Lal Bihari’s Identity Case
The case of Lal Bihari is one of the most unusual and tragic examples of identity fraud and legal entanglement in India. It highlights the flaws in bureaucracy and the struggles of ordinary citizens against systemic corruption. Lal Bihari’s case is not just a personal battle but also a symbol of resilience and advocacy for identity and land rights.
Overview of Lal Bihari’s Identity Case
Lal Bihari, born in the Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is known for his extraordinary fight to prove he was alive after being falsely declared dead in official records. His case began in 1976 when he discovered his legal “death” while attempting to secure a bank loan.
How It Began
Lal Bihari’s plight started when he went to the local revenue office to obtain a loan using ancestral land as collateral. To his shock, he was informed that he was officially deceased. His relatives, in an attempt to usurp his land, had bribed local officials to declare him dead in government records. This fraudulent practice is not uncommon in parts of rural India, where land disputes are rife, and bureaucratic corruption can make it easy to manipulate official records.
The Struggle to Prove His Existence
Proving that he was alive turned out to be a herculean task. Lal Bihari spent over 18 years trying to restore his legal status. During this time:
- Legal Petitions: He filed numerous petitions with local authorities and courts, but they were often ignored or dismissed due to systemic apathy.
- Symbolic Protests: To draw attention to his plight, Lal Bihari staged dramatic protests. For example, he organized his own “funeral” and applied for government compensation meant for deceased individuals’ families.
- Name Change: To emphasize the absurdity of his situation, he temporarily adopted the name “Lal Bihari Mritak” (Lal Bihari, the Dead).
- Support from Others: He discovered that many others were similarly declared dead in official records. This realization led him to found the Mritak Sangh (Association of the Dead), an organization to help others in similar predicaments.
Victory and Aftermath
In 1994, after an 18-year legal and bureaucratic battle, Lal Bihari was finally declared alive in government records. His persistence and unique methods had garnered media attention, exposing systemic corruption and inefficiency in India’s bureaucracy.
Broader Implications
Lal Bihari’s case is not an isolated incident but a symptom of deeper issues in rural governance and land administration in India:
- Land Disputes: Manipulating death records to gain control of land is a common tactic in areas with weak land rights enforcement.
- Corruption: The case underscores the ease with which officials can be bribed to alter records.
- Legal Inefficiency: Prolonged delays and lack of accountability in the legal system exacerbate such problems.
- Advocacy and Reform: Lal Bihari’s fight brought attention to these issues, inspiring calls for administrative reforms and better transparency in land and identity records.
Recognition and Legacy
- Lal Bihari’s story has been featured in documentaries, books, and media articles, making him a symbol of resilience against systemic injustice.
- In 2003, he was awarded the Ig Nobel Peace Prize, a satirical award, for his unique and nonviolent struggle to prove he was alive.
- Filmmaker Satish Kaushik made a film called Kaagaz about Bihari’s life.
Conclusion
The story of Lal Bihari is a remarkable testament to the power of persistence and the importance of identity rights. His journey not only highlights the flaws in India’s bureaucracy but also inspires ongoing efforts to improve governance and protect vulnerable individuals from similar injustices. His life remains a reminder of the resilience needed to fight systemic corruption and the importance of legal and administrative accountability.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lal_Bihari