Editorial: Art of the matter

Chennai

The eviction notices slapped on 27 senior artistes by the Urban Development Ministry has engendered extreme opinions. On the one hand, some claim that this group – which includes eminent dancers, painters, musicians and critics – have been victims of a government that is uncaring about the welfare of even some of the most legendary names in the arts. On the opposite pole, there is the view that those who overstay in government housing, in clear breach of the rules, deserve no sympathy, irrespective of their status or standing.

As always, it is important to scrutinise the facts before weighing in with an opinion. Some things are undisputed. First, while these houses were allotted for a maximum period of three years, the artistes have failed to vacate these comfortable homes in upmarket areas of Delhi, staying anything between 12 and 35 years. Other embarrassing numbers have been thrown into the mix as well. They have collectively totted up dues over Rs 30 crore, they are in breach of the income limit of occupying such homes (Rs 20,000 a month), and they reportedly own one or more private homes. In effect, what we are dealing with here is fairly privileged and successful people rather than a struggling bunch.

At the same time, the failure to act promptly and effectively over the years has its implications in what is being done now. Some of the artistes are now very old – for instance, Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj is 82, painter Jatin Das is 80, and critic Sunil Kothari is 88 – and asking people to leave in such advanced years can take a serious physical and emotional toll. Also, with COVID-19 appearing to make something of a resurgence in the north, moving in the time of the pandemic is not easy. One could also invoke the fact that it was the Prime Minister himself who asked landlords not to evict tenants some months ago.

That unpaid dues should be vigorously collected, particularly from people who can easily afford it, is something that nobody can object to. At the same time, the Centre must sit this out till the pandemic is over. Any review of the case should be granular and should make distinctions between those who are exploiting governmental laxity for narrow ends and those who could suffer considerably by the act of eviction.

The principle that the government must support the arts – which ipso facto means artistes – is indisputable. At the same time, artistes are not above the law, or even other citizens for that matter, and invoking contributions to the country and their undoubted eminence are no excuses for breaching the rules. What this situation requires is a mix of compassion and coercion. Neither side has come off smelling good in this controversy – not this or previous governments for their tardiness and not the artistes for their self-serving attitude.