Marital rape

Reference to ‘Criminalising domestic rape’; the judiciary always finds it difficult to decide the matter of domestic rape in the absence of solid evidence because the crime is committed where only the couple are present. The main purpose of marriage is procreation, and sometimes divorce is sought on the ground of non-consummation of marriage. Before giving a final verdict, the judiciary must balance the rights and duties of both partners.

RL Bansal, Kurukshetra

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Get tough with defections

The provision of anti-defection laws must be brought into the Municipal Corporation elections of Chandigarh. The recent show of councillors in the mayoral polls of Chandigarh shows lack of ethics in politics. If anti-defection is brought into the elections of the civic body, only then can there be a level playing field in mayoral polls.

Ritish Pandit, Sunhet

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Online canvassing

The ECI asking the political parties to canvass through digital mode was the need of the hour. Online canvassing will ensure strict implementation of the model code of conduct in the states. It will also help in curtailing the malicious use of liquor, drugs and money to purchase votes. Although the education, digital and economic divides are enormous in our country, the candidates and parties can overcome it by connecting with the people using print, television, social media or door-to-door campaigning.

Varinder Pal Singh, by mail

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Let politicians learn too

Punjab politicians need to understand that change is the law of nature. With the third Covid wave striking, the ECI has rightly banned physical campaigning for elections. But the majority of politicians are finding it difficult to cope with this new change, saying ‘it’s not so easy’. They must understand that when everything is going online these days, it is but natural that campaigning should also undergo a change. With the onset of Covid-19 in India in 2020, the teaching fraternity learnt the ropes of online teaching without any grumbling, though there were many direct and indirect obstacles. Many were not tech-savvy before the pandemic, but adjusted smoothly with the new change. If teachers can do it, why not politicians?

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

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Virtual rallies

Refer to ‘Akalis oppose virtual rallies’; parties have been directed by the ECI not to organise public rallies and nukkad meetings but some parties have opposed ‘virtual rallies’, arguing that it is impossible to reach out to the masses digitally. Agreed that technical glitches may occur, but the ECI is duty bound to maintain a balance between public health and holding elections. Both people and parties must understand that abiding by the ECI’s guidelines is in everybody’s interest.

NK Gosain, BATHINDA

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Prepare for lockdown

The sudden surge of cases in Punjab may be followed by another unwanted lockdown. Under such circumstances, the authorities should plan and prepare in time. Special arrangements for the labour class and daily wagers are necessary to avoid their emergency displacement. The network of essential items like medicines and ration must be made with online delivery partners with a proper sanitation kit provision on minimal charges. Day-wise distribution for the opening of different kinds of stores must be ensured. With the election season going on, even the public and the higher authorities are not taking this matter seriously. The rising cases must be controlled before things get out of control.

Harsimranvir Singh, Patiala

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Projects for Punjab

There are conflicting versions why the PM’s visit was cancelled. The visit would have come with big-ticket announcements and inauguration of projects for the benefit of the people of Punjab. Now that the tour has been abandoned, it should not amount to scrapping of planned projects and other investments. Nothing stops the BJP from promising the people of Punjab that whatever has been planned will be given to the state and that is not contingent on the party being voted to power in Punjab.

Balvinder Singh, Mohali

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Breach of oath

Apropos of ‘Why brief Priyanka on security lapse, BJP asks Pb CM Channi’, it does not behove a CM to share official secrets with unauthorised persons. This is in direct contrast with the oath taken by him while being sworn in as Chief Minister. Channi should have approached the Punjab Governor instead of Sonia Gandhi to constitute a committee to probe the lapse in the security of PM Modi. Later, he could have briefed the Governor on the development instead of Priyanka Gandhi. Personal loyalty should not supersede obligations related to the post.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

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