Press Releases Archive

Keep off Indian judiciary, Dr. JP Tells European Union

Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprkash Narayan today took strong exception to the European Union sending a team to monitor the bail hearing of human rights activist Dr. Binayak Sen at the Chattisgarh High Court in Bilasapur.

“India is not a banana republic to warrant such visits,” said Dr. JP in a media statement. India is a robust democracy with an exceptional record in preserving liberty both among developing and developed countries. Successive Governments in India have not fought shy of taking corrective action whenever human rights are violated, and the judiciary addressing instances of miscarriage of justice. India has a wonderful institution in the Supreme Court to preserve individual liberty and human rights.

Dr. JP recalled that the Lok Satta has already appealed to the judiciary to “fast track the appeal of Dr. Binayak Sen and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. The Indian judiciary is more than capable of addressing the issue. We do not require to be taught lessons on rule of law or natural justice by meddlesome foreigners.”

Dr. JP said excessive exuberance on the part of the European Union to monitor the working of the Indian judiciary, known for its competence and transparency, was unwarranted. Indian public institutions and civil society are fully capable of meeting the challenges in preserving constitutional order and protecting our liberties.

Even indigenous groups zealous of protecting human rights should recognize that there is a clear line between protecting human rights and preserving the nation’s self-respect.

Dr. Binayak Sen had been sentenced to life imprisonment for sedition a month ago.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 19:47

Dr. JP’s condolences Joshi and Murthy

Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan expressed his grief over the death of eminent vocalist Pundit Bhimsen Joshi and philosophy professor K. Satchidananda Murthy.

People like Joshi and Murthy have enriched our lives with their contribution in their chosen fields. We have to celebrate their lives.

It is a tragedy of our times that wallowing in politics day in day out, we often fail to give due recognition to the stalwarts who have made India what it is today. Politics should be a means and not an end by itself, Dr. JP said.

Dr. JP described Bhimsen Joshi as an accomplished exponent of the Kirana Gharana and Murthy as a great scholar and teacher.

Monday, January 24, 2011 - 19:37

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