In a stern rebuke against the trend of politicians assuring capital punishment in reaction to publicized crimes, Justice Abhay Oka of the Supreme Court highlighted the encroachment on judicial independence, declaring that such guarantees create a ‘mob rule’ mentality. His remarks were made during a conference organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in Pune on Sunday.
Justice Oka expressed concerns over the growing interference in the judiciary’s domain, particularly the practice of politicians promising the death penalty for criminals, which he noted undermines the legal system. “When an incident happens, political people capitalize on it. They visit the place and assure people that the death penalty will be given to the accused, but the decision power rests with the judiciary,” he explained.
The backdrop of his comments includes recent high-profile cases such as the alleged rape and murder in Kolkata and the sexual abuse case in Badlapur, Maharashtra. These incidents have seen political figures, including Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling for capital punishment, sparking a public outcry for immediate and severe retribution.
Furthermore, Justice Oka addressed the issue of undue criticism faced by the judiciary, particularly regarding bail decisions, urging transparency and adherence to the law in judicial processes. “Judges should give the decision as per the law which should be transparent,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of judicial discretion in such matters.
Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, also present at the event, echoed the need for upholding constitutional values, emphasizing education and awareness. He highlighted the need for gender sensitivity, proposing more comprehensive educational campaigns not just to protect women but also to educate men on respecting women’s rights.
