Decolonising the mindset

The vision of a Viksit Bharat hinges on India T breaking from the shackles of a colonial mindset and embodying the freedom of being unapologetically Indian. The laws of any nation are the cornerstone of its growth. The legal system offers the stability and adaptability essential for a country to thrive. The laws must be simple to understand and specific in their consequence.

- BANSURI SWARAJ

For decades, even after attaining independence, our country was burdened by outdated British-era laws that did not serve a progressive India. Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these relics of slavery and our colonial past have been repealed at a historic pace. Over 2,000 obsolete laws have been removed form the statute books. This represents a profound shift in the psychology of our legal system. It is no longer about subjugation by colonial masters but about reformation and development of our citizens.

Some of the laws that have been repealed were not just outdated and redundant but downright bizarre! One such gem was the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1914, which mandated car inspectors to have "well-brushed teeth". A bad dental day could lead to disqualification from the civil service. The absurdity continued as this law disqualified individuals with certain physical traits like pigeon chest, hammered toes, knocked knees or flat feet.