For most citizens, the rules are the same — anyone who breaks the law will be punished. Unless they’re a government servant; in that case, they’ll get a promotion. Yesterday, this paper carried a report about how a stenographer who was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000, is now an Assistant Municipal Commissioner in ward number 4 of the Ulhasnagar corporation.

Ganesh Shimpi was caught red-handed as he accepted a bribe to allow illegal construction. An inquiry by the corporation found him guilty, and even the chief minisyer gave him the marching orders on hearing of the crime. Despite all of this, Shimpi was still given the senior post and continues to hold it. Ridiculous excuses are being trotted out to justify why Shimpi has not been removed from his job.