In recent years, Extra Judicial Killing has become a major issue in many countries around the world. It is a practice whereby law enforcement officials, such as police officers or military personnel, carry out the killing of suspects or individuals without the benefit of a legal trial or due process. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what Extra Judicial Killing is, its implications, and the factors that contribute to its prevalence.
Understanding Extra Judicial Killing
Extra Judicial Killing is also known as extrajudicial execution or extra-legal execution. It is a practice that involves the killing of individuals by state officials without the benefit of a legal process. In other words, it is a form of state-sponsored killing that violates fundamental human rights.
Extra Judicial Killing is carried out by various state actors, including police officers, military personnel, and intelligence agencies. In many cases, victims of Extra Judicial Killing are suspected of crimes, but there is often no evidence to support these suspicions. The practice is particularly prevalent in countries where there are weak rule of law and a lack of accountability for state officials.
Implications of Extra Judicial Killing
Extra Judicial Killing has serious implications for human rights and the rule of law. It undermines the principles of due process and the right to a fair trial. It also violates the right to life, which is enshrined in international law.
Extra Judicial Killing also has wider social and political implications. It can erode public trust in state institutions and lead to a breakdown of social order. It can also create an environment of fear and intimidation, particularly for marginalized communities who are often the targets of such killings.
Factors Contributing to Extra Judicial Killing
There are various factors that contribute to the prevalence of Extra Judicial Killing. One of the main factors is the lack of accountability for state officials who carry out such killings. In many countries, there is a culture of impunity, where state officials can carry out Extra Judicial Killing without fear of punishment or legal repercussions.
Another factor is the lack of training and resources for law enforcement officials. In many cases, police officers and military personnel are not adequately trained to carry out their duties in a manner that is consistent with human rights principles.
Additionally, the use of extrajudicial killing is often linked to broader issues of corruption, organized crime, and political instability. In countries where these issues are prevalent, there is often a higher incidence of Extra Judicial Killing.
Conclusion
Extra Judicial Killing is a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law. It is a practice that has serious social and political implications, and it is often linked to broader issues of corruption, organized crime, and political instability. It is essential that state actors are held accountable for Extra Judicial Killing, and that law enforcement officials are adequately trained and resourced to carry out their duties in a manner that is consistent with human rights principles.
Extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in India
Extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in India have seen a 15% decline in cases registered between 2016-17 and March 2022, but have shot up by 69.5% in the last two years. There have been 813 cases of encounter killings in the last six years, with Chhattisgarh recording the most cases at 259, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 110 and Assam with 79.
The Causes behind EJKs
There are various causes behind EJKs, including public support due to a lack of faith in the court system's ability to provide timely justice.
- Political leaders may also support these killings to show they are maintaining law and order in their state.
- Punitive violence is another reason, with some police officials believing that violence and torture are the only ways to control crime and create fear among potential criminals.
- Hero-worshiping also plays a role, with the media and public portraying police officers involved in these killings as heroes who are cleaning up society. However, this celebration of unlawful violence ignores the fact that the police have no authority to perform such an act, and it violates the human rights of the accused.
- Inefficiency of the police in conducting thorough investigations, leading to low conviction rates, is another contributing factor to the rise of EJKs, as encounters are seen as an easy way for the police to create a positive image of maintaining law and order in the area.