By Justice Markandey Katju–
(Justice Markandey Katju is a former Judge, Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman, Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own)
It is a basic principle of natural justice that no one should be condemned unheard. But paying scant regard to this principle, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and some persons taking his cue, flocked with one voice to condemn the Indian Government for the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh, though no evidence was disclosed by the Canadians, and nothing shared with the Indian authorities.
I am reminded of the Queen of Hearts in Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ who would say “Off with his head!” even before a trial was held giving a hearing to the accused.
Prime Minister Trudeau said in the Canadian House of Commons that there was a “credible allegation” that the Indian Government had a hand in the murder. He did not even say that there was credible evidence. And till now nothing has been disclosed.
READ: indica’s comprehensive coverage of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s allegations and the aftermath
Is allegation itself evidence and proof? Or is expulsion of an Indian diplomat enough evidence and proof?
The Indian Govt has called Trudeau’s allegation absurd and motivated.
Even Opposition leaders in Canada have said that the Prime Minister has not disclosed any facts. Some believe Trudeau wanted to appease the Canadian Sikhs to get their votes.
A US government spokesperson said that the US Govt is ‘deeply concerned’ about Trudeau’s allegation, a statement which really means nothing. The UK government has said nothing, and Trudeau seems to stand isolated.
It is time that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau comes clean. He should either disclose the evidence he has, or else render an apology to India for jumping the gun.
