This turn of events has severe implications for civil society, people’s movements and the work of the media, especially those raising their voice against the widespread corruption in Indian society. It also sends out a converse message to the corrupt. Social activists and those working at the village level often run into the corruption that has seeped into every sphere of our lives. A worker committed to a cause only has two options; one to fight it with the strength of conviction, and two, to become a part of ‘the system’. A person like Anna, quite naturally, chose the former. He had over the years, attempted to focus public attention onto the corrupt aspect of Indian society, at a time when there are only a few politicians against whom there are no charges of corruption.

Such is the state of affairs that even the country’s premier investigation agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation, has not yet proven a single case against any of the political figures in the much-hyped hawala scam. In a situation where the access to information is highly restricted even to the top investigative agency, it is simply not tenable for an individual to raise proof. There is no freedom in our system to access information. When there is so much secrecy involved in utilisation of public funds, how can civil society prove corruption?

In the Seymour Hersh-Morarji Desai incident when the American journalist accused Desai of being on the rolls of the CIA, Desai could not win a case of defamation against Hersh. In such instances, the malafide intent of an accusation has to be proved, as per US laws. Mr Babanrao Gholap should have been obliged to establish malice in Anna’s accusation. Booking Hazare for criminal liability, instead of civil liability, is an extreme response which would brook challenge with the higher judiciary.

The misuse of public funds along with negligible accountability enforces a conspiracy of silence on the country. There is a desperate need to expose this corruption and misuse of funds. As Prime Minister, the late Rajiv Gandhi had informed the Parliament that only 15 paise of a Rupee reached the people of the country.

The example of Anna’s work has considerable influence on the rural development policies of various state governments. Chandra Babu Naidu, chief minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh, and Digvijay Singh, CM of Madhya Pradesh, use Anna’s work as a blueprint in development of rural areas in the state.

We fully support Anna Hazare’s cause and express solidarity with him. We also suggest that the laws which have led to his sentence, be revised. If not, no one can take up the case of corruption against public figures. Any allegation made may end in criminal liability on the part of the accuser.

Statement supported by (organisations and individuals):