Justice is Not About Teaching Someone a Lesson

When we speak of justice, it cannot be reduced to revenge. A recent case in the Chhattisgarh High Court highlights why this distinction matters.

The trial court had convicted four police personnel for custodial violence that led to a death. But on appeal, the High Court observed that their intention was “not to kill, but to teach a lesson.”

This language is concerning. Justice cannot mean:

Normalizing violence or torture in custody.

Allowing “vigilante justice” under public pressure.

Undermining due process and fair trial rights.

Custodial deaths are not just individual tragedies; they are violations of Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty), Articles 20 and 22 (rights of arrested persons), and international conventions against torture. They also disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

True justice must be reformative, not revengeful. It must ensure:

Proportionate punishment.

Opportunities for reform.

Accountability for police and custodial systems.

Justice is not about teaching lessons through brutality. It is about protecting rights, ensuring fairness, and upholding the credibility of our justice system.

#Justice #HumanRights #PoliceReforms #CustodialDeaths #ReformativeJustice #RuleOfLaw #Accountability