School Principal pardons pupil based on Justice Katju’s letter

Civil rights activists hail new era of justice

In a sign that Justice Markandey Katju’s letter writing spree may finally be bearing fruit, the principal of a municipal school today pardoned a pupil based on a plea by Justice Katju.

Sunil Kumar of Madupati Hanumantha Rao School who had failed to wear white shoes on PT day was stunned to discover that he didn't have to stand in the sun for two hours the following day. Local media have reported that the Principal of the school received a letter from Justice Katju appealing that Sunil be pardoned on humanitarian grounds.

In his letter, Justice Katju appealed to the Principal to view the child’s transgression through the prism of history. A portion of the letter appearing on his blog is reproduced below:

“Most students did wear white shoes as is required and Sunil didn’t, making him part of the minority. And as part of the minority, Sunil’s case deserves special attention. Sunil is not a celebrity and with his unremarkable looks may never be one, however justice cannot be denied because he is not a celebrity. Sunil has already suffered through the years on account of studying in your school and has been ostracized by classmates for being of large proportions and having poor hygiene. To punish him further would not serve the purpose of justice. Also, remember that he is a child at the mercy of parents who are probably among the 90% of Indians who are idiots and hence Sunil should not be held responsible for their actions.”

The Principal offered to set up a special bench in the school playground that Justice Katju could use to deliver justice on a continuing basis. “We have problems with children fighting and given Justice Katju’s immense body of knowledge on all issues, we would appreciate his guidance to sort out disputes between pupils”. It is reported that Justice Katju has accepted this offer on the condition that a separate fact finding body is set up and he delivers verdicts on matters of law.  

The overjoyed pupil was grateful to Justice Katju and said “Even though I did not apply for the plea, I am grateful to Katju Uncle. I will grow up and prove that I don’t belong to the 90% but rather to the intelligent 15%."