South Asia Citizens Web

Indian Express, May 30, 2008
In a remarkably unequivocal judgment delivered on May 8, Delhi High Court quashed eight criminal cases against artist M.F. Husain, saying that ‘it has become imperative that in this information age, jurisdiction be more circumscribed so that an artist ... is not made to run from pillar to post facing proceedings.’ A few days later, on May 15, the Supreme Court stayed criminal proceedings against actor Khushboo in 23 cases. While these orders are commendable, (…)

In Balah village in Haryana on May 9, 2008, Sunita Devi, 22, and Jasbir Singh, 27, both Jats, were killed by Sunita’s father and other relatives. Their bodies were displayed like hunting trophies outside Sunita’s house. Childhood sweethearts, Sunita and Jasbir had eloped and were living with Jasbir’s sister, Neelam Devi, in Machhraoli village near Panipat when they were attacked. As the village celebrated the killings, the ’sarpanch’ (village council head), Ranbir Singh Mann, announced with pride that the entire village supported the family in its ’noble act’. Gruesome murders are committed in the name of family honour and lauded by the local community.

Hindustan Times, April 28, 2008
No quick fixes, please
The Supreme Court’s March 31 observations regarding the armed group — Salwa Judum — affect not only Chhattisgarh, where this group operates, but pose questions to major actors across the political spectrum. Admitting two public interest petitions on the matter, Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan asked the respondent, “How can the State give arms to some persons? The State will be abetting in a crime if these private persons kill (…)

Women Who Daredis a modest but sincere endeavour, a recognition ofthe contribution that a few representative women have made to social and cultural change in our country over the last 50 years; and an attempt at presenting their accounts not only in their own words, but in a social and political context. Their work, their lives and the role they have played in society intersecting, as it were, with the political, economic, social and cultural life of India.

This report was submitted in April 2000 to the then Vajpayee government in India