“Custodial Death of Father-Son Sparks Outrage in Tamil Nadu.” Looking at headlines like this one, we truly begin questioning justice and its play in society. On Friday evening (June 19th) at Sathankulam, Tirunelveli district, father Jayaraj, and his son Bennicks were arrested by the police for keeping their shops open for an extended time than what was ordered. It was reported that both of them were tortured and beaten brutally by the police on June 20th, which ultimately lead to their deaths on June 23rd. Although various news coverages of this issue suggest that they were already going through heart ailments and that was the reason for the death, it can only be seen as a way to cover up the real trauma the victims could have faced.
Where on Earth is Humanity Heading
The Bible states, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God.”
While we look at this verse and think of the incident, we know for a fact that it was not right to keep the shops open beyond the allocated time. It is clear that we are expected to submit to the authorities. But would it have hurt to let them go with a warning? If they continued to make the same mistake, they could have imposed a fine or anything else that was appropriate for the deed done. What do justice and love mean anymore? It hurts to even think of what they must have been put through. The blood, the pain, the unheard cries and the trauma that the victims would have gone through is distressful.
At this time, when all of us are going through a global pandemic, businesses and local traders are massively hit and are going through financial losses. Could the policemen like the ones who are involved in this particular incident have taken a more compassionate route? Should not the rights of every citizen be upheld?
A Solution to Injustice
Everyone is under immense pressure especially about their livelihoods, a little love and kindness can go a long way especially from those above. The Bible says “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Ultimately this is our command, when power and pride are overruled by love from God the duty that one does becomes service to people. As believers in Jesus, listening and seeing such incidents is truly shocking and painful. It is at times like this that our prayers need to become stronger as we ask God’s guidance to open our eyes to those who suffer. We might not be able to change the system within a short span of time, but acknowledging that a problem exists and doing our little part to contribute justice can go a long way.
Contribute Justice
- Voice out your opinions and encourage healthy exchanges. This is a step forward in the right direction.
- Stand up for those who are oppressed, encounter the injustices you can see in your immediate environment.
- Pray for those in power that they will get wisdom from God to do that which is right. Pray also for those who are vulnerable that they will be safeguarded.
We are called to take action and confront evil, to care for the vulnerable, and to make right that which is wrong. The King of justice is God, and we serve a just God who is watching from above. As we witness such injustices more than once, let us pray that God softens the hearts of those who have brought in pain and comforts the family of the victims. Remember, justice ultimately comes from God, but we as His children must seek it earnestly as well.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
– The Bible
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