IN PRAISE OF CONSENSUS
In an age where extreme views are the
flavor of the season, this is a plea for the middle ground – consensus, as it
used to be called in more settled times. Historically speaking, its Indian
origins could perhaps be traced to the Golden Mean or the Middle Path
propounded by Gautam Budha. In the recent past, if you look at the Constituent
Assembly debates, the majesty of consensus building comes across all
through. Take for example, the heated
debates on issues like secularism, official language or centre – state
relations. Budha’s middle path best exemplified by Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar
carried the day each time because of the intellectual heft, shear logic and
profound common sense. How one wishes, to see debates of that order in our
legislatures or leaders of that stature debating issues.
While grieving over the lack of
stature and goodwill among people who are suppose to lead the country - in all
parties the question is can something be done to pull the organs of the state
like the legislature, government or judiciary itself from the brink of
dis-functionalism?
For whatever it is worth, the
following steps (wild card entries) are suggested as solution:
• Whenever
the legislature reaches an impasse in debates, the leaders of all political
parties should get together and try to reach a consensus, say, within 48 hours.
• The
mechanism of Jan Lokpal should be implemented with full consensus of all
parties at the earliest on priority basis.
• All
courts from the lowest to the highest should reserve one day in a week for
“arbitration” of cases which are pending, say, more than one year, on a
statutory basis and the arbitrator’s decision should not be challengeable at
more than one level.
• As
culture (corruption and fish) rots from the head, there should be zero tolerance
for any kind of corrupt behavior and naming and shaming should be resorted to
compulsorily.
Am I dreaming on the eve of the
impending New Year? Wish everyone a Merry X-Mas and Happy New Year!!
