M A I L B A G

Buta Singh bows out, at last

Bihar Governor Buta Singh has resigned, belated though. The Supreme Court needs to be complimented for its fairness and courage of conviction. However, Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani’s demand for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s resignation is unfair.

It appears, the only point of action of the BJP is how to oust the UPA government, and how to remove Dr Manmohan Singh. What about the nation and its progress? What about development? What about the poor people? Just walking out of Parliament and looking for every opportunity to embarrass the government is not constructive opposition.

The BJP should give serious thought to these issues rather than only aiming for power.

ANUSHA SINGH, Student, Delhi University, New Delhi

II

Mr Buta Singh should have resigned last year itself after his recommendation to dissolve the Bihar Assembly was declared void by the Supreme Court. Even after the latest verdict, he clinged on to his chair and took the salute in the Republic Day parade at Patna.

Wg-Cmdr S.C. KAPOOR (retd), Noida (UP)

III

The Supreme Court Constitution Bench’s suggestion for a national policy on the appointment of Governors to various states is welcome. Governors should not be active politicians. Over the years, successive governments have been appointing politicians in the Raj Bhavans. As a result, they are acting as agents of the Centre in a partisan manner.

In view of the Supreme Court’s suggestion, it is necessary that all political parties meet and agree on eligibility criteria and selection methodology for appointing apolitical, non-partisan Governors to restore the sanctity of the high office.

V. KRISHNAKUMAR, New Delhi

IV

The judgement of the Supreme Court on Mr Buta Singh and the Centre’s role in dissolving the Bihar Assembly is historic and commendable. Justice has been done at last and truth has triumphed.

Regrettably, however, it does not serve any purpose because it has come too late. Had the court given a prompt verdict, elections in Bihar could have been avoided. Moreover, our learned judges are conscious of their duties and responsibilities towards the nation. We look to them with great hope, respect and hold them in high esteem. They should give top priority to cases like Ayodhya, fodder scam and those involving mafia dons and other criminals.

S.P. SHARMA, Mumbai

Doctors a harassed lot Assault on medical doctors continues unabated at Batala in Amritsar district, Karnal, Bathinda and other places despite the Supreme Court ruling exonerating doctors in case of a patient’s death in hospital. Doctors are treated as suspected criminals when they fail to perform miracles every time. The side-effects of drugs and the inherent complications of every surgical procedure are construed as gross negligence on the part of doctors. No one should be allowed to disturb the sacrosanct doctor-patient relationship. Why not initiate contempt of court proceedings against the offenders by the Indian Medical Association (Central or state unit)? Dr AMRIT SETHI, Bathinda