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

Ushering in a new era of prosperity

I read The Tribune Yearend Special (Dec 26) with considerable interest. You have rightly recalled India’s prospects of securing a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, visit of five heads of states from the US, China, France, Russia and the UK, a really creditable rate of growth of our economy at 9 per cent, Saina Nehwal’s gold pick at the Commonwealth Games so beautifully closed with legendary Sachin’s half century of centuries as some of the truly inspiring moments of the year gone by.

At the same time, the eruption of a series of monumental scandals from the the 2G Spectrum allocation to the Commonwealth Games and Adarsh scandals, including the Niira Radia tapes hurt the people.

You have rightly called the year 2010 as the year of disquiet. Let’s hope and pray that the first year of the new decade ushers in an era of peace, tranquility, a double digit growth, and a governance free from corruption, exploitation of weaker sections, especially the poor and the deprived, better health care and education for all besides increasing respect for the fairer sex and the girl child.

Indians need to realise the fact that Dr Manmohan Singh is the best Prime Minister. The future of the country can be safe only in the hands of a leader like him. The Opposition should help him run the country and support him for a better India to emerge in the new year.

TEJINDER SINGH BEDI, Faridabad

SURENDRA MIGLANI, Kaithal

CJs for High Courts: Current policy in order I read Justice J.L. Gupta’s article, “Collegium for status quo” (Sunday Oped, Nov 14, 2010). The appointment of outside Chief Justices to High Courts in accordance with the current transfer policy has certain obvious advantages. The disadvantages that the High Court Chief Justice is not familiar with the local conditions or Bar and Bench are minor. For instance, the rules and procedures of high courts in various states could be made as uniform as possible. The familiarisation with the Bar or staff members of High Court/ subordinate courts could also be easily done by holding seminars once in every three months. Therefore, the system of outside CJs should be continued as such. However, I am at variance with that the litigants may entertain doubts about the impartiality of the judge and the doubts are mostly unfounded. Apparently, the pressures from within and/or from outside are working to cause delays and manipulations. Therefore, to prevent pressures, there is need for a supra-judicial and executive watchdog. The selection or elevation of judges has to be purely on merit, on quality judgements delivered by them and on scientific basis. There is also a need to involve the executive in the administrative work of the higher judiciary. Appointing an able executive to supervise and control the administration may help. Dr GURKIRPAL SINGH, Ludhiana