The government's refusal to provide the names of those hoarding black money in Swiss banks was attributed to the compulsions of following the "due process of law". Arun Jaitley appears to be the latest convert to this doctrine of law, which is not unknown to many a common man. Such touching concern for following the law to the last comma should have evoked universal admiration. Instead, what we hear are few equestrian snorts. It can't be that the ace lawyer does not know his law. Or could it be that Ram Jethmalani, who has made his fortune defending criminals throughout his life although acting as crusader in this case, doesn't know his onions?
"Due process of law", "law will take its own course" - when politicians mouth these platitudes, no crystal gazing is required to see what is coming next. That every criminal ought to be tried under the due process of law does not call for an affidavit, but when a minister declares his intent to let the law take its own course, it amounts to daring the law to take its course when the entire government machinery is mobilised to subvert it. If law is indeed allowed to take its course, few politicians will be left to run this country.
The point is not that Jaitley is doing anything different. The point is that he is doing exactly what his predecessors have done - exploit the limitations of law to secure the desired outcome. If this entails unleashing all the dilatory tactics known to the government, so be it - he is only helping the country discover the due process of law. Compulsions of office rather than the compulsions of following the due process of law is what we are seeing. But to give the devil his due, you ought to praise Jaitley for being consistent. Having continued with all the major policies of the previous government, albeit in different names, you can't accuse him of deviating on this one. Surely he could have advised his boss before Narendra Modi thundered to book all those Swiss account holders in 100 days time? But then, what is one promise when you are in the business of selling dreams?
N Prem Bhanu, Mumbai
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