Faith in the Judiciary.

It is often difficult for big leaders, especially MLAs and MPs, to get convicted in any crime case. Taking advantage of their position and power, such leaders not only suppress the voices raised against their crimes, but in some cases even escape from the clutches of the law. But the conviction of a BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Dudhi constituency for rape clearly shows that no citizen is above the law. It may be noted that the Sonbhadra court has sentenced the MLA to 25 years under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO) for raping a minor girl. Along with this, a fine of 10 lakh rupees has also been imposed on him.

There are some judgments that increase public confidence in the judiciary. Twenty-five years in prison for the sitting MLA of Uttar Pradesh is one such verdict. The accused MLA finally surrendered to Yogi Aditya but the political monk Chief Minister refused to surrender him and said that I want if you have really committed the atrocity then you should be given the maximum punishment. But it is also a fact that despite being accused of such a serious crime, BJP gave him the ticket and this MLA was elected with a huge majority. The party did not take any action on the allegations against him.

An FIR was lodged in this incident of rape nine years ago. Now this decision of the court has come after a long hearing. It is obvious that after such a long period of time the hope of justice remained intact even after the decision of the court that all are equal in the court of law. Now the MLA's membership of the assembly ends after being convicted and sentenced by the court, as if a public representative is sentenced to more than two years by the court, his membership ceases. Although the MLA has said in this matter that he will appeal in the high court, but looking at the circumstances after a heinous crime like the rape of a minor, the question is, why did it take so long to take a decision?

According to reports, all efforts were made by the MLA to suppress the matter. After the rape, the victim became pregnant and later gave birth to a baby girl. However, during the trial, various threats and inducements were made to the victim such as killing her and throwing her out of the village. It is alleged that the victim's date of birth was extended and fake school certificates were created to make the victim appear as an adult.

It is no secret that discriminatory attitudes are adopted at all levels of the administration, from the police to the general public after a crime has been committed. Many times the police seem to work in favor of influential criminals and discourage the weaker sections in various ways to prevent them from undertaking the legal process. The procedures of the police administration are not sensitive enough especially in case of indictment of high profile leaders and public representatives. But in this case, the police registered a crime under the POCSO Act and presented the file in the court. After a long struggle, the court has also found the MLA guilty and sentenced him severely.

What is surprising is that leaders who get their votes by promising to ensure the welfare of the common people and the legitimate rights of the weaker sections, do not hesitate to commit crimes against them whenever they get a chance. In this regard, imprisonment for twenty five years and Rs. 10 lakh fine can be seen as a lesson to influential and criminal minded public representatives.