The Intersection of Society, Law, and Ethics
In recent times, a concerning trend has emerged in cases of social controversies and legal battles. Whenever an individual is involved in a serious crime, the organization they are associated with, their colleagues, and even their family are immediately dragged into the dock of public opinion. In this context, it is absolutely essential to understand the clear line of demarcation between ‘individual crime’ and ‘institutional responsibility.’
According to Indian jurisprudence and global legal principles, “Criminal Liability” is always personal.
A crime is the result of an individual’s own intellect, decision-making, and moral depravity. An organization grants its members the authority for social service and administration, not the authority to commit crimes.
If an office-bearer abuses their power to privately deceive or exploit someone, it is considered an act outside the “scope of employment” or the “functional domain” of the organization. According to the law, the individual alone is accountable to the court for such acts, not the innocent organization or its other members.
Service-oriented organizations are the backbone of any developed society. Educational, social, or community-based organizations provide essential facilities like scholarships, medical aid, and employment to thousands of needy people.
Defaming an entire organization due to the misdeeds of one person is akin to an assault on the hard work of thousands of selfless volunteers. If an organization is boycotted because of one individual’s error, hundreds of ongoing social service projects will grind to a halt, ultimately victimizing the innocent poor and the society at large.
Caution Against ‘Dirty Games’ on Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful tool, but it should not be used as a vehicle for spreading hatred.
As open-minded and responsible citizens, it is our duty not to spread animosity without verifying the facts.
If anyone has a grievance or a question regarding an organization or its officials, they should approach the leadership of the organization directly instead of engaging in baseless character assassination on social media. Tarnishing an institution’s image from behind a screen is an act of cowardice that breeds distrust within society.
It is a great social tragedy that along with the perpetrator, their parents, spouse, children, or friends are also viewed with hatred.
The family members may be completely unaware of the accused’s criminal mindset. Harassing them socially is a violation of human rights. Simply working in the same office does not make someone an accomplice to a criminal.
Justice is meaningful only when it is neutral. The law will certainly track down the guilty and impose the strictest punishment, but in that emotional process, flinging mud at an entire community, organization, or innocent family does not behoove a civilized society. Cutting down an entire tree because of one rotten fruit is not wisdom. Society must understand the difference between individual sin and institutional sanctity and act as mature citizens.
