TODAY -

An Introduction To The Notion Of Injustice
- Part 1 -

Czadanda Saint *



"If it were not for the injustice, there wouldn't have been justice".
- Heraclitus

Indeed, it is the injustices which makes the concept of justice so significant. Consider this hypothetical scenario. If justice had prevailed, Jesus Christ wouldn't have died at the Cross for us. Of course, he died as a redemption for all the sins of mankind, and it was meant to be that way. But, it also cannot be denied that the persecution, capture, imprisonment, torture and the subsequent crucifixion amounted to a grave travesty of justice. It was grossly unfair, arbitrary, and it was an absolute display of corrupted power. The bottom line is that justice had not prevailed. Justice had never prevailed. So, it is quite a wonder to think, if justice had prevailed, what would have been the history of the world as we know it.

Justice, or the concept of it, is more truly a utopian dream. One of the highest ideals of mankind, which we should keep striving for; it is never seen except for the occasional glimpses, encouraging us to carry on the quest for it. But in reality, it is actually the 'injustices' which we meet along the way which shape our lives, and the times we live in. History is littered with innumerable instances where great injustices have produced great soldiers of justice. If slavery was not practiced on a grand scale in America, would there be an Abraham Lincoln? If the British had not colonised India and meted out the atrocities to the Indians, would there be a Mahatma Gandhi? Or closer home, if there was no AFSPA, or if there was no Malom Massacre, would there be a certain Irom Chanu Sharmila?

Contemporarily, justice has been defined in terms of fairness, as a pre-requisite for the maintenance of order and peace in society. Prof John Rawls, who, developed his theory of justice on 'justice as fairness' principle, holds that justice is what should be good for the least advantageous and the least deprived members of the society. Though Prof Rawls presented his principle to solve the problem of distributive justice, much required for the social and economic ills prevailing in our present world, 'justice as fairness' principle has a universal appeal to it.

For instance, in the realm of criminal justice administration, justice is seen as an act of vengeance. For when a criminal is punished- imprisoned, fined or otherwise, it can be inferred as an act of vengeance by the State, if not by the private individuals.

The crime can't be undone. So, this act of 'vengeance' becomes proper to restore the balance between the powers and the liberties of the people, to deter future crimes and thus to maintain order and peace in society. Justice thus becomes fairness. And therefore the corollary to this is without fairness, there can be no justice.

There is, however, a catch to this. Because, life itself is not fair. Or to be more precise, there is no such thing as fairness in its absolute sense. In life, we can only strive for 'fairness', but make do with what we have or what we get. For example, orphaned children infected with HIV/AIDS. By birth, life has been unfair to them. With no fault of their own, they are brought into this world with already an affliction and stigma.

And no matter what we try to say otherwise about the 'stigma', it is real and sooner or later they are going to feel it. If we could only step into their minds for at least a day and see and feel by ourselves the many questions, the many 'whys' left unanswered, we may realise that whatever we may do for them is never going to be enough. Because, the unfairness can't be undone. All we can hope for is to try to restore the balance to some optimum level. And that is the best we can do.

Nevertheless, keeping aside this cynicism, it also doesn't mean that we shouldn't do anything for them. On the contrary, it means that we should do everything we can. There should be a ceaseless effort to make them understand, live, experience and enjoy life; the beauty in the occasional glimpses of pure mirth, moments of laughter and happiness. And it is on those small details of their lives, those fleeting seconds of their merriment and joy that we have to give back 'fairness' to them, justice to them.

To elaborate further, we have to understand 'justice' in the same way Mahatma Gandhi understood 'truth'. Both as a noun and a verb, if we are to say so literally. On one hand, Gandhiji tried to perceive 'truth' in its absolute sense. He went as far as to even proclaim that 'Truth is God' and devotion to this truth is the sole justification of our lives. In other words, it can be said that according to him, our lives should be a quest for this Absolute Truth, the raison d'etre of our existence.

However, to realise this ideal, Gandhiji also stated that there is also the need to understand Truth in its non-absolute sense, i.e., in relation to untruth. He said that truthfulness should permeate through every miniscule details of our lives- that our lives should centre on truth. Our every word, thought and action should be truthful no matter how irrelevant they may appear to be. And untruthfulness or lies should have no place whatsoever and must always be resisted. Truthfulness should govern each and every sphere, each and every moment of our lives. For, it is the only known path to realise the Absolute Truth.

This is exactly how we should try to understand the idea of justice. Justice, as an ideal, should be the beacon of hope, an unfulfilled aspiration, a shining twinkling light on a faraway watch tower. Our life's journey is to proceed along the trail cast by the glittering, twinkling light. But life is not fair. The path may be paved but is strewn with thorns of injustice and unfairness, however minuscule they may appear to be.

And the point of our journey is to clean up these thorns and not just move along the trail or at least make an effort to clean up the path for those who will come after us. For example, let us take the case of those rickshaw pullers and those small one-manned street vegetable vendors and others who are living from hand-to-mouth in similar occupations. For such people, who belong to the lower rings of our social and economic hierarchy, alleviation of their living and working conditions should be one of the top most priorities of the State; and we, as citizens, should push the Government for it.

But in the meantime, we, as individuals, can also do a little bit in our own ways. For instance, we can stop bargaining prices with them, unless they are charging exorbitant rates. There's not much worth in haggling with them for one-two rupees. And in any case, what's the point in asking the Government to ameliorate their existing conditions, if we, as individuals, seem to be acting on the contrary? Such little acts count. It may be construed as kindness or sympathy. But it is step taken in optimism. A step towards justice.

Briefing up, from Gandhiji's understanding of truth, two points can be highlighted here. First, he acknowledged the presence or existence of untruth. By advising us to be truthful in every thought, action and word throughout our lifetime, he was advocating us to resist the temptation to be untruthful, no matter the circumstances.

Or in other words, the importance of understanding the concept of 'untruth' for the realisation of "Absolute Truth'. Likewise, the concept of injustice becomes central to the understanding of the idea of justice. It will and always be the injustices which shape our quest for the ideal of absolute justice. The thorns of injustice on the path and what we choose to do with it has far reaching implications, not only for ourselves individually, but also for the mankind as a whole. If we, as individuals, keep surrendering to the instances of injustice, however small and insignificant they may appear to be, how will we, the mankind, fare in the quest for Absolute Justice?

Secondly, Gandhiji's understanding of truth does not include the concept of 'for the greater good'. Though he admitted that some evils are necessary, but they are only to be temporal. Likewise, the concept of 'for the greater good' should have no place in the idea of justice. If unfortunately there is, it must be considered as a temporary necessity, a necessary evil, and there should be an unrelenting effort to do away with at the earliest. If we keep overlooking, sacrificing small acts of injustice in the name of 'for the greater good', what exactly is the greater good we are after? Or has justice become a commodity, its value dependent on the utility of it, according to the situation?

To be continued..


* Czadanda Saint wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at saddanskhaibam(at)gmail(dot)com
This article was posted on April 06, 2015.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025