The lies in religious texts and modern legal repercussions

Birendra Laishram *

From an early age, we learn that lying is a cardinal sin, capable of costing us friends, opportunities, and our reputation. Despite this, the belief that no good comes from lying is not always true. In some cases, the benefits of lying can outweigh the consequences of truth-telling, such as keeping details of past relationships private to prevent stagnation in a relationship.

Lies can be crucial for saving lives. For example, in the South movie Power, an IPS officer lies to protect his father by pretending to be an MLA, sacrificing his own happiness to maintain this facade; in his movie Zindadili billionaire pretends to be a daily bread earner. These are harmless white lies.

Various religious texts address the topic of lying. In Hinduism, the principle of Satya (truth) is highly valued, while Buddhism discourages false speech, although it acknowledges situations where lying may be acceptable for a greater good. In wartime, deception can be a strategy for victory, and even nature employs lying for survival - animals and plants alike.

Lies can also serve as motivational tools. A husband might reassure his wife about a meal's taste solely to avoid hurting her feelings. Similarly, brothers and friends might lie to promote reconciliation. The necessity of lying appears in epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, as well as in the Bible and the Quran.

While truth is central to the Christian faith, characterized by the call to be truth-seekers and believers, lies are described as instruments of deception. In John 14:6, Jesus is revealed as "the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing the importance of truth in our relationship with God.

The Bible labels the enemy as the "father of lies" (John 8:44), warning that deception distorts our realities and hinders our connection with God. Truth is essential for liberation, as God's truth facilitates genuine freedom. Psalm 101:7 conveys that deceit disqualifies one from being in God's presence, highlighting the importance of honesty in God's eternal family.

God values the state of our hearts; dishonesty indicates heart issues. Matthew 15:18-20 explains that what we speak reflects our hearts. God desires to free us from the shackles of deceit to lead fulfilling lives.

Building trust after betrayal is challenging, and the Bible provides guidance for such situations. Romans 12:17-21 advises against revenge and encourages living peacefully with all, even when it requires setting boundaries. We should seek to overcome evil with good without having to reveal every aspect of our lives.

In Sahih Muslim, it is noted that a liar is one who attempts to reconcile and speaks kindly to prevent disputes. Islam also permits lying in specific situations, granted that it serves a greater purpose or avoids greater harm. However, it advises using statements with multiple meanings rather than outright lies.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) indicated that he does not consider someone a liar if they use words to reconcile, speak in wartime, or communicate tenderly with their spouse. Lies, therefore, pan be perceived not merely as breaches of honesty but as complex instruments that reflect the nuances of human relationships and the moral quandaries that accompany our choices. Yet, the ethical landscape surrounding the act of lying is fraught with tension, forcing us to engage in a personal reckoning with our values and intentions.

As we delve deeper into the moral implications of lying, it becomes apparent that the context is paramount. In relationships, the intent behind a lie Can alter its morality significantly. For instance, a fib meant to shield a loved one's feelings may be seen as an act of kindness or protection rather than outright deception. This protective instinct resonates with the idea of loyalty, where preserving the emotional well-being of another can sometimes take precedence over absolute transparency.

The ethical discourse on lying is not limited to religious texts; philosophy also offers insights. A thinker like Immanuel Kant theorised that lying is categorically wrong, fundamentally undermining the fabric of trust necessary for societal functioning.

By contrast, utilitarian perspectives argue that the consequences of an action, including lying, should determine its moral value. If lying results in the greatest overall good, then it can be justified, showcasing the ongoing debate among ethicists regarding the moral weight of truth versus deception.

Cultural narratives also shape our understanding of lies and their consequences. In many folktales and fables, deceit is often portrayed as a double-edged sword, yielding immediate benefits while leading to eventual downfall.

The story of Pinocchio, for example, serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of lying, where the protagonist's fibs manifest in visible consequences - his nose growing longer with each lie. Such narratives serve as moral instruction, cautioning individuals about the delicate balance of honesty and deception.

Furthermore, the concept of "white lies" - those often deemed harmless - challenges the binary classification of truth and falsehood. These minor deceptions, often used to promote social harmony or protect feelings, invite us to reconsider the rigid categorization of lying. They encourage a dialogue around the ethics of honesty, suggesting that not all lies are created equal and that intent matters greatly in the moral calculus.

Ultimately, the necessity of lies unfolds as a multifaceted issue, intertwined with our human experience. While honesty remains a foundational principle that fosters trust and authenticity, the recognition of nuanced circumstances where lying might serve a larger purpose highlights the complexity of moral decision-making.

Lying is not only unwise; it is fundamentally detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole. In our modem civilization, we have witnessed considerable advancements across various domains. However, despite these progressions, it remains evident that no Nation fully adheres to the established religious laws that oppose falsehoods.

Each country has a profound responsibility to uphold the rule of law, which is a cornerstone of societal stability and fairness. One of the most serious offenses that can occur within the legal framework is perjury, defined as the act of lying or making false statements while under oath during legal proceedings. This act is not merely a minor infraction; rather, it is an egregious crime that significantly undermines the integrity of the entire justice system.

Moreover, perjury undermines the core values of legal ethics and can lead to lasting and severe repercussions, not just for the individual committing the act but also for others involved in the legal process. The effects of deception can spread throughout the legal system, affecting judgments, legal outcomes, and the trust that society places in judicial processes.

On 17 July 1998, 120 States adopted a statute in Rome- established the International Criminal Court. For the first time in the history of humankind, States decided to accept the jurisdiction of a permanent international criminal court for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes committed in their territories or by their Nationals after the entry into force of the Rome Statute on 1 July 2002.

The International Criminal Court can intervene in cases of genocide and crimes against humanity when a State is unable or unwilling to conduct a genuine investigation and prosecute the offenders.

Therefore, prioritizing honesty is not just a personal virtue; it is essential for maintaining the integrity of the justice system itself and deepens in distrust between the parties. Upholding truthfulness is crucial for ensuring that justice is served fairly and equitably, fostering a society where trust and accountability prevail. It is not good idea to tell a lie.