L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Are judges independent of executive?

The lecture by the great jurist Fali S Nariman on Justice H R Khanna, as reported by The Tribune ('In a regime of fear, he was fearless', July 22), is apt. Will such a judge be born again who can sacrifice the honour of being the Chief Justice of India on the ground of integrity and honesty?

Doubtless to say that the judiciary is still one of the strongest pillars of democracy. How many judges are really independent of the executive? There is no dearth of judges who have delivered biased and partial judgements in favour of the government just before their retirement, hoping to be bestowed with a gift after their retirement.

It would not be out of place to mention here that political and monetary considerations weigh much even when someone is elevated to a Bench. We must learn to sacrifice for the sake of the country and for the sake of democracy.

K K PURI, Gurdaspur

Poverty on decline?

The Planning Commission's claim of a decline in poverty levels is misleading. One fails to understand by which yardstick it has noticed a fall in poverty figures. On paper, it can be possible but practically the situation has worsened. In a country, where the overall growth has slumped, investment declined, deficits ballooned and reforms stalled, how can poverty numbers decline?

PREET SIMAR JOHAL, Jalandhar

Ghaggar tragedy

This refers to the news item 'Death toll reaches 5' in Chandigarh Tribune (July 26). Six boys have lost their lives while swimming in the Ghaggar. The unfortunate incident took place due to sheer negligence of the Haryana Police which had issued only warnings against swimming in the river some days ago, but did not bother to restrict people's movement near its banks.

The victims' parents complained to the authorities that there was no warning signboard. Not even a single policeman was posted there to prevent people from swimming. The Panchkula Administration could have put up barricades to prevent people from going near it. The affected families must be compensated appropriately.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Food for one rupee!

What has happened to the wisdom or knowledge of those of our leaders who have claimed that a square meal for Rs 12, Rs 5 and Re 1 is available in the marketplace? If they had the practical experience of running a kitchen or had purchased basic commodities, they would not have made such careless and unfortunate remarks. Where do we get meals for one rupee? How can these armchair personalities comment on poverty sitting in AC rooms? Such statements are nothing but a cruel joke on poor people.

ARUN SAREEN, Mohali

Salman’s case

We know that nobody is above the law, but the ground reality is otherwise or unpalatable. In Indian society, the laws are applied to those persons who have no political clout. The legal system is formed to check crimes by awarding stern punishment to culprits to create a fear of the law in them. The editorial 'Star under a cloud' (July 26) has said fearlessly that Salman Khan is exploiting legal loopholes. Otherwise by now, justice should have been delivered. How can we console the family of the deceased, killed by the rich actor's car?

K K CHAWLA, Kurukshetra

Rupee’s free fall

The tumbling rupee is bound to have serious repercussions on the economy. The prices of petroleum products are likely to touch new highs. Stocks and bonds are tumbling. Foreign investors are pulling out of Indian equity/debt markets. The current account deficit and the difference between inflows and outflows will widen further. Overseas travels will become more expensive. Goods with imported components and medical care abroad will become more expensive.

DIKSHA JINDAL, Pinjore

Relief for acid victims

The Supreme Court has ordered a relief of Rs 3 lakh to acid attack victims. The amount will give them some relief but not lifetime financial and social security. Will the victim who has lost her both eyes in an acid attack be able to survive with this amount or afford medical treatment at a time when the cost of everything is touching the sky. I appreciate the government for this relief to the victims but they need lifetime security. A government job can provide them this security.

NAVJOT KAUR, Jalandhar

Wrong water bills?

This refers to a news item that appeared in Chandigarh Tribune a few days ago. It said that in the northern sectors of Chandigarh, water consumption ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 litres per user per day. I would like to caution the residents that they may not be using the water that they are being billed for by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. I can say for sure that the water is not being used but is leaking through pipes which have rusted or corroded with time.

SATISH CHANDER GUPTA, Panchkula

A daring act

I appreciate the efforts of Sachit Khanna, a BCom student and a resident of Sector 42, Chandigarh, who rushed out of his house on hearing the screams of a 56-year-old woman and approached her. The woman, Paramjit Syan, who was lying on the ground, told him that a young man had snatched her purse, pushed her to the ground, stepped on her chest and then fled away. Sachit rushed in the direction narrated by her, spotted the snatcher and caught hold of him after a scuffle. What is admirable is that he did not care for his life while catching the snatcher. The police has recommended an award for him. One hopes his daring act will inspire other youngsters to check crime.

PRITAM BHULLAR, Chandigarh

Improving policemen’s image The middle 'Portrait of a policeman' by V K Kapoor (July 26) portrays the dilemma of Indian policemen. Yes, the image of policemen in the mind of people is that of a cruel, corrupt and merciless man. However, we fail to appreciate the circumstances and constraints under which they work. The fault lies with our system and not with profession as the general perception is. The parameters of recruitment of any police constable or officer need to change. First, the criteria of selection must include academic, physical and psychological traits. Secondly, professional training must be on modern lines. And thirdly, they must be given handsome salaries and perks. These three ingredients can help improve their image. DR V K ANAND, Patiala