Editorial
An MP sued by police sergeant
'Unprecedented' maybe, but fully justified
JUST because one is an elected law-maker from the ruling party, one is not entitled to manhandling a police sergeant on duty, no matter what was the latter's perceived omission or commission, if any. It was a traffic jam in which the MP's car was stuck and he demanded an explanation from the policeman for something that was hardly of his own making. Even if it was, that would hardly have been a justification for any person, far less, a member of the incumbent party, to rough up a police man by slapping him in the face or otherwise hitting him. Apparently dissatisfied with what the policeman had to say, he reacted physically in a manifest arrogance of position. Mind you, this was done in wanton disregard for public norms, not to say placing hindrance in the way of a policeman at work. Or was he expecting that the sergeant would let his transport pass in breach of rules?
That the police authorities, and by reflection, the home ministry have played a proactive role in letting the case be filed against the MP must earn them plaudits. What, however, we would expect to see now happen is that law would take its own course and that none should come in its way by touting 'privilege', or resort to wire-pulling to get off the hook or pass it off as something of a frame up.
Let us not forget, when rules are imposed on the high and mighty, it is public confidence in and respect for the rule of law that is enhanced. It is a hundred times more effective than application of law against common criminals when incumbent set examples of abiding by law, particularly in varying and testing circumstances. If they should take law into their own hands, what would then be their difference with common offenders? Real power with the people comes from dignity and self-righteousness and not by an arrogant display of position.
If the case that has been lodged against the MP is allowed to be thrown off course before producing a conclusive outcome, then an invaluable opportunity of asserting the supremacy of law will be lost. That will be drawing a big blank.
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