letters to editor

‘DECENT DISSENT’ MAY TURN INTO CRISIS

Apropos “Who watches the watchman? ’(HT, Jan13), though unprecedented, the four judges’ action is not a revolt, but their “decent dissent” might turn into a crisis, if not handled properly. Stepping out of the courtroom to declare that things are not in order, they have a put a question mark on their own institution. Is there a possibility of active political interference? The judiciary’s internal trust tussle — now out in the open — can result in undermining of its autonomy. Much will depend on how the country chooses to respond to this crisis. MS Khokhar

II

With reference to “Senior judges not in bench for key cases” (HT, Jan 16), the apex court judges should resolve their differences soon through parleys rather than making it public. The recent events have discredited the judiciary. It is equally unfair on judiciary’s part to block reforms, as recommended through legislation in Parliament, and instead preferring to manage their appointments, transfers and promotions on their own, through a collegium system. Media, by giving the issue importance, is acting as a catalyst in this unsettling situation. BN Anand, Mohali

III

Professionalism prevailed in the judiciary and many prominent figures stood firmly to douse the fire that had erupted on Friday, in a bid to safeguard the country’s premium institution. The attorney general played a major role in bringing normalcy. Four senior judges of the apex court speaking out against the Chief Justice of India, was akin to “law under trial”. Lippmann’s law says: “Where all think alike, no one thinks very much”. We are bound to grow pompous and selfcent red, and it is good to have the veil of our conceit torn occasionally, which the four judges did. BM Singh, Amritsar

IV

The unprecedented display of dissent by the four apex court judges was not only slanderous but it also became a fertile ground for the opposition to score brownie points over those in power. Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his cabal should stop taking pot shots at the PM. What Rahul says about Na rend ra Mo di, says more about Rahulthan Modi. Abhinav Sharma, Ludhiana

V

The judicial crisis raises questions on the working of the Supreme Court and has put its credibility at stake. In such a situation, how will people expect justice if they have doubts regarding the judicial process, given the present crisis. The sanctity of the judiciary is the foundation of our country. The matter should be resolved quickly and within the institution. Deepak Saraf, Rampura Phul

VI

Before holding a press conference, the apex court judges had written a letter to the CJI to address their grievances. But since the CJI did not respond, the judges did the right thing by making their displeasure public. Though the CJI can exercise his right to allocate important and sensitive cases to judges that he deems fit, it cannot be done in an arbitrary manner. This is not an appropriate way because it results in experienced and senior judges being left out. Until the crisis is resolved, the best way is to allocate sensitive cases to a five-judge constitution bench. Devendra Khurana

THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FRENZY

The craze for Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram etc has gone to such an extent that people are celebrating festivals on social media instead of enjoying the actual moment. Their entire focus is on taking photographs and selfies. Even during get-togethers, everybody is busy on their mobile phones, either uploading selfies or busy texting, instead of enjoying the company of their family and friends. Using social media is not entirely bad, but we are over-indulging. Earlier, man was said to be a “social animal”, but now man has become a “social-media animal”. Harmandeep Singh,

Amritsar

REIN IN PUPPY MILLS

Apropos “Stray dogs maul women to death at Fatehgarh Churian” (HT, Jan 15), speaks of colossal apathy and neglect of civic bodies. Besides making pet dog owners responsible for controlled breeding, immunization and sterilization, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, also provides guidelines to commercial breeders. However, it is not being done, resulting in in discriminate breeding of pedigree breeds, and abandoning of dogs. This has led to spike in stray dog men ace. Lapses and dereliction of functions entrusted to civic bodies are resulting in such cases.

Soshil Rattan, Amritsar

FIX SALARIES OF MPS, MLAS

MPs have asked for a two-fold increase of their salaries and perks even as they continue to enjoy daily allowance and other benefits. MPs and MLAs, who waste time in squabbles and verbal duels, sink their differences when it comes to raising their salaries. There should be a constitutional body or a pay commission to determine their emol- uments in the same periodicity as for the Central or state government employees. Brig Harish Malhotra (retd)

PROPEL INDIA TO ‘SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION’

It’s well known that the Green Revolution in Punjab contributed to make India self-sufficient in food grain production. With financial assistance from the World Bank and NABARD, plans for deep tubewells were framed and implemented. Presently, in the Kan di belt, located in the Shiva lik foot hills, deep tube wells are playing a major role to achieve the goal of“second green revolution ”. The Punjab government should release funds for the repair and maintenance of tubewells usher in the“second green revolution ”. Rajat Kumar Mohindru,

Jalandhar

FACE RECOGNITION NEW MEANS OF AADHAAR

The U ID AI has decided to enable face verification as another means of authentication. This is a good move because it will help the authorities to authenticate those who face difficulties in other biometric authentication. Now, the government needs to see how it will make people aware about this decision, especially those residing in rural areas. It also should ensure every citizen gets the benefits of this decision. Ferry Bhatia, Amritsar