Monday, February 17, 2014

A Matter of Jurisdiction

I just finished reading Gary Haugen's book, 'The Locust Effect'. Among other things he notes that in countries like India, when bullies are slapped with a lawsuit, they have many courses of action available to them, not the least of which is delaying the execution of justice. Frequently they do not need to exercise these options as the police carry it out for them in their inefficient ways. Typically this could involve citing the matter of jurisdiction.

I came across an article about Devyani Khobragade today in The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/khobragade-case-india-questioned-us-authority/article5698046.ece). All it says is that in September 2013 the State Department had inquired about the diplomat's compensating her maid at less than minimum wage. In reply the Indian government filed an injuction against the maid top stop her from approaching any US court. They also responded to the State Department that this was an issue internal to India and the US should not interfere.

Deja Vu.

It is easy to see the scourge of slavery and injustice when you see the symptoms.