The Madras High Court has rightly observed that politics should be a force for the betterment of the common man and the nation. Using it for personal gain at the expense of people's lives is a misuse of power and goes against our constitutional ideals.

In a recent order on a contempt petition filed by R Girija, the bench of Justice S M Subramaniam made these observations. Girija sought the court's intervention after her tenant, S Ramalingam, an office bearer of the ruling DMK, disregarded court orders and refused to vacate her house for more than ten years

The Court said that politicians hold significant role over the lives of ordinary citizens. The words and actions of a politician carry weight and influence over their followers, party members, and the general public. It is of utmost importance that this power is not abused for unlawful personal gains.

“The power-wielding politicians have an inherent responsibility in having a positive and healthy impact on the lives of the people and guiding them in the right path, but instead what we are witnessing today in many instances is that the politicians are using their political connections and power to threaten and create nuisance to the public at large. This court cannot sit back and watch that the common man is facing ordeals”, the judge added.

The judge expressed concern that the court was witnessing a widespread abuse of political influence, particularly in cases involving land grabbing. Such actions, if unchecked, can undermine the foundations of a healthy democracy.

Utilizing political power and influence to unlawfully seize land from a vulnerable common man is akin to daylight robbery. While an ordinary citizen may appear powerless in the face of society, it is crucial to recognize that every individual in our great nation is constitutionally protected, and their rights must be upheld

The Courts will not remain spectators, especially, when his/her right to carry on with a peaceful life under Article 21 was threatened, the judge added.

The judge said political power should be used only for the benefit of the public and not to their detriment.

When politicians were given such power by the common public, it must be used for socially beneficial issues and not for creating problems for self gains, the judge added.