Anti-rape Bill unnecessary

Apropos of the editorial ‘A desperate step’; several experts have pointed out that the passage of the anti-rape Bill in the West Bengal Assembly was unnecessary. Strict laws already exist in our country to punish rapists. The real struggle begins with the start of a probe. Proving the crime and bringing the perpetrator to justice is a Herculean task. The prosecution faces hurdles at every step. Not all victims of rape survive to fight for justice. There is an urgent need to work on improving the quality of investigations into such cases.

RK Arora, Mohali

A step in the right direction

With reference to the editorial ‘A desperate step’; the nationwide protests by healthcare professionals seeking justice for the young doctor who was brutally raped and killed at a government hospital in Kolkata spurred the state government to table and pass the Aparajita anti-rape Bill. If approved by the Governor and the President, it could instil fear of the law in criminal elements. We need more stringent laws in the country to tackle the spike in heinous crimes. The West Bengal Government has taken a step in the right direction.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Deal with criminals strictly

Refer to the editorial ‘A desperate step’; the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government’s move to tighten the noose around anti-social elements is welcome. But it will remain an exercise in futility in the absence of stringent implementation of the law. If those convicted of such heinous crimes are prematurely released or are granted furloughs from time to time, it would make a mockery out of the justice delivery system. Political considerations must not come into play when it comes to sensitive issues like women’s safety. Those guilty of sexual violence and other serious offences must not be able to walk out of jail so easily.

MD Sharma, Shimla

Clear backlog of cases

Apropos of the editorial ‘Tytler in the dock’; while flagging the inordinate delays in the delivery of justice, President Droupadi Murmu has rightly called for an end to the culture of adjournments. It is high time that the judiciary understood the importance of clearing the backlog of cases on priority. The Delhi court’s order to frame charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with the Gurdwara Pul Bangash killings comes as a ray of hope for justice. Addressing the shortcomings in the system without compromising its integrity is the need of the hour.

Mona Singh, by mail

J&K will have its say

The first Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 are a long time coming. In the fray are leaders from parties that backed the abrogation of Article 370 and those who want the statehood of J&K restored as soon as possible. Peace and development in the region are some factors that will weigh heavily in the minds of the voters. The people of J&K, who have long been deprived of basic rights, will choose their leaders wisely.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

Star power in politics

With reference to the news report ‘Phogat, Punia meet Rahul, may contest on Congress ticket’; the question is, why do film stars and famous athletes choose to pursue a career in politics in the first place? All that such stars do is capitalise on their popularity among gullible admirers. It is a pity that political parties don’t hesitate to field celebrities with no prior experience in governance as candidates in elections just because of their popularity and ability to win a poll.

Jagdish Chander, Jalandhar

Boost for football in UP

Football is a sport that has long been given short shrift in India. So, UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s plan to build 18 football stadiums across the 18 commissariats in the state is a breath of fresh air. The project will give a major boost to the beautiful sport. The construction of football stadiums will do more good for society than the building of temples. As Nelson Mandela had once said, “Sport has the power to change the world… It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” The UP CM has done well to recognise the importance of promoting sports.

Avinash Godboley, Dewas (MP)

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