Mincing words

#Mincing #words

The repeated public statements by prominent actors that “the real conspirator is still free,” without naming anyone or producing new evidence, amount to speaking in riddles rather than standing by facts. If Manju Warrier or even the survivor Bhavana truly believe that a particular individual masterminded the 2017 assault and has escaped justice, moral courage demands clarity, not ambiguity. 

Courts decide on evidence, not insinuations. Floating vague accusations while withholding names only fuels speculation, prejudices public opinion, and undermines the very judicial process they claim to respect. Such beating around the bush creates an impression that the legal system is either incompetent or compromised, an allegation far too serious to be made casually.

More importantly, these statements risk dishonouring the court by suggesting that justice is deliberately incomplete while the case is still within the judicial framework. If there is credible material pointing to an unpunished conspirator, the proper place to present it is before the court, not in press conferences or interviews. Public posturing without legal substantiation weakens faith in institutions and reduces a grave crime to a tool for moral signalling. 

Silence should be backed by due process, or speech  should we supported by evidence and accountability. These are the only responsible choices. Anything in between is not bravery; it is evasion.

-K A Solaman