Accountability for those harming our institutions

Deepak Sinha

Loyalty, courage and sacrifice hold great significance within the institution, while long-standing customs and traditions are revered as sacred

In 1927, the French intellectual and philosopher, Julien Benda, published his classic ‘La Trahison des Clercs’, or “The Treason of the Clerks”. He used the term ‘treason’ to imply betrayal, and “clerks” to refer to writers or members of the intelligentsia; journalists, academics, commentators and other professionals. His book was an attack on how the intelligentsia of the period had betrayed the legacy of the ‘Age of Enlightment’; the fruits of the Revolution, by descending into extreme nationalism and racism, a phenomenon that seems to have raised its ugly head again, the world over. We have not been immune either, given the existing state of affairs within our society, though religion and caste may have replaced race to some extent. 

In our case, it is not about any particular political party or group suborning our democratic institutions, in its efforts to push through its ideology, or about the unconscionable actions of some within institutions of supinely kowtowing before the powers that be for self-aggrandisement. That kind of behaviour is not unknown from the past, though probably was not as overt or extensive as prevalent today. The problem with all of this is, as Ayn Rand so perceptively observed, “each individual has the power to suspend, evade, corrupt or subvert his perception of reality, but not the power to escape the existential and psychological disasters that follow.” In essence, we may avoid facing reality, but its adverse consequences will always catch up with us. 

Take the military for instance. As an institution given its exacting selection process, emphasis on discipline and accountability it is relatively devoid of many ills that plague our society in general. It has always been seen as a reputable and trustworthy institution within the country, and even internationally, a fairly unique phenomenon in the developing world, including in our neighbourhood. Primarily because of its apolitical nature of functioning and the professionalism it has always displayed, whatever the task. Moreover, its senior leadership is also greatly respected and given unquestioned loyalty by the rank and file, because of their competence and integrity and for having the interest and well-being of their troops in mind at all times. 

Moreover, loyalty, courage and sacrifice are greatly valued, and long-standing customs and traditions are treated as sacrosanct, which greatly strengthens the foundations of the institution itself. Its members are fully aware of the onerous responsibility on their shoulders to maintain the reputation of the institution itself, which calls for utmost dedication, discipline and self-sacrifice. All of this adds to esprit-de-corps, comradery and morale, instilling in each of its members a strong sense of what is right and wrong. It is an environment that needs proper nurturing to flourish if it is not to be found wanting even in the most difficult of circumstances. This is not to suggest that there are no deviations from the norm. Far from it, but these are relatively few and far between. Moreover, such egregious behaviour is not condoned and corrective steps are initiated at the earliest possible time to prevent reoccurrence. More importantly, those involved, invariably face social opprobrium within the community, both from serving and veteran colleagues.

Unfortunately, there has been a gradual deterioration in ethical standards, as increasing corruption and a blatant disregard for societal norms that have infected our society as a whole, especially the political establishment, have impacted the military as well. In the earlier days, most aberrations at the highest levels were more like sins of omission than of commission. This changed from the time the late General Bipin Rawat was appointed Army Chief. Since then, questionable initiatives have been undertaken, that appeared more geared towards pleasing the political leadership and fulfilling their ideological aims than enhancing our capabilities or protecting institutional integrity. The best example of this was when General Rawat acquiesced to the stopping of funding for the Mountain Strike Corps midway through its implementation, because the present dispensation did not perceive its need as a priority. Indubitably, the contemporary adverse situation in Eastern Ladakh would never have occurred, if this short-sighted step had not been taken. Truly a case of being pennywise but pound foolish! 

Similarly, seniority and laid down service rules were arbitrarily ignored while appointing the Chief of Defence Staff, following General Rawat’s tragic demise. With the sanctity of such appointments compromised, we not only see greater interference by politicians in purely military matters but also a blatant disregard of all prevailing norms by senior officers in vain attempts to push personal agendas. The invitation to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister as the Chief Guest for a Regimental Reunion, with which he has no affiliation, and the ridiculous initiative underway to change uniforms and badges of rank of one service as they reek of colonial influence are examples of such perverseness. While such behaviour has come to be increasingly normalised, its adverse impact on the rank and file cannot be wished away. Sooner rather than later, we will all pay a very high price for our obvious unwillingness to condemn such reprehensible behaviour that is destroying the very foundations of one of our most cherished institutions.

(The author, a military veteran, is a visiting fellow with the Observer Research Foundation and a senior visiting fellow with The Peninsula Foundation, Chennai, views are personal)