Accountability in Democracy

    Accountability forms the basic pillar of any democracy. The main factor that separates other forms of governance with democracy is its accountability. It is implicit and forms the basic foundation on which democracy is built.

    During the era of kings and kingdoms, lack of accountability was widespread and the king was an authoritative head and his decision would be final. He need not necessarily explain his actions to anyone thus giving him absolute power to do whatever he wants. Very frequently, the treasury was used for his vested interests and there were effectively no one that could question his spending. Because of this power, some elites became closer to the king and gained benefits. The others were left out and marginalised and there was no inclusion in development. Thus the rich became the law makers and the poor became the law followers. All these can be traced back to accountability.

    The organs of democracy like the Parliament and its proceedings, Judiciary, Election commission and some offices like the Comptroller and Auditor General work to bring accountability into the system. They ensure that the actions of the government and the executive are reasonable and justified so that there is no concentration of power and effectively give respect to people's vote. We really do not need one more Hitler who manipulated people like toys emotionally to usurp power.

    In recent times, the media is playing a huge role in ensuring accountability. They are providers of vital information to the citizens. But today, there is a marketisation of the media. The menace of sold media, media with a political agenda and fake news pose a threat to democracy. Media which is not neutral cannot give valid vital information to the people. In this era of information explosion, if one goes on social media, he will be confused in identifying the truth as to what to believe and what not to believe.

    Democracy stands on a balance between key principles of liberty, equality and fraternity as mentioned in the preamble. Apart from these, from various Supreme Court judgements, The right to life under Article 21 has gained traction and dignity is also a fundamental right. Without equality, there is no difference between a monarchy and a democracy and without liberty, the individual dignity can be compromised. When a person is curbed of his liberty, he is not given an opportunity for developing into his full potential. By not giving him opportunity to develop into his complete physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual self, his dignity as an individual is compromised. But when the institutions governing him are accountable, the accountability checks the excesses of the government and the executive and provides him an opportunity to question their actions. After all we have to remember that India is a country and does not represent any one political party. Governments come and go, but India must remain !