Minorities in democracy
Democracy is popularly defined as a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Democracy is in essence a rule by the majority. The rights and provileges of minorities is very relevant and rather essence of democratic system. In fact, majority is not ignored in any system. Even the British rulers in India respected the traditions and culture of Indian majority. The monachies and other dictorships also never disregarded majority. Ashoka and Akbar were benevelont rulers and always respected the majority. The majority derives authority from their sheer numbers and they are morally, physically and economically so powerful that any ruler cannot ignore them. Even Hitler ruled by catering to the notion of Master race and subject races- Germans being the master race.
Essentially, it is the treatment to minority interests and opinions that determines demovcratic character of a nation. The minority may be religion, language or territory based. Free India had to deal with linguistic isue. Majority in India consists of Hindi speaking. Our Government under prime ministership of Pt Jawahr Lal Nehru was democratic in form and spirit. so, the rights and opinions of south Indians, linguistis minority were taken care of. English was accepted as associate official language. There are many provisions for protecting the religious freedom and traditions of religious minorities as well. Recently, Sachar Committee report submitted many proposals for benefit of religious minorities. The Government is taking suitable action.
However, minority may not be only religious, linguistic or regional. Minority may also be based on opinion. Moreover, the religious and linguist minorities are numerically strong enough to force the majority. However, the minority opinion on matters of culture, traditions or other deviant behavior is generally disregarded. A case before us is of homosexuality. There has been a lot of hue and cry over Delhi High court Decisions on Section 377 of Indian Penal code. The gay and lesbian are also a minority based on sexual traits. The majority is of hetero sexuals. There is no reason why the minority based on sexual traits be harassed and humiliated. The attitude of many so called puritans and self styled custodians of cultural and religious values negates the democratic system. Even though, the author of this article is personally opposed to homosexua;ity, he is democratic enough to respect the rights of gay and lesbians who should not be discriminated against in any respect.
Freedom of expression is an essential part of democracy. As long as the expression echoes the views of majority, it is okay. But when hte views and sentiments of majority are hurt, all democratic spirit vanishes. We witnessed this in case of Bangladesh author Tasleema Nasreen. Noted painter Hussain still cannot even enter India. We witness hooliganism of neo fascists elements who raided an institute in Gujarat and damaged paintings even thouhgh there was no public exhibition but only an internal matter of institute.
The crucial issue is that majority have also their sentiments and they may feel agrieved by expression of minority especially on sensitive topics like nude painting of gods and goddesses. There are many legal remedies like censorship and there is redressal body. Whatever restrictions are placed, these should be reasonable and constitutional. No hooliganism and exercise of extra constitutional means should be allowed. No body should be allowed to be law unto himself.
Demarcating line between individual freedom and state regulation needs be drawn clearly. While everybody may be expected to comply with socvially acceptable norms at public places, no body should interfere with any one's (paricularly minorities based on opinion or behaviour) rights exercised in priivate. Thus, even sexual orgies in private need not be interfered with. Smoking and drinkinga at private places must not be interfered with.
To conclude treatment of minorities of any shade and type determines how democratic we are
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