Allowing People to Make Decisions Without Any Consequences

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 19 December 2024 "It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong." The famous American economist Thomas Sowell must have had an inkling of the current Indian politics and judiciary! This quote speaks to the risks of allowing people to make decisions without any consequences for their mistakes. It reflects the idea that those responsible for making decisions should be held accountable and not be allowed to make choices without any ramifications. Doing so invites mistakes and recklessness, with little incentive to consider potential outcomes and carefully weigh options. In order for decision-making to be effective and fair, those responsible for decisions should face repercussions for mistakes, encouraging them to take a more thoughtful and considered approach. But do our politicians and even judges at the Apex Court care for their decisions? When the Chief Justice Chandrachud said that Ram inspired him to give the verdict (in favour of Hindus) on Ram Janmabhoomi case, did he think of the ramifications of his words and verdict? When the judges allow temple or mosque type inconclusive conundrums to continue, do they care for their decisions? When BJP took the decision of Ladli Bahan and Bhai, did it think where would it get the money from? Did the voters in Maharashtra think of the consequences of electing BJP with a thumping margin? Did they ever realize that the government will take money from the majority to please the 'poorest of poor' women? We put all our crucial decisions in the hands of unethical goons because we lack the ability to make decisions. Plato wrote in his 'Republic' that the incompetent leaders are allowed to lead because people are often even more incompetent and inefficient than their leaders. It's what we say in Hindi, Andher Nagari, Chaupat Raja. One of the perils and pitfalls of this type of pseudo democracy prevalent in India is unaccountability. No one is accountable for the decisions that have negative ramifications. We're doomed to suffer and languish in the dungeon of flawed and partisan democracy. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/people-decisions-consequences/d/134067 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism