Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Why so late?' that was published in Newsband

Why so late?

Muhammad Afzal Guru was hanged at last for his role in the 2001 attack on Parliament House. This was done to satisfy ‘the collective conscience of the society’, according to the verdict.

In one of the cases relating to death penalty, the judges argued that the death penalty ought to be considered when a perpetrator posed “a menace and threat to the harmonious and peaceful coexistence of the society.”

We must note that the act of execution is actually intended to be deterrence for future would be criminals. The society does not derive pleasure in killing a human being, but it wants its safety ensured at any cost. Horrible offenders like Afzal Guru need to be hanged to ensure such safety. In this case one can argue that had Afzal been hanged in time a strong signal would have gone to the enemy and probably would have averted 26/11 when 164 Indian citizens lost their lives and 300 more got maimed.

It was wrong on the part of the UPA government to inordinately delay the execution of Afzal Guru on the pretext that the President's verdict on the clemency petition was awaited. For six long years no decision was taken and now all of a sudden the Government unduly hastened the process and executed Afzal Guru in great hurry. Afzal Guru deserved capital punishment. However, by delaying the process in this manner, the Government has made a mockery of the system. Had Afzal been executed in 2007 no eyebrows would have raised. But in 2013 it appears politically motivated.

Every such miscarriage of justice inevitably leaves behind a disaffected, disillusioned community that feels utterly alienated by the nation and society at large. With no promise of restitution, is it any wonder that many harbor lifelong ill will?

There is no need for some people to be so upset about the execution of terrorist, who had killed our so many brave soldiers. Even the apex court has condemned his heinous crime. This hanging is a strong message to the people who want to destroy our sovereignty. Human rights and dignity of the accused are important. But don't forget the victim.