HISTORIC REFERUNDUM FOR DIGNITY IN LOVE AND MARRIAGE

 Global History has been created  in Ireland through its referundum on same sex marriage. By overwhelmingly voting  for constitutional approval of same sex weddings Ireland has set the model for other countries. Many countries have legalised same sex marriages. But Ireland is the first country to have a referendum on this sensitive issue. With this, formal same sex weddings can be celebrated. Ireland ,a Catholic society, is ahead of Japan and India in family solidarity.

India is among those countries which oppose same sex relationship on misguided beliefs and social prejudices, though we claim to be a modern democracy. Some years ago the Delhi High Court's landmark judgement decriminalised gay and lesbian relationships. The Supreme Court reversed the order not on the merit of the issue, but the Court wanted the Govt to enact a progressive legislation. But the political establishment is reluctant more out of electoral considerations than on the basis of any scientific data, Baba Ramdev described same sex relations as a psychiatric disorder for which he claimed even Yogic remedy. The Pope has sympathy for the cause of gay and lesbian relationship. But all the major religious groups are hostile to this matter . The LGBT ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ) community are crucified . Most inhuman has been the way the Transgender has been treated. Because of the intervention of the Supreme Court the Transgender has been made mandatory as the Third Sex in all matters. But the prejudice continues. The LGBT community lives in a state of uncertainty in our Constitutional democracy merely because of the majority 's perception of what is just natural as unnatural.

In the Hindu mythology Lord Ayyappa is the child born out of the Union of Lord Hari and Lord Hara, both male Gods. Lord Ayyappa is worshipped by Keralites, Tamils, Telugus, Kannadigas and others as virtually a Living God. The devotees consider this birth as a rare event. A celestial birth of such nature is not possible in the realm of science . But humans believe and celebrate while denying the basic human rights of love,sex and marriage to gays and lesbians in India. India can be proud of its human values by giving freedom of intimate relationship of one's preference to our own people. Otherwise History will be harsh in judging  the Indian policy and law makers of this period.

BORN UNEQUAL, LIIVE UNEQUAL AND DIE UNEQUAL

 Indian democracy's hallmark is an independent judiciary. But is it always independent ? Is it not influenced by high profile lawyers arguing for seven-star clients?

2.54 lakh undertrials are languishing in various Indian jails denied of their Fundamental Rights. Many may be innocent. Many have lived behind the bars for years far exceeding the likely sentence in case their offences were proved. No Human Rights champions for them . No media space in the channels which regularly announce "Breaking News".

But film star Salman Khan who was proved guilty of CULPABLE HOMICIDE for drunken driving over poor homeless sleeping on the pavement of a  Mumbai road killing one and injuring some.was sentenced to FIVE years imprisonment by the trial court got interim bail for two days within just THREE hours by the High Court as he had a team of powerful lawyers arguing on technicalities. Before the expiry of the 48 hours interim bail he got bail for an indefinite period . Salman's lawyers dragged the case for thirteen years . Salman did not visit the victims in the hospital nor did he give any aid to them. One Constable Ravindra Patil, Salman's bodyguard, stood firm in his statement that Salman was drunk and drove over the victims. No pressure could force him to change his statement..The Court recorded that he was a Credible Witness. Sad, Patil is no more.

Salman's friends, fans,political faithfuls and the media reacted as if  the Third World War has stated. Shameful. One supporter Abhijeet,a singer said" Homeless are KUTHAS ( dogs). Dogs die under cars. So how Salman is guilty? ". Abhijeet I suppose is a human . Dogs are worthy creations . Salman's supporters are thrilled. They are confident that the best and the expensive legal luminaries will finally get Salman out of the trial court verdict. They are aware of how the SYSTEM works .

Meanwhile the undertrials will continue to be in jails. More will join them. No bail. Only jail.