Anna Hazare has termed his agitation the Second War of Independence. The older generation that witnessed the “first” war will remember that Sarojini Naidu had described Mahatma Gandhi as Mickey Mouse. Maybe, Hazare fits that description in the “second” war. Humour aside, I am amazed that with two legal luminaries in his five-member panel, he insists on going ahead with his fast and has complained to the prime minister about the restrictions placed on him. The Constitution gives him the right to protest but equally, it gives the right to citizens to go to work unhindered. If the authorities concerned fear that the second right could be endangered, I believe they are correct in ensuring that no law and order problem arises. The courts have given rulings on this dilemma and it would have been appropriate for Hazare to approach the Supreme Court for a decision, not the prime minister. I may add that I am a great admirer of Hazare but I believe he is being ill-advised.
Vasant Gokarn, on email
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