SC rights a wrong

With reference to the editorial ‘Stripped of immunity’; the Supreme Court is right to strip lawmakers of immunity from prosecution for taking bribes to vote or make speeches in Parliament and legislative assemblies. The unanimous verdict is laudable and a step in the right direction. This can go a long way in checking malpractices like bribery and money power and helping cement the citizens’ faith in the judiciary and the lawmaking process. Probity and transparency are a must for a vibrant democracy. From scrapping the electoral bond scheme to overturning the Chandigarh mayoral poll result, the apex court has undone many wrongs in recent times.

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Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

1998 verdict was flawed

Refer to ‘Stripped of immunity’; the Supreme Court’s 1998 verdict in the JMM bribery case, which granted immunity to MPs and MLAs from prosecution for accepting bribes, was flawed. The latest verdict emphasises the vital importance of probity in the legislative process and serves as an antidote to corruption in politics. The recent judgments delivered by the apex court, including the scrapping of the electoral bond scheme, highlight the judiciary’s crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy. It is high time that elected representatives in this country learnt to respect the faith and trust reposed in them by voters.

Amarjeet Mann, Una

Boost for faith in lawmaking

Apropos of the editorial ‘Stripped of immunity’, the seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has rightly overruled its 1998 majority verdict in the JMM bribery case. The lawmakers were granted immunity under Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution, and it opened the floodgates for the blatant use of money power in horse-trading and other legislative malpractices. It is encouraging to see the SC show zero tolerance for corrupt lawmakers by upholding the values of probity, transparency and accountability. It will deepen the faith of the public in the lawmaking process.

Gurpreet Singh, Mohali

Need to change mindset

With reference to the editorial ‘Jharkhand horror’; the gangrape is a grim reminder of the risks involved in touring the nation. If something like this can happen to a couple, what about solo female tourists? Every incident of crime against a foreigner brings us global shame. It also hits the tourism sector in India. The poor rate of conviction in rape cases has emboldened anti-social elements. Besides, there is a need to change the mindset of people in the country. A lot of times, it is the victim who is shamed, not the perpetrator of the crime. A rape victim must not feel societal pressure to stay silent.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Make India safe for tourists

Refer to the editorial ‘Jharkhand horror’; crimes against foreign tourists have far-reaching consequences. The success of many economies globally relies on a thriving tourism industry. For India, which aims to be a developed nation by 2047, sustaining and expanding its tourist base is very important. Integrating a welcoming attitude towards tourists into the educational curriculum, acknowledging those who extend hospitality, launching campaigns in the media to promote tourist-friendly practices and ensuring the visitors’ safety are some steps that need to be taken. These measures will collectively contribute to making India an inviting and safe destination for international tourists.

Vijay Kumar Katial, Panchkula

Israeli hostages must be released

Apropos of the editorial ‘Gaza tragedy’; while it is true that Israel should agree to a ceasefire now on humanitarian grounds, the slaying of about 1,200 people by Hamas gunmen in the October 7 attack and the abduction of several Israelis and foreigners should be addressed by the UN. Israel must not be expected to make any compromise when it comes to the honour and security of the nation. All the Israelis held captive must be released forthwith. The aggressors must take responsibility for all killings on both sides.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

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