Rule of law has no caste: Pawan Kalyan's message challenges caste-based narratives and puts the focus back on the rule of law

VIJAYAWADA: The debate over justice and accountability has entered a critical phase in Andhra Pradesh after deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan made a strong assertion at the Mana Ooru, Maata Manthi public interaction programme in Kakinada few days ago.Pawan made it clear that crime cannot have a caste identity, and criminals cannot be protected in the name of community.His message was direct, a person who commits a crime has only one identity: a criminal. Not Kapu. Not Kamma. Not Dalit. Not Muslim. Not Hindu. The law must see only the offence and the facts.The statement came in the backdrop of the case involving Gade Sai Krishna, a 25-year-old from Vijayawada’s Krishna Lanka area, who had multiple criminal cases pending against him.He reportedly went missing after being taken into police custody around May 10, with allegations emerging that he died in custody and was cremated without informing his family.The allegations have triggered serious concerns. Any custodial death, irrespective of the background of the person involved, raises fundamental questions about the protection of Article 21 of the Constitution, the right to life and personal liberty.

The case requires a transparent investigation, accountability and justice. An FIR has been registered, a Circle Inspector has been arrested and a SIT has been constituted to investigate the matter.However, alongside the demand for justice, another debate has emerged, whether political and social groups are turning individual cases into caste-based campaigns.Pawan Kalyan’s intervention focused on this larger issue: justice cannot be selective and communities cannot become shields for individuals accused of crimes.

His argument was that defending a person solely because of caste identity weakens the very foundation of equality before law.“Dr B R Ambedkar had repeatedly emphasised the importance of constitutional morality in a democracy. It requires citizens and institutions to place the Constitution above social identities. When accountability is viewed through the lens of caste, religion or political convenience, the victim’s search for justice gets overshadowed," said a veteran professor.He asserted that the issue also highlights another serious concern, police accountability. Allegations of custodial violence must be investigated without fear or favour.The credibility of law enforcement depends on ensuring that those entrusted with protecting citizens are themselves held accountable when they violate the law.Pawan Kalyan also called for greater citizen participation in maintaining law and order.

He stressed the need for citizen councils and responsible public involvement to ensure that criminals do not gain political influence and that leaders who encourage criminal elements are questioned.His stand carried political significance as well. The case involved people from his own community, yet he chose not to view it through a caste lens. He argued that protecting criminals in the name of identity does not bring respect to any community.“The Gade Sai Krishna case now stands as a test for institutions, whether justice can prevail beyond political narratives and social divisions," said a retired police official.For Andhra Pradesh’s democratic journey, the message is clear: police excesses must be punished, criminals must face the law, and every citizen must receive justice without discrimination.Because the rule of law has no caste. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, written more than six decades ago, continue to echo in every democracy where justice faces challenges from both powerful interests and social divisions.