Come clean on quota

With reference to the report Parliament?s quota report sought by SC (October 17), the Supreme Court?s query to the government to disclose the formula on which the quota system is based is timely.

With reference to the report Parliament’s quota report sought by SC (October 17), the Supreme Court’s query to the government to disclose the formula on which the quota system is based is timely. The courts are interested in the prosperity of all sections.

It is a mockery that even after six decades of Independence, we continue to ignore the essential requirements of basic education, teachers and discipline. With corrupt men and women holding office, parliamentarians’ work cannot always be trusted. Hence, the judiciary has every right to step in.

BS Ganesh, Bangalore

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II

The Supreme Court has rightly pulled up the Union government for taking hasty political decisions on quota system, evidently for vote bank politics. To prevent the frequent misuse of privileges by both legislature and judiciary, privileges and immunity to both should be abolished.

Subhash Agrawal, Delhi

Too harsh

I am shocked that there seems to be little protest outside Kashmir over the hanging of Afzal Guru. Several legal practitioners have pointed to the flaws in his trial. Even if he is guilty, the death by hanging of a man who aided terrorists and did not commit murder himself is severe punishment. Afzal is being sacrificed in order for politicians to appear tough on terrorism.

NidaKirmani, Delhi

II

Capital punishment has never been a deterrent. Many countries have abolished it. But in India, this form of punishment is also used as a political tool. It is linked with considerations of caste, religion and political expediency. The President must give his decision in the nation’s interest.

NB Grant, Pune

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