A legal manual for paralegals Nyaya-Pathiks in Gujarat

Title : Walking the Path of Justice: A legal manual for paralegals (Nyaya-Pathiks) in Gujarat

Year of Publication : 2006

Publisher's Details : N.A.

Translation : N.A.

The struggle for justice for the survivors of the 2002 massacre in Gujarat has no doubt to be fought in the courts, judicial and human rights commissions, the parliament and legislature. But most importantly of all, it has to be fought by the people themselves, in the places they live and work, and in their hearts and minds. This is a fight against fear and hate. It is a struggle for equal rights before the law, regardless of one's faith, caste, class or gender. It is a battle against forgetting. If justice is not done this time, then fear and hate will win decisively, and the secular foundations of India will be threatened as never before.

The battle for justice is important to prevent the recurrence of such mass crimes in the future. It is also important for upholding the dignity, equal rights and freedom from fear and intimidation of the survivors. Justice is an essential feature of reconciliation because no genuine reconciliation can be constructed on fear and injustice. The purpose for the fight of justice is not mere individual revenge and if it reduced to this it is unlikely to lead to genuine reconciliation in the communities that were torn apart by the hate and bloodshed. The battle for justice must be resolute but must also create spaces for dialogue and healing. As Desmond Tutu of South Africa says, 'there is no future without forgiveness.'

In this struggle for justice and equal rights before the law that must be waged primarily by people themselves, the greatest contribution can be made by resolute and courageous peace and justice workers who emerge from among the very communities that have survived the mass violence. These Nyaya Pathiks will rise above the hate and fear that has bitterly divided their communities and almost broken their spirits. They will work without compromise, hate or fear with steadfast commitment to justice and with compassionate and unfailing support for the survivors and witnesses.

For further information write to us at :-

cri.delhi@lawyerscollective.org