The cases of Atul Subhash and Prasad Kuwait force us to question whether the law is still blind or has become simply indifferent.
Yadhu-X
Recently, two tragic events have unfolded, exposing the grim reality of the Indian justice system, where citizens are being forced to take matters into their own hands.
Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old techie based in Bengaluru, committed suicide after releasing a one-hour-long video and a 25-page suicide note. In his note, he accused his wife of filing false cases against him and his family and harassing them “legally”. Tragically, on December 9, he was found hanging in his home.
On the same day, a man named Anjaneya Prasad, originally from Annamayya district in Andhra Pradesh and currently working in Kuwait, uploaded a video on his YouTube channel (‘Prasad Kuwait’) confessing to the murder of a relative.
Prasad alleged that the victim had molested his 11-year-old daughter. He revealed that he had planned the murder while in Kuwait, returned to Andhra Pradesh to carry it out, and then flew back to Kuwait without being apprehended.
The case only came to light after his confession video, where he claimed that his family faced harassment from the police when they tried to file a complaint, leaving him no choice but to take justice into his own hands.
These incidents underscore a profound issue: the failure of the justice system. In Atul’s case, the legal process stripped him of his dignity and hope, while in Prasad’s case, the lack of action pushed him toward vigilantism.
The phrase “the process is the punishment” resonates deeply in both instances. When the very institutions meant to uphold justice become sources of suffering, the social contract begins to crumble.
Commenting on Atul Subhash’s case, former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud expressed concern about the challenges in family law amidst societal flux. He acknowledged that the judiciary is not well-equipped to handle the evolving nuances of family conflicts, particularly in the context of marriage and personal laws.
The tragic stories of Atul Subhash’s suicide and Anjaneya Prasad’s revenge killing are extreme responses to systemic inaction and societal disregard. They force us to question whether justice is still blind or has become simply indifferent.
Contrasting yet connected, these cases reveal a grim portrait of a crumbling justice system. Atul’s plight underscores the perils of legal misuse, while Prasad’s case exposes the devastating consequences of inaction. Together, they point to a stark reality: India’s justice system is steadily losing the trust of its citizens.
It is imperative for stakeholders and those in power to acknowledge this erosion of public faith and engage in meaningful reforms that deliver tangible outcomes. Without urgent action, more individuals may be pushed to desperate extremes, jeopardizing their lives and the very fabric of justice.
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