Danda, bullets, and jail are the tools to instil fear of the law. In our country, indiscipline has become synonymous with democracy. Seventy-five years after independence, India has become a nation where, in the name of freedom or secularism, the rule of law is openly mocked, inviting anarchy.

Neither corrupt leaders nor criminal groups have any fear. Pay the price, and reap the benefits. Indeed, the time has come to ask: Is constitutional democracy the best available system of governance, or is it time to reconsider this principle and invent new options or conduct new experiments to address new problems and obstacles?

Read in Hindi: लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था का दुरुपयोग कर रहे हैं अराजक चरमपंथी

These questions have become relevant as democracies worldwide seem grappling with evolutionary obstacles and unforeseen challenges. Recently, the democratic world has witnessed the misuse of constitutional freedoms by extremist groups opposing openness and liberty. Whether in India, the USA, or the recent events in Bangladesh, radical groups are continuously working to sabotage civil structures and destroy the system from within.

For the past few years, most social and political commentators have felt an urgent need for reforms in the police and judicial systems. Some argue that the interrelationship between permissiveness and greed within the political class has had dire consequences for public trust. Political leaders often engage in practices that prioritize their interests over public welfare. This has destroyed the fundamental principle that the police should act as guardians of public safety, leaving citizens marginalized and vulnerable to arbitrary power.

The judicial system has also faced significant challenges, requiring immediate reforms. Delays in justice, corruption, and lack of accountability have paved the way for an ineffective legal framework that fails to deliver on its promises of fairness and security. Many citizens view courts as extensions of political machinery rather than independent arbiters of justice. This perception hinders the rule of law, creating an atmosphere of frustration where individuals feel their grievances will not receive fair consideration or resolution.

One critical aspect of reform should include establishing clear lines of accountability within the police and judicial systems. This pertains not only to the conduct of law enforcement officers but also to how judicial decisions are made and the transparency of the processes involved. By strengthening these lines of accountability, we can create a system that not only responds to violations but also respects individuals' rights and fosters public trust.

Moreover, the bureaucracy must ensure that every citizen is treated equally under the law. This alignment is crucial to restoring faith in institutions meant to serve the public interest. A bureaucracy filled with inefficiency and opacity only exacerbates existing pessimism, making citizens feel alienated from the governance systems designed to protect them.

There is also an urgent need for community policing that empowers citizens and fosters collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. If we are to restore the eroding framework of public trust in government, systematic reforms in policing and the judiciary must be prioritized. The public must regain its voice in governance - demanding accountability, integrity, and a commitment to the rule of law. Only then can we develop a society where law enforcement acts as guardians of peace, and the judicial system symbolizes true justice, enabling the restoration of faith in our democratic processes.