whomanoj.com

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”

I am often questioned over my intelligence in spending greatest part of my life in fighting for justice for others. They always claim that the world has been this way and no one has been able to change it.

I can only relate this story to them…

” A well known businessman was seen throwing something into the sea. It looked pretty weird someone so high in the corporate ladder doing what looked so low. A passerbye discovered that he was throwing back into the sea thousands of star fishes who had washed ashore. The passer-bye reasoned… why worry? there are thousands and thousands of them… “what difference would it make?” The answer from the businessman was… “to this one…. it really makes the difference … he said … as he returned back another one into the sea”.

It is debatable on how much impact I have on the overall animal abuse on this planet. But I am quite sure that every day my actions have a direct impact on several animals every day, whom I rescue and whose abusers go through a harrowing time and who are afraid of abusing animals further.

And my activism is not restricted to animals alone. Every organization I come across, whatever be the cause I make a point to provide them tangible help or at least a tangible encouragement. I closely work with organizations working on child rights, people with HIV Aids, civic rights and anti-corruption movement and environmental issues.

Many years ago I found out about the terrible things that people do to other animals and soon discovered to my dismay that there was no politician or Superman to call upon to make things right. I had to do it myself. Realising the power we all have within us to make things right is how we… save this planet. (Keith Mann)

Enforcing rights of the animals is the purpose of my life. And I am not a soft and sweet person when I do that. I am  quite dreaded by people who abuse animals.

Typically I receive 6-8 calls a week from individual complainants about animal abuse. If the case relates to petty voilation of law or issues that can be sorted by a simple warning…. I prefer to do that. I send them a letter explaining them the law and providing them an opportunity to respond back or correct the situation. In case of serious breach of law the modus operandi is very different.

I activate the informers from my informer network to provide me detailed information on the abuse. Then I personally go there as either a buyer or a visitor or a middleman or businessman or whatever the situation warrants. Collect evidence and generate greed if needed to discover large abuse or the source of the trade. This is followed up by a meeting with the senior officer of the law enforcement agency in that area. If it is suspected that local officers may be part of the racket or are too meek to handle the large clout of the abuser, then I involve a team from outside the area or a central agency.

On the d-day the team raids the premises and attempt to catch the abusers red-handed. This is followed by an immediate panchanama (recording on details in front of neutral witnesses) and arrest of the accused. The next step is to provide immediate relief to the animals in question by shiting them to a shelter or releasing them back if are fit for release.

This is followed by a criminal case against the accused. Usually the law mandates that such cases are always fought by the public prosecutor (government lawyer) and the accused. I have however found that no one really knows the animal laws and very few are really interested in enforcinng it. Using some significant case laws by the High court and Supreme Court I have been able to get intervention in every case I have initiated. I use lawyers in my case to guide me on the finer points of procedudal part of the matters, but as far as the main case is concerned, I write my petitions myself and also argue the case on my own.

So this whole process of law… I play a large number of roles.

Animal Welfare Officer : As a nominee of the central government on enforcing laws related to Animals I play the role of an officer assisting enforcement of the law and guiding them on animal laws.

Under cover investigator : Sneaking into places I would never be allowed to, creating hype and greed to bring out the devils and discovering facts that are hidden is the most challenging and enjoyable part of my work.

Lawyer : As mentioned… very few lawyers take interest in my kind of cases and very few people actually know these laws. I am therefore the lawyer for the animals I fight for. Almost all my cases are drafted and argued by me.

A vocal speaker : Though I have lost too much of faith on creating awareness but I do use the mike where I think I can influence decisons and spark a fire of passion amongst people.

Anti-corruption crusader : It is very common for me to see our cases diluted, criminals let off, evidence suppressed, witnesses threatened, money exchanged and law subverted. I am therefore always a supporter of bitterness in government and have played an active role in promotion of Right to Information Act. I have actively campaigned for an honest officer who was running up for an election.