Replace lethargy with energy
A crime and its punishment are always defined by the gravity of crime, the effect and example to the society and compensation for the victim. In a celebrity crime, it works both ways. A high profile celebrity gets more coverage for the crime. The same way his good deeds are advertised, the same is done with his crimes — he pays for the fame he enjoyed.
In Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s case, the hit and run issue would have gone relatively unnoticed or would have been closed if it was not for the celebrity involved. Punishment for the crime is to instil fear against its reoccurrence and compensation for the victims. In the case of manslaughter, both are needed. The Indian courts — crime or civil — take their time. They have no respect for time and I say this from experience. Lethargy should be replaced by energy — that’s the need of the hour!
From Ms Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai
It happens in some countries
To a certain extent, celebrities are above the law, especially in a country like India where muscle power, money and influence are sometimes the determining factors of how and when a culprit should get punished. Take, for example, the background of many of the politicians in India’s Lower House of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies in individual states. Many of them have criminal records, but very few of them get booked and are rarely punished. This phenomenon stands good for all political parties and religions. If a crime is proven to have been committed by an individual or group, there should not be any loophole for them to get out of the appropriate punishment. No one should be above the law! Also, the unusual delay in the implementation of law and outcome of verdicts should be re-evaluated.
From Mr Suresh A. C.
UAE
Judiciary needs to take action
The answer is yes and no, because it depends on what society we are looking at. In developed societies, the answer is that celebrities are never above the law. In India however, we have examples of so many stars getting into trouble with the law. The example of Khan shows how this can be true within that society. It has taken the courts more than 13 years to come to a verdict in Khan’s case. It is surprising that India can launch satellites into Mars and see what is happening on another planet, yet have no answer regarding whether Khan was driving the car or not.
The Chief Justice of India once famously said that there are around 30 million cases pending in the country and it would take around 100 years to wind them up. It is now up to the judiciary to stand up and perform — they should be delivering justice and it is equally important that they should be seen delivering justice.
From Mr Ghanshyam Vyas
UAE
Nobody above the law
I think it is a matter of fulfilment of commitments. I think that Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt’s arrest shows that nobody is above the law and crime never pays. However in Khan’s case, they needed to figure out whether he was guilty or not.
From Mr Zainab J. Das
UAE
Need for responsible media
I think that there is a difference between famous and well-connected people. I have personally witnessed people getting away with crimes because they are connected and that happens in all parts of the world. In the case of celebrities, I guess it’s their fame that is responsible for this trend, and the media as well, for creating stories where they use fiction rather than facts. The media needs to understand that celebrities are humans as well and need some privacy. I read an article once where a magazine journalist in India wrote a fake story about Khan just because he did not agree to take a selfie with her. I do not deny the fact that celebrities can indulge in crime, but let the judicial system decide. The media needs to handle their role with greater responsibility to make the world a better place.
From Mr Bilal Ahmad
Dubai
Shouldn’t happen, but it does
The news of celebrities getting away with murder — literally in some cases — has set a terrible precedent. Far too many crimes are ignored or brushed under the carpet because the person involved is a famous public figure. That doesn’t absolve them; they should be made into examples so that others know better. The Roman Polanskis, Salman Khans, Woody Allens and many other politicians around the world should not be given free reign to advance their careers and rake in millions while their victims’ lives are destroyed forever. If the average person can be held accountable, then so can these personalities, who are idolised by many. They should not use their power and influence to bend the law to their needs. The law is the law and no one should be exempt from it.
From Ms Monita Mohan
UAE
Considered better than the rest
Look at Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan! She has gotten away with so many crimes. She stole a $2,500 (Dh9,100) necklace when she could have paid for it. Then, after continuing to break probation, she was under house arrest for two weeks! If any person who isn’t famous committed the crimes she did, they would have been jailed for sure. This is just one of many examples where the famous get special treatment. In order to stop these actions, people need to act. We want equality and fairness. We don’t want to be treated like we are lower than everyone else.
From Ms Sarwat Rizwan
UAE
Privileged lives will continue
Celebrities and the ultra-rich are definitely above the law in some countries. Every so often, their not-so-legal actions are swept under the carpet, never to see the light of day. I suppose it is our tendency to ‘hero worship’ and very generously forgive them for their transgressions as though it were a matter of national pride. I think celebrities in some countries are a privileged lot and will continue to enjoy privileges not known by the common man, for a long time to come. Sigh!
From Ms Shamma Shaikh
Dubai
Law is for celebrities too
Celebrities are ordinary people who get worldwide fame and recognition. Where normal people are accountable for their actions in the court of law, so are the celebrities. However, the latter are seldom seen behind bars for obvious reasons. Firstly, they consider themselves above the law as they are part of an industry where it is a norm for scandals to occur. They believe that playing with the law is their right and they can get away with it, as they have deep-rooted connections in the media industry and their government.
Secondly, even if these celebrities are charged with a crime, their influential friends and lawyers get them out of the mess in no time. For instance, Khan has been charged with hunting down an endangered deer, however, he has been able to remain out of court where his absence from court sessions have not resulted in his arrest. Celebrities must be punished just like ordinary citizens because they are part of the society.
From Mr M. Omar Iftikhar
Karachi, Pakistan
Let this be an example
Celebrities are not above the law in any country. We have seen that the Indian judiciary is very competent and strong enough to give verdicts. Failure in the judiciary would lead to a collapse in democracy. The four pillars of Indian democracy are the executive, legislative, judicial systems and the media. Khan’s case is 13 years old and he should be punished according to the law. The common man has a feeling that celebrities, politicians and business leaders are above the law and Khan’s verdict should be an example for all, so we regain faith in the Indian judiciary.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Not treated the same
In Khan’s case, it was not outright murder, rather culpable homicide. There are much more brutal cases, which are still open and seeking justice with the involvement of prominent personalities in the Indian judicial system. The law should be same for everyone.
From Ms Reena Pradeesh
UAE
Focus on what’s important
Criminals should be punished and who they are doesn’t matter. They cannot be more important than the victim’s life and family.
From Mr Anjan
UAE
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