lonsharim:

There are a number of people who talked about how Satyamev Jayate is not really that effective. Or the newspaper articles that point out that Aamir has lost out on the TRP and that among the celebrity shows Satyamev Jayate is the lowest rated. Others say that there is nothing new in what Aamir has to say, we know and have heard much of what the show talks about.

Perhaps they are true and perhaps they are not. None of the above are barometers on which we should judge the show. The show should be judged by the impact it has on India and it’s people. While its impact on people can be argued, its impact on the state and central governments of India is undisputed.

1. Within days of the first episode on female foeticide, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot promised to do his bit. The various court cases against doctors caught in the sting operation will be consolidated into one. The CM also doubled the reward amount to be given to anyone who gives information on clinics that perform such abortions. The Gurgaon health department also took cue from the show to crack down on doctors involved in sex determination.

2. Within a week of 2nd episode on child abuse, our Parliament has passed the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Bill today. This Bill has been pending for a long time. The show accelerated the passage of the Bill.

Some of the important areas that are covered by the Bill include

• Speedy trails and set up of special courts
• Punishment extending up to life imprisonment. (minimum 7 years)
• Gender neutrality.
• Child friendly including in-camera trials (i.e the child need not be called to court).
• Burden of proof is on offender, not the victim.
• Importantly, under Indian Penal Code, sexual offences were treated the same. The victim age was not taken into consideration. Now offences against minors will be treated differently from those against adults.
• Consent age has been raised from 16 to 18. This means that it is no longer an excuse for the accused to say and prove that what ever was done was done with the consent of the minor (usually the case in child marriages and child trafficking)
• Addresses child pornography and the punishment for first and second time offenders.
• Empowering a child to file a complaint including talking to women police offers etc.

It looks like the bureaucracy and the governments want to be seen as taking action when issues are highlighted. Therefore if celebrity endorsed shows like SJ highlight issues and nudge lethargic leaders into action, then it can only be good for us.

That alone makes this show fantastic. Not some TRP ratings or an analysis on the content not being new.