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 incidents have unfolded, starkly highlighting the failures of the Indian justice system and forcing citizens to seek justice on their own.
Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old techie from Bengaluru, died by suicide after sharing a one-hour video and a 25-page note. In the note, he accused his wife of filing false cases against him and his family, subjecting them to relentless legal harassment. On December 9, he was tragically 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 came to light only after his confession video, in which he revealed that police harassment during his family’s attempts to file a complaint left him feeling compelled to take justice into his own hands.
These incidents highlight a critical issue: the failure of the justice system. In Atul’s case, the misuse of legal processes eroded his dignity and hope, while in Prasad’s case, institutional inaction drove him to vigilantism.
The phrase “the process is the punishment” aptly captures both situations. When institutions meant to deliver justice instead inflict suffering, the very foundation of 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.
Juxtaposing the tragic cases of Atul Subhash’s suicide and Anjaneya Prasad’s revenge killing reveals extreme consequences of systemic inaction and societal neglect. These incidents force us to question whether justice is still blind or has become simply indifferent.
Atul’s ordeal highlights the dangers of legal misuse, while Prasad’s actions expose the dire consequences of institutional inaction. Together, they reveal a stark truth: India’s justice system is steadily losing the trust of its citizens.
Informed citizenry and those in power must urgently recognize this erosion of public trust and commit to meaningful reforms that yield tangible results. Without decisive action, more individuals may be driven to desperate measures, jeopardizing their lives and the very fabric of justice.
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