The funds will be raised by levying more taxes on the people and the result will be zero. A survey by the Sarv Siksha Abhiyan shows unless and until the basic fault is removed, little progress can be made.

SASHI BHATIA, Sangrur

Rule of law

The editorial “Why the bail” (Nov 11) was informative. The drama in Goa speaks volumes about how the police dances to the tunes of political bosses. Tormented by political pressure and threats, the rape victim’s mother, Fadela Fuchs, has withdrawn her complaint to the police.

Sadly, the rich and the political masters commit crime with impunity and yet, go unpunished. Discretionary application of law has made us a butt of ridicule. Law must be applied equally to all irrespective of caste, creed and VIP or the common man. Prompt action followed by deterrent punishment is the need of the hour. A vigilant media and assertive judiciary are also needed.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

II

Rape has become India’s fast growing crime. According to the National Crime Record Bureau, every hour 18 women fall prey to rape. The number of rape cases has increased by nearly 700 per cent since 1971! It has grown from seven rapes a day to 53.

Several cases go unreported because of the stigma attached to it. The poor conviction rate because of the lengthy justice delivery system is very sad.

Section 376 of the IPC which provides for seven years rigorous imprisonment for those found guilty of rape should be amended to make it parallel with murder under Section 302. It is only death to the rapist that would give relief to the victims and act as a strong deterrent.

S.K. KHOSLA, Chandigarh

Selection of judges

The selection of judges of the higher judiciary should be institutionalized (Editorial, “Choosing judges”, Nov 21). Ever since the Supreme Court collegium has taken up the task of such appointments, the entire process has been in a veil of secrecy, much to the despair of the common man and the legal fraternity.

For long jurists, intellectuals and others have been raising their voice but in vain. Though reservation in favour of women, backward classes and other disadvantaged groups in the selection of judges is neither wise nor advisable, at least distinguished persons from these groups should be considered by the collegium and the process of consultation should be open to public scrutiny. 

Our apex court has seen only three women judges on its benches in its six-decade history.

HEMANT KUMAR, Advocate, Ambala City

Hapless passengers

The other day we travelled by the Shatabdi Express from New Delhi to Ludhiana. The autorickshaw driver at Ludhiana demanded thrice the fare.

The Municipal Corporation should fix fares for different destinations. Pre-paid booth will work wonders. A local bus can also be started from important places, especially from the railway station (Rakhbag side). Its timing should coincide with the arrival timings of important trains to help passengers.

Y. R. CHANANA & W. S. DHILLON, Ludhiana

Policy on teachers

I read Kailash Joshi’s letter, “Review policy on teachers” (Nov 10). B.Ed degree is mandatory for school teacher’s post in Himachal Pradesh. It is an authority of specialisation of the person in the field. A school teacher has to deal with those students who seem to be more raw towards their approach to learning and moreover, they are on the way of a career for which they need proper care and concern.

This is the age of specialisation. A highly qualified person without LL.B degree or mass communication degree cannot be accepted as an advocate or journalist. The B.Ed degree should be seen in this light.

KHUSHHAL THAKUR, Rampur Bushahr