Govt shouldn’t misuse its power
Apropos of the editorial ‘Brakes on bulldozer’; the Supreme Court’s proposal to lay down guidelines to be implemented across the country to ensure that the houses of those accused of a crime are not razed illegally is welcome. It is imperative to make sure that all demolitions stay within the legal ambit. The powers that be must not misuse their authority in a rush to punish those perceived guilty of certain offences. They are supposed to uphold the law, not break it. State governments don’t need to take such heavy-handed measures to ensure strict enforcement of the law.
Ramesh Gupta, Narwana
Rein in mob justice
Refer to the editorial ‘Vigilante justice’, the past few years have seen a sharp rise in the incidents of cow vigilantism. These self-proclaimed custodians of the animal considered sacred in Hinduism don’t hesitate to take matters into their hands at the drop of a hat. They don’t think twice before thrashing or even lynching a person on the mere suspicion of cow smuggling. If the government fails to rein in this menace on priority, it can set a dangerous precedent. Today, if such goons can break the law on the pretext of protecting cows, tomorrow, members of other communities may carry out lynchings on some other flimsy ground.
Yuvraj, Zirakpur
Crack down on vigilante groups
With reference to the editorial ‘Vigilante justice’; incidents of cow vigilantism are reported from different parts of the country from time to time. But the menace has grown particularly serious in northern states. The failure of the state governments concerned to crack down on the perpetrators is telling. Such inaction has only emboldened these anti-social elements further. These self-styled protectors of the cow go around terrorising common people safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with kid gloves. It is time for the authorities to crack the whip to restore a sense of law and order.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Need a change in mindset
Refer to the report ‘Bengal passes Bill for death to rape convicts’; the horrific Kolkata rape-murder has struck fear in the minds of women across the country, especially those who do night shifts. The surge in crimes against women reflects poorly on our society. The government can bring in a hundred different laws to rein in such crimes. But the moot question is: when will the kind of men committing sexual violence understand the importance of consent and respecting others’ dignity? It is a shame that candlelight marches, protests and reforms have failed to rouse people. Change begins at home. Families must instil good values in their children at an early age if they want to make a difference.
Akshita Wadhwa, Jammu city
No country for women
Apropos of ‘Bengal passes Bill for death to rape convicts’; the passage of the Bill, which comes in the wake of massive protests sparked by the Kolkata horror, is a step in the right direction. But will it change the status quo? Did the nation not draw any lesson from the gruesome 2012 Nirbhaya case? The need of the hour is to enforce the existing laws strictly rather than bring in fresh legislation that barely offers anything new. Successive governments have failed to address the issue of women’s safety. And hence, there has been no let-up in incidents of sexual violence against the fairer sex. If anything, such cases have only grown more common. Collective efforts will go a long way towards making India more safe for girls and women.
Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur
Don’t deny justice
President Droupadi Murmu’s call to end the ‘culture of adjournments’ in our judiciary is significant, particularly in the context of the delay in justice delivery in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Around four decades since the carnage, countless victims and their families still await justice. The move to frame charges against Jagdish Tytler offers a glimmer of hope. But the long-delayed order should not be seen as a victory. Justice still eludes the victims. The Congress party’s reluctance to act against riot-tainted leaders is deeply disturbing. Justice must not be held hostage to political calculations. The judiciary has a unique opportunity to reaffirm that no amount of power or privilege can shield wrongdoers. It is high time that justice was served.
Gurdev Singh, by mail
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