Justice as a Luxury: The Pimla Murder Case and the State

On April 7, 2025, a mother parted for work with words full of love and encouragement to her 10-year-old son: "Abung, leisi kia nri lau noi" (my boy, do well in your studies). Tragically, her gentle farewell would be overshadowed by the brutality that followed- she was subjected to unimaginable indignity and senselessly murdered. The aftermath would expose deep cracks in the justice system, leading to question about justice delivery, unsettling those who believe in the rule of law.

A Necessity to Reimagine Justice

The concept of justice, shaped by struggles for equality, freedom, and human dignity, has evolved significantly through human history. From ancient philosophers who explored justice through reason and questioned the nature of morality and the ideal society to modern times- the pursuit of justice has been a driving force behind social, political, and economic transformations. This philosophical shift laid the groundwork for modern democracy, emphasising the protection of individual liberties and the rule of law.

India's colonial experience ignited widespread social movements that challenged entrenched power dynamics and sought justice. In response, the framers of the Constitution, cognizant of the tumultuous past, enshrined justice as a cornerstone principle not only in the Preamble but also in the Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy. This commitment to justice is further reinforced through various parliamentary acts. The Supreme Court also upheld the principle in numerous judicial pronouncements and interpretations forming a robust framework for advancing justice and equality in India.

In modern democracy, the protection of dignity and respect for all citizens is paramount. Democratic institutions, as envisioned by the Constitution, are not merely structures of governance but are imbued with a mandated imperative to address injustices, to ensure a just and equitable society, where dignity and justice are not just aspirational but tangible realities.

The Crime and Punishment 

Pursuant to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (of which Nagaland Police has already implemented), Section 101 defines ‘the offense of murder is constituted when a person causes death with the intention of causing death or bodily injury likely to cause death, or with knowledge that the act is imminently dangerous and likely to cause death’. Section 103 prescribes punishment for murder, stipulating that whoever commits murder shall be liable to suffer death or imprisonment for life, along with a fine. Furthermore, in cases of collective violence, where a group of five or more individuals, acting in concert, commit murder on grounds of race, caste, community, sex, place of birth, language, personal belief, or other similar grounds, each member of the group shall be subject to the same degree of punishment.

While the law aims to uphold justice, the persistent delay and denial of justice raise fundamental questions: Is the issue rooted in systemic apathy within law enforcement agencies or does it stem from governmental apathy and negligence towards ensuring justice? Does the law exist merely as a statutory construct, devoid of practical significance, or do citizens have a legitimate expectation of justice being served? Perhaps the crux of the matter lies in reconciling the dichotomy and a critical examination of our legal framework and its enforcement.

Is Justice a Luxury in the State?

The pursuit of justice is complex, with a notable chasm between ideal justice and its practical realization. Even well-intended laws and policies often fall short due to inefficiencies, biases, or lack of political will. 

In this milieu, one is lured to ponder whether justice is an unattainable ideal, reserved for the privileged few who wield power and influence, while the marginalized are left to navigate a labyrinth of injustice. This stark reality contradicts the very concept of justice as a fundamental right and the State's failure to deliver justice to its most vulnerable citizens betrays its foundational promise of equality and dignity for all.

Regrettably, the poor and vulnerable continue to bear the disproportionate brunt of injustice, revealing not mere administrative failure, but a profound systemic flaw that entrenches and perpetuates existing power and class hierarchies.

The Political Irony of Opposition-less Government

Democracy, by its very essence, thrives on the vibrancy of debate, dissent, and discussion. The presence of opposition serves as a vital check on power, ensuring that governance remains accountable to the people. By eschewing critical voices, the government paradoxically undermines the democratic fabric, sacrificing the benefits of constructive critique that foster growth and progress.

The legislators' reverence for the Naga Political Solution as a sacrosanct ideal has united them in a singular pursuit. While the cause may be noble, its absolutism has unintended consequences: the silencing of critical oversight and the erosion of accountability. The general public is left without effective opposition, rendering Ministers unaccountable for lapses and injustices (Who is to hold the Home Ministry accountable in this case, or who is to hold the Education Ministry responsible for a carpenter teaching science subject?) 

While unity is often valorized as a symbol of strength, it can also be a euphemism for conformity. The irony of an opposition-less government is that it immolates the basic tenet of democracy at the altar of “Unity”.

In conclusion, the core issue is not merely a debate of policing. It is a test of our democratic maturity- the fundamental truth that our democracy's worth lies not in its grandiose structures or policy pronouncements, but in the practical realisation and the dignity it affords its citizens.

True justice is not a charity dispensed by the state, but a fundamental right that demands proactive governance. It is time we invest in the backbone of our justice system- the people and the infrastructure that make it work- for the strength of our justice system lies not just in its laws, but in the people who uphold them and the infrastructure that supports them. Justice must be a proactive pursuit of the state, not a reactive response to the pressures of the fourth and fifth estates of governance.

It's time to transcend this superficiality and embody the true essence of democracy. For democracy to be more than just a word, it must seep into our collective conscience, inform our actions, and guide our decisions. Only then can we claim to be a society that practices democracy with every breath, where justice isn't a distant dream but a lived reality.

Rampisinang Pipi Newme

(The writer is a student of Political Science, based in Dimapur)