Fanaticism a threat to democracy:Sorabjee

Rohtak, Mar 11 (UNI) The rise of fanaticism and culture of intolerance was a menacing threat to democracy and steps must be taken to check this rising problem, said eminent jurist and renowned legal luminary Soli J Sorabjee here today. Delivering a special lecture on 'Challenges to Democracy' at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) here, Mr Sorabjee said that the need of the hour was to develop a culture of tolerance in the country. The right to dissent was the essence of democracy, he added.

In his address, he pointed out that cancer of corruption was destroying the country and was a challenge to democracy. He opined that corruption was violation of rights of people as well and called for social ostracisation of corrupt people in society.

Mr Sorabjee stated that efficacy of democracy would depend upon the character of people who govern it. He said the need of the hour was a few honest men and women at the helm of affairs.

Advocating participatory democracy in the country, he said that active citizen, vigilant media and efficient judiciary would help to meet effectively the various challenges to democracy. He said the citizens were the ultimate sovereigns of democracy and urged them to come forward to nurture democracy in the country.

Vice Chancellor of MDU, Prof R S Dhankar advocated collective societal efforts for establishing real democracy in the country. He termed parliamentary democracy as one of the best form of government.

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