M A I L B A G

SC ruling will help check corruption

The Supreme Court ruling that special sanction would not be necessary for criminal prosecution of corrupt public officers is likely to have a far-reaching impact on the system by elevating the moral standard of government function (Front-page lead item, “It gets tough for tainted”, Dec 7).

Rampant corruption in almost every aspect of public services is primarily responsible for India’s pitiable condition. Sadly, a large fraction of the government employees including the politically appointed ministers, high-ranked officials in various departments and even judges in the lower courts have sacrificed ethical values and indulged in devious behavior for selfish interests without caring for society at large.

Apart from bringing justice to the conniving political leaders, the ruling might play a major role to weed out the dishonest members in the government offices. The unscrupulous political leaders and top officials have hardly cared for the pain and suffering of the common people.In spite of frequent reports of misdeed by the lower courts, the Supreme Court has maintained a high moral and legal standard, which is respected across the world legal community. I endorse the ruling that there is no need for any special protection against criminal prosecution for the errant public servants who abuse their position for personal gain.

There is little doubt that the mendacious ministers and shady government officials would be a little more fearful in view of this momentous ruling. Most Indians would hope that the Supreme Court would continue to uphold the course of true justice for protection of the innocent citizens.

Dr KUNAL SAHA, Columbus (Ohio, USA)

II

The Supreme Court verdict dispensing with the requirement of prior sanction to prosecute corrupt ministers, legislators and bureaucrats is indeed a landmark ruling. Democracy is not just about holding elections and enacting laws. It is about the rule of law under which every institution and individual is accountable. By dismissing the petitions of Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, Parkash Singh Badal and others, the Supreme Court has upheld the rule of law. The judgement is very timely. For years, politicians have misused the prior sanction requirement to evade conviction.

The ruling will hopefully check delay that has come to mar corruption cases against public servants. By eliminating the slow and often arbitrary procedure for sanctioning prosecution, the judgement will increase the operational swiftness and foster the autonomous functioning of the investigating and prosecuting agencies.

The practical applicability of the judgement will also arrest the declining values of our political class. The court should also prescribe a time limit for the disposal of corruption cases against politicians.

IQBAL SINGH SAROYA, Mohali

Maya in soup

The hymn, Maya bahu thagini hum jani....was composed many centuries ago. Now Ms Mayawati’s corrupt conduct in the Taj Corridor case has proved the hymn to be very much true. The editorial, “Maya in the soup” (Nov 28) reflects the deterioration in the system which can be very easily manipulated by the corrupt elements, who have the right strings to pull.

Ms Mayawati, who is the hazardous waste by-product of the most illogical and damaging caste-based reservation policy, had been able to get the report favourable to her, by using her political clout with the Congress, which was planning to piggy ride her in the ensuing Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. However, fortunately for the nation, the Supreme Court saw through the dirty game and nailed her.

Let us hope that this case also doesn’t get entangled in the politico-legal cobwebs like other cases involving other politicians. Ms Mayawati should not be allowed to use her caste-shield and she must get due punishment.

A.K. SHARMA, Chandigarh

Need to hold the price line  It is heartening to know that the country’s economy is growing at a desired rate (News-item, “Economy clocks 9.2 per cent GDP growth in Q2”, Dec 1). According to the report, it has achieved a growth rate of 9.2 per cent in Q2 as compared to 8.4 per cent in the second quarter of last year. However, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has shown concern for increase in inflation. As the Indian economy is close to achieving the targeted rate of 10 per cent GDP, the benefit of the same should be passed on to the ordinary people.  As the prices of essential goods have gained new height due to failure of monsoon, increase in demand, export of pulses and entry of mega business houses in procuring the food grains directly from the farmers at higher rates, the price rise is hitting the common man hard. It is the social responsibility of the government to check the unusual increase in food prices by keeping a vigil on the activities of those traders who create artificial scarcity of supply of essential commodities and indulge in the practice of future trading. Dr SUNIL KUMAR BARIA, Pathankot