Column

Too much dependence on the political or legal governance for regulating the rights that are so dear to us such as Article 19(2) of the Constitution that permits reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression can have grave effects on the entire gamut of fundamental rights.

The government is feeling hurt with insulting remarks by Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Joseph Lelyveld in his book on Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

A reviewpublished in a foreign newspaper created a storm. It said Lelyveld’s book portrayed the Mahatma as “a sexual weirdo, a political incompetent and a fanatical faddist”.

Others say the book Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India, is much less sensational.

The author also said, “I do not allege that Gandhi is racist or bisexual. The word ‘racist’ is used once to characterise comments by Gandhi early in his stay in South Africa... the chapter in no way concludes that he was a racist or offers any suggestion of it.”

However, Union law minister M Veerapa Moily says the officials are examining the entire ‘National Honour Act of 1971’, which protects the Indian constitution and its flag.

The government would take a call after bureaucrats read the law and translate its provisions to the ill-effects of the Lelyled’s book.

The core issue remains, however, whether the government could examine the correctness of howsoever illogical and absurd ‘accusations’ against a national icon who is no alive.

Though the propriety demands that due respect should be given to some leaders like the Mahatma, Abraham Lincoln and alike, there’s no law that can put a fetter on the absurdity of the highest order.

Instead of making any addition in the chain of laws and regulations, the government should give top priority to the respect of every human being.

The right to privacy is as much as important for a beggar on the street or a man living in a jhuggi as much for those who belong to the five star culture.

Let the law takes its own course, but the government can ensure that the law doesn’t take long course.