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.


Aires Rodrigues
T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat
Ribandar - Goa - 403006
Mobile: 9822684372

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