Reflections on the erosion of trust in the justice system and the need for systemic change | Representational Image
It wasn’t long ago that media pages brimmed with stories of pride and accomplishment. These narratives evoked patriotism, brought tears to our eyes, and filled us with gratitude for our nation. At the time, it appeared that law and order were firmly upheld. Yet, as hindsight often reveals, appearances can be deceptive.
Reflecting on the past, one might romanticize a more orderly world. This “hindsight bias” tempts us to overestimate the integrity of bygone eras. Deep down, however, we recognize that we’ve often lived in self-created illusions. Over time, the cracks became undeniable—crimes surged, and trust in the system dwindled.
Dreams of a Superman who would rescue the innocent and uphold justice proved futile. Activists and journalists amplified societal issues, but root causes went unaddressed. Evidence vanished, investigations faltered, and gradually, trust in the system eroded for all—the professor, you, and me.
When did this erosion begin? This question, more than the perennial “why” or “why not,” invites us to scrutinize our past and identify the tipping points that disconnected us from humanity.
Changing the world isn’t simple. If it were, it would have been accomplished long ago. Crimes persist, and ruthless biological wars rage on. The “you versus me” mindset has failed. Instead, an “us versus the system” approach is necessary. Yet, herein lies a critical nuance: we, as individuals, constitute the system. Ignoring this truth perpetuates the problem.
Faced with this realization, it’s tempting to renounce the idea of systemic change altogether. The dichotomy of a “schizoid” world becomes apparent. Flashy trains and luxury roads serve the elite, while the masses are placated with divisive narratives. Wealth circumvents laws, leaving the underprivileged entangled in judicial backlogs as towering as the Burj Khalifa. Money, it seems, can buy anything—verdicts, votes, even love.
Discussions often focus on drafting stricter laws or amending existing ones. Rarely, however, do we address the underlying societal “infestation”—false promises and superficial debates. The spiral of issues stems from a pervasive mindset. While some recognize this, conclusions often devolve into blame games. The innocent cite flawed upbringings of the guilty, while the guilty deflect onto victims. This cycle persists until the next sensational case dominates the news.
This must stop. Accountability and proportionate punishment, irrespective of status, are non-negotiable. Judicial processes must remain free from the influence of “bigshots.” Lawmakers must prioritize drafting legislation that preserves human dignity. Parents must instill values of sensitivity and righteousness in their children, regardless of gender. Only then can we begin to address societal evils and entertain thoughts of true change.
Ninupta Srinath is a policy researcher and law student.
