In the 70’s Bandhs, Rasta rokos, Morchas, stoning government vehicles and deflating tyres was a mode of agitating and building momentum on various issues. Public meetings and hunger strikes now have no effect on authorities as they have become insensitive to people’s concerns. However, today there are many alternatives to highlight issues and seek redress.
To ensure good governance and proper administration, the Right to Information (RTI) is not the only tool available to vigilant citizens. RTI is one of the many potent weapons for demanding proper implementation of laws and rules. In challenging established ways of doing things and for unleashing community forces for change to alter the bureaucratic perception and behavior on various issues, it is not just a matter of filing a single RTI application. It involves developing and using a wide variety of lawful and non-violent tools for getting action on issues concerned. These are powerful tools, which must become part of every thought-process seeking changes in governance and administration. In taking up any issue one has to do the groundwork by gathering documentation backed by data. It is necessary to collect the necessary documents, facts and figures to get a solid understanding of the problem from different angles, and to also build credibility before the authorities and the public at large. Every demand and allegation made should be backed up with facts & figures, while being supported by relevant laws and rules. For gathering documents and data RTI is one way. Newspapers are an important source of information as is networking with other concerned citizens and internet based research. It is very important to study the relevant laws, rules, guidelines, departmental circulars and cite them in correspondence and meetings. Writing representations and filing formal complaints is a foundational step for a citizen to seek change or action from the government departments. It is important to write a factual statement clearly outlining the issues in a very clear manner. A brief of not more than two pages dealing directly with the subject with factual precision always helps. Endorsing a copy of the complaint to higher authorities is a good way of bringing pressure from above. Complaints can be filed against the wrong-doers, as well as the authorities who are deliberately ignoring the wrong-doings. After writing letters, it is often necessary to build up pressure on the authorities by meeting them armed with all the previous correspondence, as well as a fresh letter stating the main problem in a few lines. Meetings are also to be gradually escalated to higher levels if desired progress does not happen. A formal written commitment must be sought at each meeting. The commitment should ideally have target dates for clear actions to be performed. It is important to create records of every meeting and every communication with the concerned authorities. Issuing a legal notice helps in establishing locus standi in case the matter is taken to court. It also forcefully conveys to the authorities that you are willing and able to take the matter to court if necessary. Approaching like-minded organizations who are working on the same issue or similar issues can result in pooling of energies. Various issues can be publicized and public-support can be garnered by distributing pamphlets. Posters can also be used to spread awareness on an issue and bring together like-minded people for joint action. Signature campaigns can be undertaken to make large numbers of individuals commit to a certain stand on an issue. To convince the authorities it is good to have a number of photographs taken from different angles and at different times that clearly show the problems and the people affected. In fighting against injustice photos, videos and audio recordings of wrong-doers in action, are invaluable. The use of personal cell phone cameras to photograph the collection of haftas by government officers and posting those photos on the internet, may act as a strong deterrent. One could also approach the Anti Corruption Bureau and set a trap for the corrupt officials and wrong-doers. An FIR can also be lodged with proper evidence under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other relevant Indian Penal code sections. If any government official’s inaction or wrong action falls within the ambit of criminal law a police complaint can be made and an FIR registered through the police station. Redress can be sought through the Magistrate with the complaint if the police refuse to act. Organizing seminars & workshops on an issue, and inviting officials, ministers and political leaders to speak on the issue and make public commitments can be useful. Conducting Social Audits could help mobilize public opinion by gathering information and creating pressure on authorities to act. Approaching the High Court through a Writ Petition or a Public Interest Litigation is also an option. It is the however the last resort that should be considered, as it is necessary to prove to the court that you have exhausted all other available remedies. It involves technical & legal inputs, a lot of preparation and very high legal costs. At times getting results of any kind in Courts could take years. Besides dismissal of a petition could invite imposition of heavy costs on the petitioner. So, it is a path that one has to tread carefully. In conclusion there are many ways to fight against injustice and undo the wrongs committed by the authorities. The fight can be cumbersome. We would have fewer battles to wage if we had elected the right persons as our panchas, councilors, MLA’s and MP’s. As long as that does not happen we are holed up in a long battle for justice. Having to risk your fingers and even your neck chopped should not deter your spirit to fight for what is right. 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