Loss of faith in the system

Refer to ‘Lessons from the Red Fort blast’; the article is an eye-opener for the present day political leadership. Former PM Manmohan Singh’s understanding of a ‘functioning democracy’ in India may be the best antidote to terror incidents like the Red Fort blast. When constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, higher judiciary and government departments ( Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax) are perceived as biased by the public at large, it leads to a loss of faith in the system. Let us implement our visionary ex-PM’s advice for maintaining peace and harmony in the country.

SS Sangwan, Rohtak

Follow Guru’s valuable lessons

Refer to ‘Modern-day resonance of Hind di chadar’; we must reflect on how far today’s society has drifted from the Guru’s teachings. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s message of ‘fear none, frighten none’, his insistence on moral courage, justice for the weak and resistance against oppression are not merely historical ideals; they are guiding principles for any civilised nation. Yet, instead of internalising these values, both Central and state governments appear content with grand commemorations, public events and political posturing. The essence of the Guru’s legacy — protection of civil liberties, respect for lawful dissent and a humane governance — stands ignored. In an age where dissenting voices are labelled, penalised or silenced, hypocrisy becomes stark. Celebrations are plentiful, but adherence to the Guru’s values is scarce.

Amarjit Singh, Mohali

Merit, not religion the key

The recent controversy around the admissions in Mata Vaishno Devi medical college in Jammu has exposed the BJP’s real face. The party has demanded revocation of the admission list wherein 42 Muslim students out of 50 secured seats in the college based on merit. It is a matter of pride that Kashmiris are joining the mainstream after decades of alienation and hardship foisted on them due to militancy and wrong policies of successive governments. Rather than trying to score political brownie points, the BJP should make sincere efforts to make the country secular and safe. Religious bigotry and decisions taken against the spirit of the Constitution can have far-reaching consequences on the secular fabric of the nation.

Sachin Kaushal, Patiala

Lawyers, litigants too at fault

Refer to ‘CJI sets agenda’; reducing the backlog of cases is not the CJI’s responsibility alone. Litigants and lawyers too have a role to play. People resort to litigation on the smallest pretext while lawyers seek adjournments on flimsy grounds. More number of cases are added than those decided, adding to the backlog. Final verdicts come after years of delay which is a blot on the justice delivery system. The courts, lawyers and litigants — everybody should try to get rid of this anomaly. Also, we should pay heed to the outgoing CJI’s suggestion of denying reservation to the creamy layer of the SCs. Merit alone should be the criterion for jobs or admissions to colleges/universities.

WG CDR CL Sehgal (retd), Jalandhar

Long road to justice

It is heartening to note that the new CJI Surya Kant in his first statement after assuming charge has talked about reducing the backlog of court cases, which is a Herculean task. I have been fighting for justice in a service matter since 1984 and got justice only in piecemeal, including from the apex court, with the matter still pending for final adjudication in the high court. My case appears in the list somewhere at the bottom and is never taken up for the final decision. When a case is listed for the final hearing, why is the list not exhausted fully in the following days?

Jagrup Singh Rana, Palampur

Will always be remembered

Dharamendra was an actor par excellence — one who stood alongside strong competitors like the Kapoors, Dev Sahib, Sunil Dutt Sahib, Manoj Kumar and Balraj Sahni — and an equally warm person. I remember watching him interact enthusiastically with his relatives during the shooting of Jheel Ke Us Paar in Nangal. His dignity, humility and philanthropic spirit will long be remembered along with his iconic films.

Sqn Ldr KK Sharma (retd), Nangal