M A I L B A G

Everyone is equal in the eyes of law

I read the editorial, “Wailing sentimentalists” (Aug 2). The media — electronic and print — has shockingly created a huge mess as its coverage after Sanjay Dutt’s sentencing explicitly suggests as if he might have been wrongly sentenced.

Sanjay Dutt’s is not an isolated case. It is only the tip of the iceberg. Criminalisation has struck firm roots in the Bollywood. Many actors are involved in drug addiction, illegal poaching, murders, dubious land deals, flesh trade, smuggling and so on. Bollywood has so degenerated that it has become a hotbed of despicable and perverse activities with no concern for our society and country.

Exquisite art, sensitivity, objectivity and cultivation of healthy pastime, nation building, fight against social evils and superstition and spontaneous objective of social transformation which were once the hallmark of Indian cinema the world over are now things of the past. Instead, a new genre of off beam filmmakers has sprung up whose sole aim is to mint money. This new breed in our filmdom is not even distantly connected with our age-old art, culture or rich traditions. Sanjay Dutt’s sentencing should be treated as the law of the land having followed its own course.

SOM KIRTI, Shimla

II

Sanjay Dutt’s conviction reminds me of the punishment awarded to Raskolnikov in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Like Dostoevsky’s hero, Sanju has extraordinary abilities. But what about the crime he has committed, like Raskolnikov?

The punishment “inflicted” upon him is also is consonance with the law of the land. It clearly shows that men of extraordinary merit “are also culpable under the law.” Status, or position, as the editorial “Wailing sentimentalists” rightly puts across, “does not bestow on them immunity from the law”. In the circumstances, Sanjay Dutt should read Crime and Punishment.

Genuine spices, as they say, smell sweeter, the more they are crushed and pounded. “Patience,” according to Hopkins, is a “hard thing”. But it is, at the same time, another name for “joyous acceptance”- a kind of “waiting on God”.

NIDHI MALHOTRA, Panipat

III

The editorial “Wailing sentimentalists” is very balanced. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi says, “If one has no sympathy for Sanjay Dutt, there is something wrong with one’s heart”. According to this yardstick, something is wrong with my heart. But, I can assure you I am okay and there is nothing wrong with my head. I would like to congratulate TADA court judge Pramod Kode for his bold judgement.

RAMESH KOHLI, Jalandhar City

IV

There is mixed reaction over Sanjay Dutt’s six-year rigorous imprisonment. But I consider it as a reassurance that the law of the land will always prevail in this great country. This verdict has come after 14 years. It was long enough for one to lose faith in the judiciary.

Having convicted Sanjay, TADA court judge Pramod Dattaram Kode has proved that all are equal in the eyes of the law. His ruling has enkindled hope in our hearts that all other long-awaited and high profile cases will also be decided fairly and impartially.

GARIMA SOHARU, Sundernagar

V

Few citizens have shed tears for Sanjay Dutt’s conviction. No one is above the law. Judge Pramod Kode’s judgement has helped reinforce one cardinal principle of the criminal justice system that all are equal before the law. This will also restore the ordinary citizen’s trust, confidence and faith in the judiciary. Had the TADA court let off Sanjay Dutt on probation, questions would have been raised on the fairness of the ruling.

SHER SINGH, Ludhiana

VI

The sentence may be harsh, but being a celebrity Sanjay Dutt cannot be treated differentially, because the law is the same for everyone — high or low, rich or poor, celebrity or common man. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi may have a tender heart for Sanjay Dutt. But, then, everyone has his/her own admirers.

D. R. SHARDA, Chandigarh

Poor sewerage

The Haryana government officials should inspect the poor sanitary and sewerage system in Narwana and take corrective measures right earnest. During the rainy reason, all the sewer lines are blocked and there is water logging in the streets and houses. It is very difficult to walk in the streets. The authorities should look into the matter and check outbreak of epidemic.

Dr UTTAM SINGH, Narwana