Sunday, February 8, 2009

Punishment Fits the Crime?

Sometimes, things you do (no matter how small) can come back and bite you in the ass many years later. 

If you don't believe me, check out this news story about a man jailed for taking 50 cents over 20 years ago.

India's federal police caught Balgovind Prasad accepting 25 rupees (51 cents) from a sweeper in 1985 for issuing a fake medical certificate, police said.

The case dragged on for years and Prasad was convicted in 1992 and given a one-year jail term. He was freed as he appealed the sentence.

Tuesday, a higher court in India's eastern state of Bihar state reduced the one-year term to three months, saying the bribe amount was too small, but directed the police to take Prasad into custody as he was guilty of the crime.

So, does the punishment fit the crime?

2 comments:

  1. 1985!!!! Wow, the wheels if justice turn slowly. How much is 25 rupees from 1985 worth now? I guess not much, but perhaps the cost of living and average wages of someone back then should be taken into account. But TWENTY-FOUR YEARS! Much too long.

    TRF

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