Punishment for leaders symbolic
Refer to ‘Tainted politicians’; a six-year ban serves as a symbolic punishment rather than a means for reformation. Is a six-year period enough to ensure a politician’s transformation? While it may deter some temporarily, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of future misdeeds. There is no certainty that an MP/MLA will change his/her mindset after the ban expires. Reform would require an evaluation during and after the ban that will help determine whether the leader is truly fit to re-enter politics or not. True accountability demands rehabilitation, transparency and regular monitoring to prevent individuals with harmful tendencies from returning to power. A mere six-year hiatus does not guarantee a change of heart.
Harshita Dhakad, Ujjain
BJP’s double standards
Apropos of ‘Tainted politicians’; it is shocking that the Centre is opposing a plea in the Supreme Court regarding a lifetime ban on convicted lawmakers. This reveals the BJP’s double standards. The party claims to uphold the highest standard of integrity and honesty in public life. Ironically, our system bars candidates with a criminal record from holding government positions, but politicians with a similar record can formulate laws for citizens. People must protest this duality. The Supreme Court should override the Centre’s objections and enforce a lifetime ban on convicted politicians.
SS Paul, Nadia
Does fairness stand a chance?
The issue of tainted politicians contesting elections from jail is a complex one. According to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a person can contest elections from jail if he/she hasn’t been convicted yet. This raises questions about fairness and equality. Perhaps the common man facing a court case might be barred from voting someday. Government employees charged with corruption are shown the door, whereas tainted MLAs and MPs continue to receive government benefits. Cases against politicians often drag on for years, allowing them to complete their terms and even contest again. This undermines the purpose of proving them guilty in the first place. More needs to be done to prevent maligned politicians from exploiting loopholes in the system.
Capt Amar Jeet (Retd), Kharar
Re-evaluate scheme
Despite efforts to control population growth, the societal preference for a male child continues to cause distress, leading to tragic incidents such as women committing suicide, female infanticide and abandonment of newborn girls. These tragedies are preventable. The suffering is not limited to mothers alone; every family member bears the consequences of this deep-rooted social malaise. Although the Central Government has introduced various schemes to improve the sex ratio, these initiatives have not yet been able to eradicate the problem to a satisfactory level. A re-evaluation of existing schemes and statutory provisions, and the possibility of fresh legislation on family planning policies must be explored.
Madan Mohan Manocha, Karnal
Need policies that uplift poor
By using the ‘parasite’ remark for the poor, Justice Gavai wanted to emphasise that poverty is not a crime and cannot be condemned. He has highlighted the need for systemic support rather than discrimination and expressed a desire for policies that uplift rather than alienate. His compassionate approach reaffirms constitutional values of equality and justice, ensuring that economic status does not determine access to rights. His views set a precedent for a more inclusive legal framework, reinforcing faith in judicial fairness.
Sikandar Bansal, Shimla
Don’t play politics over language
The Punjab government is trying to make Punjabi a mandatory language in all schools. The Tamil Nadu CM is adamant that Hindi is just a ‘mask of Sanskrit language’ and doesn’t want it in his state. In a diverse country like India, enforcement of a uniform language is practically impossible. Every 100 km, the dialect changes. A language acceptable to all states should be taught as a primary one and the local language should be the secondary one. But no state should make the local language compulsory for any competitive examination.
Deepak Taak, Panchkula
