India needs better and strategic Punishment System

Many at times, courts have been in dock for partial judgments and for the acquittal of accused that either belonged to a rich background or had a political clout. Take the examples of Jessica Lal’s murder case or Zahira Sheikh’s case to cite a few. However, even if some judgments are against the odds and the powerful, it still sometimes doesn’t provide much conviction.

 Talking of the hunting of endangered dear by Salman khan and Nawab of Pataudi; the prosecution of the case against the celebrities gave publicity to the crime which was for its benefit. The case made the people aware of the fact that murder of animals protected by law is no longer regarded as innocent fun but will land one jail and a heavy fine as well. It has been a commendable action taken by the police and the court of law.  

   However there have been some reservations about the penalties imposed by the trial court. They should be given more latitude in the form of punishment the can inflict. Putting eminent men behind bars for longer periods deprive them of fulfilling their obligation towards society as well as earning a living. Heavier fines, confiscation of weapons they own and imposing life time bans on hunting would have been more appropriate. Instead of sentencing an actor to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 Rs, the judge could have given the culprit Rs 70 lakh as fine, confiscated his jeep, guns and ammunitions and one month in imprisonment; it would have solved the purpose better.

 Thus judges, while giving a judgment should consider the culprit and his background and not merely rely on the laws and judgments laid in constitution always. This will help in strategic punishment which will be more effective and appt.