A bus owner Rajmohan in Kottayam was pummeled by CITU workers with the police officers watching as mere spectators. The court earlier allowed security for Rajmohan after threats turned common from union workers. Paying no heed to the roster of police officers, the CITU worker slapped and stomped the man in broad daylight as camera shutters clicked turbulently.

It was as if the police gave tacit approval for CITU workers to come forefront and flaunt their machoism in all public glare. The court too reprimanded the police's ineptness saying it was not a slap on Rajmohan's face but was on the court. At the same time, the police are double revved up and curious to move at a rapid pace in the investigation of Marunadan Malayali editor Shajan Skaraiah. No surprise since police have a clear understanding of the government's exasperation against Marunadan, so it would be best on their part to do some extra bit of gimmick to please their masters. Marunadan office was rummaged and the cell phones of employees were seized, which is quite something unknown hitherto in Kerala. Even ministers and MLAs of the ruling faction were seen gloating the move. Police forces have thus touched their nadir in hypocrisy and are doing a pantomime as per dictates from the ruling party.

During the emergency, the media was made a puppet by a despotic regime in Delhi. It was only after a ruthless struggle post-emergency that the media found their lost voice back. Criticism is vital for all democracies to sustain. However, what happening in Kerala nowadays is reminiscent of the dreary old day of emergency. The government here is working akin to a monarchial system. Those times have faded from memory but are still dragged to centerstage by the ruling elite who are drawn into the trance of power. The CITU meanwhile is enjoying an easy run able to commit violence with impunity. The police are least expected to stop any such violence in fear of condemnation from the ruling left party.

The court has reiterated the age-old notion of media being the fourth pillar of a democracy. However, it brings shame hearing these words again in 2023, as the court is forced to do such talks to calm tensions spurging in the state. On the other side, Police are relentlessly snatching away the phones of journalists the government hate. They are working for the government it seems, but definitely not for the people nor the state. People are mere spectators here.