Power rangers

Do the young need to get together more often to seek justice? Yes, says Gen Z
Generation Z triumphs convincingly. The verdict given out in the Priyadarshini
Mattoo murder case proves just that. It all began with the movie Rang De Basanti triggering the trend of mass protests by Delhiites against the release of Manu Sharma in the Jessica Lal murder case. And with youngsters taking their new-found voice to the streets, other issues that were gathering dust in the corridors of justice also came under the spotlight.
The Priyadarshini Mattoo murder is a case in point. Now, with the accused, Santosh Kumar Singh, son of a high profile police officer, being given the death penalty, youngsters feel that there is power in their voice.
Young vindicated: Says Class XII student Priyanka Arora, “It proves that the youngsters can do things if they get together, even if it means taking to the streets to be heard. But at the same time, other pending cases also need to be looked into.” The protest rally held at the India Gate recently for justice in the Jessica Lal murder case had seen participation by many school and college students of the city.
Social change: As the young feel vindicated, it may eventually lead to the society taking an active interest in public issues. Says Dr Surendra Nath, head of the department, Anthropology, Delhi University, “Such judgments help in restoring people’s faith in justice and changing human behaviour too. It sends a strong signal that nobody is above the law and thus contributes towards behavioural changes in society.” Shalini Iyer, a BA student says, “The verdict in the Mattoo case will act as a warning for those who want to harm others.” Affirms advocate Santosh Jain, “This judgement has also instilled confidence in women that they will get justice and highly connected persons too can be brought to book. However, it shouldn’t take 10 years to decide on a case. ”
So, the common man’s effort of organising mass protests, filing petitions and lighting candles at the India Gate is beginning to bear fruit
after all.