Who owns the lifeboat?

IT IS OFTEN CONTENDED that the existence of extreme, or “lifeboat,” situations disproves any theory of absolute property rights, or indeed of any absolute rights of self-ownership whatsoever. It is claimed that since any theory of individual rights seems to break down or works unsatisfactorily in such fortunately rare situations, therefore there can be no [...]

Our benevolent State

The Supreme Court is deciding on a petition that challenges the forty-fourth amendment to our Constitution which deleted the “right to property” – article 19(1)(f). I had written about it, among other things, a couple of days back. The petition is irrelevant. So is any possible favorable decision. And the answer lies in the petition [...]

“The right to free speech is integral to democracy”

I would restate it like so – “The right to free speech is integral to democracy [when our reporters are attacked. Otherwise, we don't give a damn].”- The right to free speech is integral to democracy. Most countries in the subcontinent have an uneven record in building and protecting democratic institutions. Even in countries like [...]

The politics of the constitution

After a series of land grabs culminating in the tragedy called Singur, the Indian parliament has finally woken up and amended the Land Acquisition Act. While the government can still acquire anyone’s property without paying compensation, it can only acquire land for private purposes if the private party has acquired at least 70% of it [...]

Cow story

Read this- In celebration of Mahoney and Pistelis impressive achievement in strategic management, here is a related classic on economic systems (HT: K. Isrenn): 21 Economic Models Explained SOCIALISM You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbour. COMMUNISM You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk. FASCISM You [...]