A Democracy in Retreat: Revisiting the Ends of Power is a lesson in ethics

The essays by former parliamentarian Ashwani Kumar record how, under a majority (and many would say majoritarian) government, the deficiencies of India’s democratic institutions came to the fore

Book jacket from Amazon

Two cliches make the rounds about what appears in newspapers (and now, their digital avatars), every day, around the world. The first is somewhat derogatory. “Journalism is literature in a hurry” – in essence, a denigration. It is a dig at the lack of literary skill and imagination of the humble reporter and the even more humble editor who looks at the copy. The second is more flattering and, in a sense, the best way to approach the collection of essays – most of which have appeared in newspapers and news websites – by lawyer, administrator, former law minister and parliamentarian Ashwani Kumar.

“Journalism,” the second cliche goes, “is the first draft of history”. It is only with perspective that history is made and understood and Kumar’s commentary on the issues of the day certainly helps make sense of the cacophony of oppressions that are so common and numerous in India. The collection of essays and op-eds – from when India was reeling from the pandemic to before the fervour of the 2024 election campaign became all the public conversation cared about – provides both ethical lessons as well, in hindsight, a warning against complacency.

First and foremost, the essays record how, under a majority (and many would say majoritarian) government, the deficiencies of India’s democratic institutions came to the fore. Despite the result of the 2024 general elections, the warnings and prescriptions from the writer hold considerable value.

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The articles on the inadequacy of the political opposition’s moral imagination are of particular import post the general election result: Paying heed to them now that the Treasury benches are less dominant will help not only the prospects of some political parties but can also be the roadmap to protect and rejuvenate Indian democracy and the state as a whole.

Kumar’s stentorian tone runs across the book. It is particularly powerful when he talks of justice (or the lack thereof) and the role of the judiciary. Even those who lament the dismantling of India’s social justice architecture must reckon with the writer’s defence and celebration of the apex court’s verdict on the EWS reservation. Equally, his incisive critiques of the dilution – some would say abandoning – of the first principles of natural justice (such as bail not jail and innocent until proven guilty) ought to shake the conscience of jurists, who often have too much moral righteousness and too little accountability.

A plausible criticism of the collection is that Kumar’s language is not the most accessible, his prose is sometimes too lofty for the young reader used to abbreviations, memes and emojis. But then, not everything can be turned into a kunji. Complex ideas sometimes require the reader to have the patience and the will to engage with them.

The Indian Express, from Monday to Saturday, carries news items from “40 years ago” on its Editorial page. The section provides perspective and insight into the past, and its echoes today. When the reports that inspired the essays in Ashwani Kumar’s book make it to that section, his words will continue to be as valuable a document of the times as they are today.

Aakash Joshi

Aakash Joshi is a commissioning editor and writer at The Indian Express. He writes on politics, foreign policy and culture, beyond the headlines and the obvious. Occasionally, he reports on these subjects as well. He can be reached at aakash.joshi@expressindia.com. Twitter: @Joshi_Uncle ... Read More

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