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Why avoiding police, hospitals, and courts feels like a blessing in India

The three most dreaded institutions in India—police, hospitals, and courts—stand out for their potential to turn protectors into tormentors.

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India, a nation of contrasts, presents a paradoxical existence for its citizens. On the one hand, it boasts a rich cultural heritage and is the largest democracy in the world; on the other, it is home to systemic dysfunctions that make life a perpetual struggle for the average individual. Among the many challenges faced by its people, the three most dreaded institutions—police, hospitals, and courts—stand out for their potential to turn protectors into tormentors. In light of this, being spared the ordeal of interacting with these institutions can feel like a divine blessing. 

This is where the process becomes punishment. Interacting with these sectors reveals India’s broken system and an utter lack of accountability. The idea of servicing the citizens is alien to them.

Police–custodial torture and abuse 

The police force, tasked with maintaining order and protecting citizens, has become a source of fear rather than reassurance. Custodial torture, third-degree interrogation methods, and custodial deaths have tarnished the image of law enforcement in India. The absence of accountability allows police officers to abuse their authority, often victimising the very people they are meant to protect. 

Efforts to reform the police system remain largely ineffective, leaving citizens vulnerable to intimidation and harassment. The lack of transparency and oversight within the system raises the question: quis custodiet ipsos custodes? —who will police the police? 

For many, a visit to the police station is an ordeal marked by illegal detention, harassment, and mental distress. Those unable to offer bribes or favours often experience the police station as a  “chamber of horrors”. Worse still, genuine concerns are frequently dismissed, rendering the institution ineffective for ordinary citizens. 

A failing healthcare system 

Healthcare in India presents another grim reality for its citizens. Public hospitals, plagued by underfunding, overcrowding, and inadequate facilities, are ill-equipped to meet the needs of the population. Meanwhile, private hospitals operate as profit-driven entities that prioritise revenue over patient care, charging exorbitant fees for subpar services. 

The commercialisation of healthcare has left many unable to access timely and effective medical treatment. Those who can afford private care often face unregulated pricing, while the majority are left to endure the systemic failures of public healthcare. Similarly, the cost of healthcare, even for routine treatments, has surged, placing an overwhelming burden on families, especially those without adequate insurance coverage. 


Also read: The power imbalance between Indian corporations and consumers is growing every day


Delayed and denied justice 

The judiciary, entrusted with upholding justice, faces challenges that make it an intimidating institution for the common man. Procedural delays, exorbitant legal fees, and a backlog of cases leave millions waiting for justice. “Justice delayed is justice denied” becomes a painful reality in a system where cases often take years to resolve. 

Adding to the woes, the judiciary remains disproportionately skewed in favour of the affluent who can afford competent legal representation. Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and complex legal processes alienate self-represented litigants. Advocates often become obstacles rather than facilitators, prioritising personal gains over justice. Legal aid systems, while present, fail to provide substantial support, functioning more as business development for budding lawyers than genuine assistance for the poor.

Unfortunately, the judiciary in India is often perceived as complicit in the harassment of innocents. Political vendettas can influence even the highest courts, leaving those not aligned with ruling powers vulnerable to judicial biases. These challenges tarnish the image of an institution meant to uphold fairness and justice. 

Radical reforms are essential to make justice accessible. Simplifying legal processes, ensuring transparency, and holding both advocates and officials accountable can help restore faith in the judiciary. 

Living in India: a struggle for the common man 

Life in India is an ongoing struggle for many, with systemic failures affecting even basic needs. Clean air, safe drinking water, and reliable sanitation remain inaccessible to large sections of the population. Inflation and soaring food prices outpace average incomes, making essentials like roti,  kapda, makan (bread, clothing, and shelter) increasingly unattainable. The depreciation of the Indian rupee further erodes purchasing power, deepening financial instability. 

Public services remain substandard despite heavy taxes, while healthcare and education have become luxuries monopolised by profit-driven sectors. Transportation inefficiencies and high commuting costs add to daily frustrations. Toxic work environments and persistent unemployment further exacerbate inequalities. Despite these glaring issues, government priorities often lie elsewhere, leaving citizens grappling with an apathetic system. 

Prayer of gratitude 

For the average Indian, life is a series of battles against systemic challenges, with the police,  hospitals, and courts representing some of the most formidable obstacles. Being spared the misfortune of interacting with these institutions often feels like a divine blessing. 

While reforms are essential to address these systemic issues, they remain distant aspirations. For now, the common man is left with little more than a prayer of gratitude for not having to face the torment these institutions can inflict. As we acknowledge the struggles of living in India, it is imperative to work toward a future where these institutions fulfill their intended roles—protecting,  healing, and delivering justice. Until then, gratitude for simple avoidance of these trials may be the only solace for many.

Karti P Chidambaram is a Member of Parliament for Sivaganga, and a Member of the All India Congress Committee. He is also the Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association. His X handle is @KartiPC. Views are personal.

(Edited by Ratan Priya)

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Finally a politician spoke about it but without any solution. Why cant congress bring up strict laws in the states like karnataka and set an example and solve Police brutality, Set standard pricing for hospitals etc. In India Police has no consequences for the actions. Once they know they might be fired for their wrong doings thats when they will stop. But In India why are they afraid to bring change despite the lack of trust in the system and making changes attracts more voters as well.

  2. A rich and powerful person in India like a politician can always get advantages in their favor. When the same person starts getting investigated for their crimes, they find the system to be onerous and problematic. The system is the same, just about average. But everyone just thinks of it from a subjective perspective. I wonder what Mr Chidambaram wrote about the system when his father was in power.

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