The right to dissent and tolerance are the bedrock of a democratic society. Unfortunately, they cannot be legislated
One of India’s most eminent jurists, Soli Sorabjee was the Attorney General between 1998 and 2004. Prior to that, he was the country’s Solicitor General. He was awarded the Padma Vibushan in 2002 for his defense of the freedom of expression and protection of human rights. He also served as a member at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at Hague between 2000 and 2006. He is the author of numerous books and articles on law.
History is replete with instances of violent upheavals and breach of peace on account of intolerance leading to oppression of minorities and other unpopular groups. Violent conflicts which we are witnessing today are also the result of intolerance. What we need urgently and should aspire to is the practice of tolerance. It is noteworthy that the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations proclaims that to achieve the goals of the Charter we need “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”. Again the Declaration of October 24, 1970, on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States also states “that the peoples of the United Nations are determined to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another…” The link between tolerance and peace is thus clearly recognised. In reality there is indeed an essential linkage between tolerance, human rights, democracy and peace.
(This story appears in the 04 June, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)