Justice is not about treating everyone equally, but rather treating equals equally. The current uniform fine system in which a poor man and a wealthy individual like Ambani both pay the same fine, such as Rs. 500, raises questions about fairness. Is it truly just for someone with limited means to pay the same amount as someone immensely wealthy?
Clearly, it is not. To achieve true justice, we must implement a proportional fining system that takes into account an individual’s income or financial capacity. This way, fines become more equitable, reflecting the principle of treating equals equally.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital governance in India, there is an unprecedented opportunity to address the shortcomings of the current fixed fine system and implement proportional fines. The advancements in technology and data availability have made it easier than ever to create a fair and just penalty system that takes into account an individual’s income or the severity of the offense.
A more equitable approach would be to implement a proportional fine system, where penalties are based on an individual’s income or the value of the offense committed. This article explores the benefits and considerations of adopting such a system in India.
Promoting Equity: One of the primary arguments in favor of proportional fines is the promotion of equity. Under the current fixed fine system, a nominal penalty may have vastly different implications for individuals of different socioeconomic backgrounds. For a wealthy individual, a small fine may be inconsequential, while for someone with limited means, it can impose a significant financial burden. By proportionally tying fines to income, the penalty becomes more equitable and just, reflecting an individual’s ability to pay.
Ensuring Deterrence: Another crucial aspect of an effective penalty system is deterrence. The aim is to discourage rule violations by imposing penalties that serve as meaningful deterrents. Proportional fines address this issue by ensuring that the consequences of a violation are proportionate to an individual’s income or the severity of the offense. By making fines impactful regardless of one’s financial status, the likelihood of compliance with traffic rules and other regulations increases, fostering a safer and more responsible society.
The Power of Digital Governance:Digital governance has revolutionized administrative processes, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible. By leveraging technology, the government can now collect and analyze vast amounts of data, including income and violation records, to establish a fair and proportional fine system. This enables the development of progressive fine scales that align penalties with an individual’s financial capacity or the seriousness of the offense committed.
Recommendations for Implementation:
Digital Integration: The government should focus on integrating databases from various departments, such as income tax, traffic authorities, and law enforcement agencies. This integration will facilitate accurate income verification and enable the calculation of proportional fines based on an individual’s income brackets.
Data Privacy and Security: It is essential to prioritize data privacy and security measures to protect sensitive information. Implementing robust protocols and ensuring compliance with data protection laws will instill confidence in the public and maintain the integrity of the fine system.
Awareness Campaigns: The government should launch extensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the benefits and implementation of proportional fines. Public engagement through digital platforms, social media, and public service announcements will foster understanding and acceptance of the new system.
Legislative Support: To establish the legal framework for proportional fines, the government should consider enacting or amending legislation that explicitly allows for such a system. This legal backing will provide clarity, enhance enforceability, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
India’s journey toward digital governance presents a unique opportunity to transform the penalty system and embrace proportional fines. By leveraging technology, the government can promote fairness, equity, and justice in administering penalties. It is crucial for the government to take the initiative in implementing this progressive system, upholding the principle of treating equals equally. By embracing digital governance and proportional fines, India can pave the way for a more inclusive and just society, where penalties reflect both an individual’s capacity to pay and the seriousness of the offense committed.
