bedi, we have no issue throwing the book at the common man, while so called VVIPs get away scot free and they believe they are entitled to it. And VVIPs expect the law enforcement agencies to also treat their minions similarly. So be it no masks or illegal constructions or keeping restaurants’ open or tinted glasses the law always looks the other way for VVIPs and comes down heavily on the common man. These needs to change, the law should be equal for all. South Africa has shown the way with equal treatment to ex President Zuma in jail. Can we progress that far, or will we continue to be a banana republic? Time will tell.
– Blaise Costabir, Businessman
