Challenges before judiciary

THIS is with reference to Justice A.S. Anand’s article, “Challenges before judiciary: need for caution, restraint”, published on May 5. It is an admitted fact that the entry into the world of justice starts when the plaintiff, the petitioner, the complainant, the defendant, the respondent and the accused meet their lawyer and explain their position to him. It is the advocate who prepares the complete case, and presents the same before the presiding officer of the court.

It is also on record that the two advocates, one from the petitioner’s side and the other from the respondent side collect facts, evidence, law points and plead for their parties. The presiding officer considers the points raised from both sides, and applies his own wisdom and then decides the case one way or the other. If the lawyers are missing, it will become impossible for the presiding officer to dispose of the case, and that is the reason why lawyers have been recognised as officers of the court, and are afforded due respect.

Sometimes advocates complain that the presiding officers treat seniors and juniors differently. But there are occasions when presiding officers are seen helping juniors and encourage them to put in more labour for the preparation of the case.

Lawyers are nominated for the posts of Addl District Judge and are appointed as judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India. It shall be better that senior advocates are appointed judges of subordinate courts when the workload is on the higher side, though such the appointments could be just on an ad hoc basis and the advocates are members of the judiciary for the time being.

DALIP SINGH WASAN
Patiala

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Defining a “patit”

As mentioned in the news item “Tohra camp to ‘impeach’ Badal” (May 6), Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, former Akali minister, said that the pronouncement of Giani Puran Singh (the Jathedar of Akal Takht) that all Akali leaders and their family members would be baptised, showed that most of them were “patit”.

It is a conjectural and demagogic statement. Apparently, despite having remained in a high position in the SGPC, Mr Calcutta perhaps is not clear about the definition of a “patit” Sikh. Simply because a Sikh has not taken “amrit”, does not mean that he is “patit”.

“Patit” means a sinner, a fallen or an apostate or an ostracised Sikh. A Sikh, who after accepting initiation into the Khalsa, violates “Rehat” (code of conduct) in some important respect. But a Sikh, even though he is not baptised and yet follows “Rehat” and observes “Nit Nem” (the “Daily Rule”), — he daily recites the prescribed portions of the Gurbani — cannot be dubbed as “patit”.

BHAGWAN SINGH
Qadian

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Gun culture

The murder of Jessica Lal in Delhi and certain other related incidents show that gun culture is becoming common with the youths of today’s generation, specially the privileged class.

Why do I say that the VIP class is more involved in this culture? Because they have the availability of weapons mostly used and people to come to their rescue. It is virtually impossible in India to obtain a licence until one has the right contacts. Thirdly, the guns which are mostly used are not commonly available and are very expensive.

Now comes the question as to where has this gun culture come from? The answer is “Bollywood”. Our cinema is full of violence involving the youth, and our heroes like Mithun, Sunny, Sanjay are forever brandishing guns at the drop of a hat. So our youths like to be like their heroes.

J.S. DUGGAL
Chandigarh

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Home rule, BJP style

This has reference to the editorial “Home rule, BJP style” dated May 5. I do not entirely agree with the views expressed. There is no doubt that the BJP-led coalition government has lost confidence in Parliament, though by only one vote. At the same time the government has to run the country and for this purpose it has to take vital decisions. You argue that a “caretaker” government cannot take vital decisions and transfer key officials. The Election Commission has announced that elections would be held in the last week of September/ first week of October. The government was defeated in the Lok Sabha on April 17. Therefore, for a long period of five months, if the government sits over vital decisions one can well imagine as to what will happen to the country and its people.

When there is a government, it has to be active and not a dummy or caretaker government. It has to assert itself and take decisions wherever necessary for the security and welfare of the country. Let the whole world know that India has a government that works. If there is internal or external aggression we cannot expect the government to keep mum only because it is a “caretaker” government. It has to take action, even policy decisions, to protect the country and its people.

T. BHATTACHARYA
Panchkula

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Unexpected pilgrim

I was reading the article “Anandpur Sahib: the unexpected pilgrim” and it made me feel as if I was missing a whole part of me. I am settled in the USA but belong to Chandigarh. I remember going to Anandpur Sahib for Baisakhi every year.

This article took me to Anandpur Sahib as the events were so nicely described and who else can do that better than Khushwant Singh.

I would also like to appreciate The Tribune for the Online edition as this is the only medium through which I can keep myself informed about the news and events of my hometown.

UPINDERPAL SINGH RANDHAWA
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

(Received in response to the Internet edition)