LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Transparency: The keyword

This is with reference to the article,‘ Secrecy in judges’ appointments must go’ (FPJ, Sep 23) by Olav Albuquerque. The writer deserves our praise for pleading the case of transparency in the appointments of judges. In 2015, Justice Justi Chelameshwar was the lone dissenting voice among the five judges who struck down the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act. Now the same judge is fighting for transparency in the appointments of higher judiciary. This is vital because without transparency, the honest, able and competent judges may not be selected. We must stand by the judge. A leading Englishlanguage

daily has selectively attacked the reputation of the courageous judge!

— Shreeram Paranjpe

TN government’s apathy

While Siddaramaiah, CM of Karnataka, has handled the Cauvery issue in the most diplomatic manner driving even the opposition to toe his line of thinking, one wonders why the Tamil Nadu government has not taken any steps to counter the moves of Karnataka. It is a surprise that the TN government has neither cared to convene any meeting of all the political leaders nor has organised a special House session to tide over the serious crisis. With his careful moves, the Karnataka Chief Minister has earned several brownie points, including a few even from his arch rivals! — Tharcius S Fernando

Advertisements via missed calls

Presently many private companies/advertisers have indulged in wrong practice of giving missed calls. When people call back, they start listening to

advertisements. Central government and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) should issue stern warning to such advertisers. The government which spends hugely on advertisements should give advertisements prominently against any such misuse through missed calls. Rather Central government should initiate proceedings to make it an offence under Indian Penal Code (IPC). Nothing much should be expected from TRAI which acts more in the interest of service-providers rather than that of consumers. TRAI must direct service providers to provide details of missed and incoming calls on demand may be on payment of nominal charges to check such missed calls, apart from incoming vulgar, obscene and threatening calls.

— Madhu Agrawal

Self-incrimination by Pak

It is heartening to know that India lambasted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s glorification of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in his speech to the UN General Assembly and said that hailing a self-advertised terrorist at the forum is self-incrimination by the Pakistani leader. India

also strongly rejected Sharif’s call for a serious and sustained dialogue “without any conditions.”

—KV Raman

Beware of sledging

The opinion of Australian Coach, Darren Lehmann, that sledging is likely to be part of the mix when they confront South Africa OD series and the Aussie Captain, Steve Smith lamenting that their shy approach cost them a whitewash of 3-0 Test series against Sri Lanka, clearly goes to prove that the Aussies could never win a Test match without sledging. It is time the ICC and the Match Referees take note of this and be alert to spot such sledging not only during the South Africa OD series, but each and every series played by Australian Team. — N Viswanathan

Taint no deterrent?

Indian cricket touched the saddest moment when Mohd. Azharuddin and others were caught fixing matches. However, the 500th test match at Kanpur saw the indicted captain being honoured

as an Indian captain, a bad precedence set by the Cricket Board. Thus, taint is no deterrent for BCCI. After committing the crime in 2000 and facing a life ban, the ex-Indian captain did not deserve such an honour. Azhar seems to be enjoying a charmed life even after the controversial episode. What a shame for the gentleman's game, with other deserving captains left in the lurch!

— CK Subramaniam

Athawale’s positive idea

The Union Minister for State for social justice and empowerment, Ramdass Athawale, is reported to have batted for the Marathas and reiterated his demand of 25% reservation for the upper castes from various categories (Sept 23, FPJ). People from the so-called forward castes are being denied education and jobs. Even with high percentage of marks, government jobs are denied to them. Is it equality of opportunity conferred to us by the constitution? No party has the guts to implement the economic criteria beneficial to all, irrespective of castes. The minister’s idea is welcome and it should be considered positively.

— NR Ramachandran