In India, neglecting your dog’s walk may not just earn you disdain; it could also attract legal consequences, including fines and even imprisonment. According to a recent report by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, India has an astonishing 7,305 offences outlined in its criminal laws, many of which cover mundane activities. Tethering animals, failing to follow school attendance orders, or not providing sufficient exercise for pets fall under this broad umbrella of criminalization.
The report, "The State of the System: Understanding the Scale of Crime and Punishment in India," maps out the extensive criminal laws that penalize not just grave misconduct, but also trivial infringements of daily life. With 370 federal laws possessing penal provisions, the think-tank emphasizes a “crisis of over-criminalisation” in India, where even simple actions such as fixing a tap without permission can lead to criminal charges.
The penalties vary significantly, from a modest 10 rupees for allowing livestock to roam to potentially facing three months in jail for not exercising a dog sufficiently. More severe offenses, such as marketing infant milk substitutes inappropriately, can attract harsher legal repercussions, including fines and prison time.
Out of the multitude of laws, experts have raised concerns that many are poorly defined and lead to “rent-seeking” behavior, where the ambiguity provides opportunities for corruption. Despite many provisions being rarely enforced, the existence of such laws creates trepidation among the populace.
Additionally, the report critiques the inconsistency within the legal framework; for example, rioting may incur a lighter sentence than falsely reporting official information like births or deaths. Such disparities call into question the efficacy and fairness of the criminal justice system.
With over 34 million cases stalled in Indian courts and prisons operating at 131% capacity, the judicial system is overwhelmed. As of January 2023, India had 154 police personnel per 100,000 citizens, far below the sanctioned figures. In response, authorities have announced plans to eliminate criminal penalties in over 100 legal provisions—a step towards re-evaluating the approach to governance.
This significant overhaul proposes to shift from a punitive mindset embedded in criminal law to one that fosters trust among citizens, aiming for a balance where legal consequences are reserved for acts that genuinely threaten societal wellbeing.
The report, "The State of the System: Understanding the Scale of Crime and Punishment in India," maps out the extensive criminal laws that penalize not just grave misconduct, but also trivial infringements of daily life. With 370 federal laws possessing penal provisions, the think-tank emphasizes a “crisis of over-criminalisation” in India, where even simple actions such as fixing a tap without permission can lead to criminal charges.
The penalties vary significantly, from a modest 10 rupees for allowing livestock to roam to potentially facing three months in jail for not exercising a dog sufficiently. More severe offenses, such as marketing infant milk substitutes inappropriately, can attract harsher legal repercussions, including fines and prison time.
Out of the multitude of laws, experts have raised concerns that many are poorly defined and lead to “rent-seeking” behavior, where the ambiguity provides opportunities for corruption. Despite many provisions being rarely enforced, the existence of such laws creates trepidation among the populace.
Additionally, the report critiques the inconsistency within the legal framework; for example, rioting may incur a lighter sentence than falsely reporting official information like births or deaths. Such disparities call into question the efficacy and fairness of the criminal justice system.
With over 34 million cases stalled in Indian courts and prisons operating at 131% capacity, the judicial system is overwhelmed. As of January 2023, India had 154 police personnel per 100,000 citizens, far below the sanctioned figures. In response, authorities have announced plans to eliminate criminal penalties in over 100 legal provisions—a step towards re-evaluating the approach to governance.
This significant overhaul proposes to shift from a punitive mindset embedded in criminal law to one that fosters trust among citizens, aiming for a balance where legal consequences are reserved for acts that genuinely threaten societal wellbeing.
