Questionable conduct

You have rightly observed in the editorial “Habitual offenders” (Feb 21) that members of Parliament whose conduct is questionable should be voted out by the people in the forthcoming elections. What a great pity that the respected members of Parliament indulged in indecent and rowdy behaviour, despite taking a vow not to do so.

In the last session, they crossed all limits. Mr Somnath Chatterjee, Speaker of the House, was forced to say that the MPs have no right to claim even a single penny and the House should be adjourned sine die. As a matter of fact, the solution to the problem lies in the hands of the people who must cast their votes judiciously, so that such unruly leaders are not elected again.

SUBASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

No success

The Oscars only represent the success of the film industry accepted by the audiences of the US. A film that does well in the US and badly in India can make it to the Oscars. But a film that is appreciated in India and rejected in the US will never make it to the Oscars. Hence, “Slumdog Millionaire” winning so many Oscars does not represent the true success of India. It is a foreign film, produced by foreigners and does not make me feel proud.

ROHIT BISHT, Bangalore

Media’s responsibility

The article “Media has certain obligations” (Feb 17) by Navjit Singh Johal was enlightening. I agree that the Indian media is pre-mature but can be made more mature and responsible. Students of journalism are taught all the formal principles and theoretical elements of becoming good journalists. But how to become a socially responsible journalist is not part of the syllabus.

The great media thinker Denis Mcquail’s Social Responsibility Media Theory aims at development of professionalism, as a means of achieving higher standards of performance, by maintaining self-regulation. But how this theory can be implemented is not taught to the students. It is said, “If a dog bites a man it is not news, but if a man bites a dog, it is news”. But the media must exercise self-restraint and not sensationalise crucial issues.

DIVYA GOEL, Ludhiana

CBI’s role

The editorial “SC pulls up CBI” (Feb 12) points out that corruption in top-level institutions like the CBI is an ominous signal in a democracy. The CBI probe is considered as the highest and is usually welcomed for this institution is expected to be fair and unbiased. Today I am reminded of the lines, “If gold goes rusty, what shall iron do?” The CBI must maintain its dignity and sanctity and not bow under pressure from men in power. The functioning of the CBI should not be undermined.

SONU LOHAT, Fatehabad

Traffic rules

The traffic on the city roads is increasing at an alarming rate. Generally, city traffic cops are overeager to challan the traffic violators. One of the causes of traffic chaos and accidents on roads is violation of traffic rules by the rickshaw pullers and cyclists. They seldom care for traffic rules and nobody bothers to check them. Effective steps should be taken to educate them about traffic rules and to make them liable for traffic violations.