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After gallows, learn to respect women

The landmark judgment gave relief and peace to all right-thinking countrymen, especially parents of daughters. But now the inadequacy of the Juvenile Justice Act stands out as a sore thumb. The three-year punishment to the fifth convict, a juvenile, is far from his nemesis, compared with the death sentence to four others. The Act requires urgent amendment.

As societal conditions have changed radically, juvenile crimes like rape and murder should be tried by the adult justice system when committed by juveniles of certain age, say 13-15. If a minor is major enough for rape, he is also old enough to be tried by adult court. Besides, families should groom their sons in a way that they respect women as equally dignified persons. Bhai Gurdas says, “Dekh parayian changiyan, Dhiyan, bhainan, mavaan jaan” (On seeing good-looking women, regard them as your daughters, sisters, mothers).

JASWANT SINGH GANDAM, Phagwara

It is a good decision that the rapists and killers in the December 16 gang-rape have been awarded the death sentence. It will go a long way to teach the would-be rapists a lesson (refers to the editorial ‘The Gallows’, September 14). However, there is another side of the picture as well as propounded by the RSS that young women should follow Indian values as preached by our great men like Bapu Gandhi and Vivekanand. Our moral values hold good even in this materialistic age and we must teach these moral values to our children.

STINDER KAUR, Australia

III

I was totally appalled at the statement of the defence lawyer of the Nirbhaya rape case after the capital punishment was announced. His arrogant statement that in case his own daughter or sister would venture out at night with her boyfriend and was involved in sexual activity with them, he would burn her alive in his farmhouse knocked me for a loop. In a country where we are fighting every single day to change our mindset, such a shocking statement from an educated person is a bitter contempt of every woman in India.

JAPNEET KAUR, Chandigarh

All the accused of the Delhi gang-rape have been sent to the gallows after vigorous efforts by each law-enforcing agency. The public, the prosecution, the judiciary and the police and also the media all have played their part exceedingly well, leaving no stone unturned to take the case to its logical end. The parents of the paramedic student might have heaved a sigh of relief. Whether the victim succumbs to death or not, whether rape follows extreme physical tortures or not, the victim dies an emotional death and faces ostracism of society.

PRAMILA DHIMAN, Hamirpur

We support the contents of the editorial. The death sentence awarded to the rapists will go a long way to teach a lesson to others. Sometime ago, I read an article by an Indian lady in a newspaper stating that women are harassed and maltreated by anti-social elements in broad daylight in three-wheelers and buses in Delhi. They are even physically assaulted in these vehicles. I was really ashamed to read this and what the Australians would think of us?

Amar Jit Singh Goraya, Australia

The Delhi fast-track court deserves to be applauded for the landmark judgment in view of the unparalleled brutality with which the innocent victim was gang-raped and murdered in Delhi. The Saket court has proved that our judiciary gives strict punishment in serious crimes against women. The verdict must create fear and deter unscrupulous elements from committing such ruthless acts against women in future. Hope the other courts will also give speedy justice in rape cases.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

VII

There was no other choice for such beasts and lunatics who have no respect and feelings for human life. Hope this judgment will send a chill down other perpetrators' spines and will make them think hundreds of times before committing such heinous crimes.

R K MALHOTRA, Chandigarh

Illegal colonies: Issues remain
The PUDA and the MC authorities are not clear on some points which need to be explained. Who will submit the file and fee on behalf of the NRIs owning plots/buildings in unauthorised colonies? PUDA’s office in Jalandhar could not give a satisfactory reply on this issue. Secondly, the PUDA authorities are demanding the latest original “farad jamabandi” even where a copy of the registerd sale deed is being submitted. Patwaris, on the other hand, use delaying tactics or demand Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 as “chai pani” for issuing a fresh “farad jamabandi”. One can’t think of completing the task by the October 7 deadline set by the government. Thirdly, a colony, which was established in 2004, sold out 40 per cent of its total plots/buildings before August 8, 2007. The other 60 per cent is yet to be sold or some plots were purchased after March 3, 2013 by retail buyers. In such a case would the promoter of such colony not be eligible for getting plots/buildings regularized? PUDA officials are not clear about this too. They are sending back people who purchased plots in such colonies after March 31, 2013. Similarly, many queries with no answers from the authorities concerned have come up.
CHANAN RAM, Jalandhar