I read an article on begging in the Hindu. The author has concurred with some of the views expressed by me in myblog post. He revealed that there still exists a law enacted byBritish which indeed proscribes begging. Ironically, it was the avowed objective of the British royalty who established empires all over, that their subjects remain beggars. 

What was disturbing is that  DelhiHigh court has upheld a Delhi Police law which seeks to impose fine on those who offer alms to those beggars at traffic signals. The court has reportedly said that such beggars obstruct free flow of traffic in the nation's capital. Majority of Delhi's privileged feel that beggars are eternal nuisance and have sought curbing thier act of seeking alms for livelihood. 

Some time ago, Supreme court ordered demolitions in elite areas of capital where un authorised constructions with collusion by DDA and Delhi Municipal corporation authorities have usurped areas meant to be gardens for the elite. Even those who were dwelling in these unauthorised constructions were not spared. No alternative provision was made mandatory. Most of them were running petty businesses to feed their families. They were thrown to wolves one fine morning. 

Similarly on the issue of pollution, Supreme Court mandated that buses with 15 years of running shall be off the roads and all buses should be run on CNG- cleaner alternative. If pollution is the issue then why not in the entire country such laws are enforced? Why in Delhi alone ? Are we a sultanate or a Democracy?

While enforcing the law, care should be taken that the enforcement does not in any way take away the right to livelihood of the citizens. In demolition of unauthorised buildings and in proscribing begging at traffic signals,  it is exactly what has happened. 

I expect and plead we review such decisions and before implementing them provide alternative means of livelihood.