Learning lessons from Nupur Sharma

The Supreme Court of India has done a great service to the nation on Friday by reprimanding suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, whose remarks on Prophet Muhammad had sparked a major controversy, which led to serious disturbances in several parts of the country in the past couple of weeks. The apex court said Nupur Sharma's loose tongue, irresponsible remarks and obstinate and arrogant attitude had set the entire country on fire. The Supreme Court has also very rightly observed that Nupur Sharma's remarks, which showed her arrogance, were very disturbing. The apex court's observations, and also its direction to Nupur Sharma to tender a public apology, should be a lesson for all people who are in the habit of making loose, derogatory and often vulgar remarks in public forums, including on live television debates and talk shows. With the advent of satellite televisions, doors have been flung open to a large number of people who have the least regard for decency, lack civil behaviour, and make irresponsible remarks, often using vulgar, offensive, inflammatory and derogatory language. In the instant case of Nupur Sharma, the apex court has reportedly remarked – "This lady has a loose tongue...making inflammatory statements...she should have to go on TV and apologize to the whole country… This lady is single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country." While it is a fact that a section of people looks for cheap publicity by way of indulging in loose talk, the country must realise that just one loose remark by an individual on the television screen had led to a series of unfortunate incidents across the country. It is imperative to note that the Supreme Court of India has also given a veiled warning to the satellite television channels through its observations on Nupur Sharma. "What is the business of the TV channel and Nupur Sharma to discuss the matter which is sub-judice, except to promote an agenda?" the apex court has asked. Though there is no specific survey to gauge the minds of the people of the country vis-à-vis the typical so-called debates that satellite television channels air every evening, there is a general feeling across the country that many such television channels have long ago crossed their limits of public decency and democratic responsibility. Thus, the Supreme Court's observations should be considered significant, especially by the editors of those television channels who think that freedom of the media and freedom of expression come without any responsibility. The Supreme Court's observations should also serve as a warning to those people who use social media – Facebook, Twitter etc – to make all sorts of comments and pass all kinds of judgements on various issues. There is a section of people who thinks they alone have rights and have no responsibilities. It is this section of people who indulges in all kinds of comments – rash, derogatory, inflammatory, disturbing, obscene, and whatnot. The common man is definitely not amused by such comments and observations. Rather, they are disturbed mentally and psychologically. What is unfortunate is that this section of irresponsible people also includes some holding high university degrees, and some holding high positions in society and sometimes even in the government. Till a few years ago, even a Governor of a state was seen making all kinds of comments and observations on social media. And then, there is another section of people who think all governments and all those in power are wrong, and that they alone are right. This section finds faults in everything done by others and considers it their right to abuse whoever they think is responsible for all faults and wrongs in society and governance. It is important for all right-thinking people to tell this irresponsible section to go through the Supreme Court's observations on Nupur Sharma. Freedom after all does not come alone. Rather it comes with a lot of responsibilities. And in any civilized and democratic society, it is ultimately the saner, responsible people who constitute the majority, with all those indulging in irresponsible behaviour being seen as aberrations.