He would just disobey certain rules that he deemed unjust or inappropriate, and ask others to do the same.
This came to my mind because of the notice which was recently sent to the Archdiocese by the Income Tax (IT) Department asking to declare, within less than 24 hours, the Rs 500 and 1000 denomination notes in their possession on November 8-10. Was it a ‘just’ notice? At least, was it appropriate?
As it was just impossible to comply, in such a short time, with the order of the IT department the Archdiocese quickly (as if in a panic) asked for some more time which was (graciously) given and within that short span of time the Archdiocese obediently sent to the IT department all the information it had asked for.
What is troubling me is the following: was it just/appropriate of the IT department to put the Church of Goa to such an embarrassment? And, was it appropriate that the Church should ‘obey’ so promptly this type of order?
Some other questions that come to my mind: Has Catholic Church in Goa, been specifically targeted for this nonsense or have also the Hindu Temples or Mosques been asked to provide this information? What was the purpose of this request? The government can hardly believe that the Church was laundering dirty money or stashing away vast sums to avoid taxation.
The demonetisation has created a sort of psychosis among the people. The old notes of Rs 500 and 1000 have become like a leprosy. Anyone who owns some, looks or feels as if he is part of the black money problem of the country – ‘the sooner you get rid of them, the better’. Even withdrawing your own hard-earned money makes you feel that you are doing something that is somehow wrong.
Does the Church too have to live with this fear psychosis? Or do we have to stand up to our rights against any type of domination?
We have to collaborate with and even obey the government in order to help them in the good governance of our country, but we are not bound to bow to every whim and fancy of some petty officials especially if, like the present one, they are inappropriate, to say the least.
