II

I commend the efforts of Ruchika’s parents, friends and the media in bringing Rathore to book. For the crime he had committed, Rathore deserved a tougher punishment.

KHAZAN SINGH, Kapurthala

III

The editorial aptly underlined the need of the hour. Appropriate and stiffer penalty for those charged with molestation and their trial by fast track courts. The print and electronic media’s positive role needs to be lauded in supporting the right cause. All those who stood by the victim’s family deserve appreciation.

ANITA KATARIA, Patiala

IV

Rathore should be given the most severe punishment for having molested young Ruchika and tormented her and her family many years before. It is shocking that he misused his high position and power to escape from the crime he had committed.

Equally shocking is the support and protection he got from politicians and officers all these years. All of them too need to be punished as they were an hindrance in the smooth functioning of the judicial system.

In short, Rathore’s cynical smile exposes the rogue in him for which he has no shame at all and that he is least bothered about the heinous crime that he committed.

RAMESHINDER SINGH SANDHU, Khasa (Amritsar)

V

I endorse the point that Rathore deserves no leniency. The editorial aptly suggests the need to enhance suitably punishment for molestation under section 354 of the IPC (outraging the modesty of a woman) corresponding to one for eve-teasing under section 509 of the IPC (insulting the modesty of a woman) raised from one year to seven years under the Bill.

The trial court has imparted justice due to Ruchika’s family. The convict is awarded adequate sentence for the offence committed by him. The judgement will inspire public confidence in the efficacy of law. It also sends right signal to society about the majesty of law. Ruchika committed suicide. Her life has been snatched away from her
family which is devastated. Rathore has been charged with abetting  Ruchika’s suicide. We should wait for the court verdict in the case.

AJIT SINGH, Rankin (Windsor, Canada)

VI

The media played an important role in bringing Rathore to justice and in extending support to Ruchika’s family and friends who have been harassed and tormented enough by Rathore for two decades. The witness to Ruchika’s molestation, Aradhana (Ruchika’s friend) also deserves appreciation for fighting the case and bringing the real culprit behind bars.

The credit also goes to Mr Anand Parkash and advocate Pankaj Bhardwaj. Persons like Rathore deserve deterrent punishment so that such shameful incidents are not repeated in future. A case must be registered and probed immediately against Rathore under section 306 of the IPC (abetting a minor to commit suicide). The dignity and honour of innocent and talented girls must be protected by probing such cases in fast track courts and restoring the people’s faith in the judiciary.