12th March 2000

The only court in session

"Case One," says the Court Mudliyar, "is the Greens vs. Blues".

"The blues are charged with harassing the greens at the elections, Your Lordship," says the lawyer for the Greens, "they have even cut the noses of some green supporters".

"Summon the alleged victims" orders Lord Seeni Bola and they appear before him.

"Tell me" asks Lord Seeni Bola, "which is the better colour, green or blue?"

The victims look at each other. "We prefer green" they say.

Lord Seeni Bola laughs. "The sky is blue. Water is also blue. Can you survive without the sky and the water?"

The green victims look at each other again. "I'll pardon you this time" says Lord Seeni Bola, "you must always vote for the Blues. You are lucky to have only your nose injured, they could have even cut your hair. Case dismissed".

"Case Two" calls the Court Mudliyar, "is Pala vs. Dasa".

"This is also about an election but it is an election in cricket" said Dasa's lawyer. "We fear that the elections will not be free and fair".

"Why do you say that?" asked Lord Seeni Bola.

"Last year too there were problems and we had to come to courts to get justice"

"I'm afraid that justice may not have been done last year" observed Lord Seeni Bola, "and that is why I am here now to see that the better horse wins".

"But may not be fair, Your Lordship" Dasa's lawyer pleaded.

"I'll give you two choices," said Lord Seeni Bola, "Either you can have the election and see that the better horse wins; or else, I can declare the winner right now".

The lawyers looked at each other. "Case dismissed" said Lord Seeni Bola.

"Case Three" called the Mudliyar "is a fundamental rights application by a judge who was sent home, challenging his dismissal".

"Summon the judge" ordered Lord Seeni Bola.

"What was the basis of the judgments given by you?" Lord Seeni Bola wanted to know.

"The basis, Your Lordship, is the law and the greater good of the people".

"Tell me, how do you decide on the greater good of the people?"

"Why Your Lordship, that is based on what is right, what is moral and what is legal".

Lord Seeni Bola laughed. "Your are wrong" he said.

"But Your Lordship, that is how we have been taught to decide".

"But you are wrong" said Lord Seeni Bola " You know that we, the Blues, represent the majority of the people, fifty one per cent. So, for your judgments to serve the greater good of the people, they must be in our favour.

You didn't do that and that is why you were sent home".

"Case four" the Court Mudliyar called.

"No" said Lord Seeni Bola. "Court stands adjourned. I have to attend a cabinet meeting!"

The Jungle Telegraph

Editorial/ Opinion Contents