Crime and punishment!

Zaibunissa Qazi got five year rigorous imprisonment under TADA in 1993 blast verdict. Allegedly her crime was to unknowingly allowing her house as a safe heaven for the arms and ammunition which were later used in 1993 blast. She was 51 year old when she was arrested and now 71 year with severe kidney complications.

On the contrary, charges against Sanjay Dutt for illegal arms possession under TADA was dropped, even though allegedly  he confessed to have acquired them from underworld dons which he later retracted. Eventually he was tried under Arms Act of India and given five year of imprisonment. After the verdict, Sanjay accepted the verdict with a heavy heart and agreed to serve the sentence.

Things were fine till this point. But the problem started to emerge with large number of celebrities, law makers and politicians starting to bate for Sanjay and his clemency. It is quite understandable for friends and family to show sympathy and seek clemency. But what about the social conscience of people who don't know him closely, like, Markandey Katju, Mamata Banerjee and several other prominent politicians. The reasons given are that he has suffered a lot in last 20 years,  and that he has a family to look after. So is true about Zaibunissa.  Why didn't anyone asked for Zaibunissa's pardon? Just because she is an unknown face. Shouldn't people be more careful in assessing the verdict before fanning out their liking for certain people. On one side you reinforce the fact that law is equal for everyone but at the same time you show a double standard, as  evident between Sanjay and Zaibunissa.

Why wasn't zaibunissa tried under Arms Act? Why was she singled out? It is for people to see the obvious.

I have nothing against Sanjay Dutt. He has been graceful in accepting the verdict. He has all the right to appeal for pardon so has his family and friends. But do I agree that he should be pardoned, not before Zaibunissa Qazi and I am sure Sanjay would agree with me. What pains me the most is the double standard of politicians and lawmakers.

Justice delayed is justice denied. At one point it used to be crime followed by punishment and now its crime followed by delay and further delay and some more delay.....