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

Follow the US judicial system of transparency

The present mode of selection of judges for the higher courts in India by the Supreme Court collegium headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is clearly flawed (article, “Choosing judges: Need for greater transparency” by Fali S Nariman, Dec 12). The selection of judges for the Supreme Court has come under the scanner in recent times. With the squabble over Justice PD Dinakaran’s selection, the inherent defects in the collegium and judges’ selection process have been exposed to public glare. 

An honest and equitable judiciary builds the basic foundation for progress of the entire nation in a democratic society. Complete transparency in the process of selection of judges is extremely essential for the restoration of public trust in the judicial system.

The uproar that erupted in the legal community following the selection of Justice Dinakaran to the apex court had forced Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily to admit the intrinsic faults that are present in the legal system. In fact, Mr Moily has promised that a new Bill would be introduced soon for a major overhaul of the judges’ selection process.

Dr KUNAL SAHA, Ohio, USA

Consummate actress

Bina Rai was a prominent actress of the golden era of Hindi films. Her films Anarkali and Taj Mahal were super-hits. Her performance in Anarkali was so convincing that she became synonymous with the name of Anarkali. Her role in Ghunghat bagged her the Filmfare award. Cine lovers appreciated her character role in Dadi Maa.

C R JINDAL, Chandigarh

Dismayed investors Punjab is lagging behind in attracting investment. The infrastructure development work necessary to attract investment and industry has taken a backseat. Moreover, no businessman will like to invest in a state that has a history of frequent politico-religious turbulences. Religious fanaticism and rationality do not go hand in hand. Whenever religion influences the government, governance and the common people suffer. The media has an important role in building public opinion and must do so in a constructive manner.  Dr VITULL K GUPTA, Bathinda

Delayed pensions

A deadline for the actual payment of pension to the concerned beneficiary should be fixed (editorial, “Waiting for pension: If only babus knew the plight of the needy”, Dec 14). All problems of delay will be minimised if the officials concerned are fined for the delay and harassment caused to the pension beneficiary.

Prof ANUP KUMAR GAKKHAR, Haridwar

Hamara Bajaj

The production of the iconic two-wheeler has come to an end (editorial, “Hamara Bajaj is history”, Dec 11). It dominated the scooter market with its low-cost products that practically became family vehicles for the middle class in India. However, liberalisation, change in consumer attitudes and expectations and lack of innovation have eventually cut into its market.

For much of its independent history, India has travelled on this scooter. News of its being consigned to the pages of history evokes nostalgia. The editorial has rightly concluded that scooters have their place, but not in Bajaj’s stable. Anyway, it is time we moved on.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

II

It is sad that the production of Bajaj Chetak scooters has been stopped altogether. The Bajaj scooter, especially Bajaj Chetak, was a scooter of almost every household in India. It was certainly economical and was a trusted vehicle of “aam aadmi”.

With the passage of time, it is obvious that new technology takes over and new things come in the market. Bajaj scooters have now given the way to Bajaj motorcycles. Besides, new brands of scooters have flooded the markets. But Bajaj had its own charm.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh