An esteemed judge at the Bombay High Court, Gautam Patel, recently expressed his concerns over the detrimental message being conveyed by popular films such as Singham. Patel, known for his progressive stance, highlighted the cinematic portrayal of hero cops who deliver quick justice without adhering to the due process of law.
Speaking at an event organized by the Indian Police Foundation to commemorate its annual day and Police Reforms Day, Patel raised questions about people’s impatience with the legal process. He pointed out how these movies depict police officers criticizing judges who are portrayed as timid, docile, and poorly dressed individuals. Furthermore, these films often show the protagonist single-handedly delivering justice, disregarding the need for a fair trial.
Using Singham as an example, Patel emphasized a scene in the film’s climax where the entire police force confronts a corrupt politician, played by Prakash Raj. The film suggests that justice has been served, but Patel encouraged the audience to critically evaluate whether this was truly the case. He warned against the dangerous message being propagated by such films and urged people to consider the importance of due process.
Patel emphasized that impatience with the legal process would jeopardize the fundamental principle of preserving an individual’s liberty. He stressed that deciding innocence or guilt requires a careful and deliberate examination of evidence, which naturally takes time. By advocating for shortcuts or bypassing the established legal system, Patel argued, the rule of law would face a direct threat.
Singham, released in July 2011, is an action film directed by Rohit Shetty. It is a remake of the Tamil film of the same name from 2010 and stars Ajay Devgn in the lead role as a police officer. Patel’s critique echoes a growing concern among legal experts regarding the influence popular cinema has on public perception and understanding of the justice system.
In addition to condemning films that propagate harmful messages, Patel also acknowledged the prevalent negative image of the police force as bullies, corrupt, and unaccountable. He emphasized that this perception extends to individuals in various positions of public life, including judges, politicians, and journalists.
Also Read
Finally, Patel commended the efforts of Prakash Singh, the former Director General of Police in Uttar Pradesh. Singh had filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court, seeking reforms in the functioning of the police. Patel lauded Singh’s relentless pursuit of police reforms, which ultimately led to the landmark 2006 police reforms judgment.
In an era when popular culture greatly influences society’s perception, it is essential to critically evaluate the messages portrayed in films. By engaging in thoughtful discussions about the impact of these messages, society can work towards a more educated and aware understanding of justice and the rule of law.
