Promote equality for all

With reference to ‘We aren’t masters of our private universe’ (The Great Game); homosexuality is considered a taboo in Indian society. This also holds true for same-sex marriage, which does not have legal sanction in the country. This myopic mindset makes life difficult for some people. They are often bullied and harassed. The onus lies on society to promote the safety, self-esteem, health and wellbeing of the community. Everyone must work in tandem to uplift these minority groups and save them from guilt, shame and dogma.

ARVIND SHARMA, by mail

Provide relaxed legislation

Refer to ‘We aren’t masters of our private universe’; the right to love and be loved may be vital, but the Supreme Court’s recent refusal to accord legal status to same-sex unions is unanimous. Marriage entails lifelong commitment and ramifications not only for the couple but also for the prospective progeny (via adoption or surrogacy). Unfortunately, such situations can attract social ostracism or stigma. Nonetheless, Parliament is obliged to secure constitutional guarantee of dignity and respect to queer couples who battle bias every day. They must be provided with relaxed provision in laws on marriage, succession, adoption and rights.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Awareness on gender equality

Apropos of ‘Sex ratio plunge’; the crisis of Punjab’s alarming decline in sex ratio reveals the deeply entrenched patriarchal attitude. Despite legal frameworks like the PNDT Act, female foeticide persists, facilitated by corrupt medical practices and ineffective law enforcement. The failure of authorities to dismantle illegal networks that perpetrate female foeticide is a tragic testament to the state’s apathy. The lack of accountability for errant doctors and the absence of robust tracking mechanisms exacerbate the problem. These systemic failures highlight the state’s unwillingness to take serious action against this human rights violation. The crisis calls for urgent action.

SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI

Impose strict punishment

Refer to ‘Sex ratio plunge’; it is a matter of grave concern that sex ratio is fast plummeting in Punjab. This alarming decline shows that the PNDT Act is not being implemented in letter and spirit. It shows lack of political will to enforce the law strictly. It appears that doctors at private diagnostic centres are conducting prenatal tests with impunity to determine the sex of the child. Besides, a patriarchal mindset is adding to the problem. Apart from strict enforcement of the Act and imposing exemplary punishment to rein in erring doctors, holding awareness camps at the grassroots level to educate people is the need of the hour.

MD SHARMA, SHIMLA

Alliance facing setbacks

Apropos of ‘INDIA wilting’; INDIA bloc’s decline stems from its weaknesses, but its leaders are not acknowledging this reality. Though the Congress is the largest member of this alliance, it does not command the respect of its regional allies as its performance has been below par in state elections. Though the Congress did quite well in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the credit for its improved tally should go to the contribution of its regional partners. In the absence of binding commitment, it may not withstand the strains of hard-headed politics. A national alternative to the BJP remains a democratic imperative. But for it to be enduring and persuasive, it will need the Congress to be bigger and stronger.

SK SINGH, by mail

INDIA bloc must close ranks

With reference to ‘INDIA wilting’; the perception is fast building that the INDIA bloc is wilting and has not been able to put up a united and cohesive front against the BJP. Its biggest constituent, the Congress, has also not been able to provide a robust leadership to the alliance. In the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP and Congress are at loggerheads with each other. This doesn’t augur well for the alliance. The INDIA bloc needs to put up a cohesive front, if it is really determined to dislodge the BJP from power. The only way is that the partners exhibit unity and work out a clear-cut roadmap, rising above their ideological differences.

RAVI SHARMA, Dhariwal