The verdict on the fodder scam proves that no one is above the law
This refers to No more in cloud Laluland (Our take, October 1). The CBI special court’s verdict indicting former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad in a fodder scam case is proof that no politician is above the law of the land. This verdict, though coming after 17 years, has strengthened public faith in the judiciary. It is also expected to work as a deterrent for fraudulent leaders as well as an eye-opener to political parties who will now think twice before nominating a candidate for election. The edit rightly states that the verdict is a shot in the arm for Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.
Rukhsana Khan, via email
Too early to think that NOTA will reform the electoral system
With reference to Satya Prakash’s Press the right elimination button (October 1), unless there are serious electoral reforms, the ‘none-of-the- above’ (NOTA) option may be futile in the long run. It is not certain that the NOTA button will draw more voters to the booths. People who are unhappy with our politicians and are cynical about the election process may still prefer to abstain from casting their vote. In this context, the ‘right to reject’ must be revisited and it should be clear whether the rejected votes will be counted and whether it can lead to a re-election. The ruling of the apex court is praiseworthy and is another in a series of judgments that attempt to cleanse the rot in the system.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Protect young and upright civil servants from political pressure
With reference to Forced to toe the line (September 30), all efforts need to be made to protect young and upright civil servants. The media has, however, been extremely selective in targeting the Uttar Pradesh government in its handling of the Durga Shakti Nagpal case. Justice for Durga became a national campaign. What about the injustice being meted out to many other officers, the most prominent being Ashok Khemka? This duplicity and double standards will only help politicians to get off the hook and discourage young and honest officers.
Kiran Yadav, Uttar Pradesh
Protect young and upright civil servants from political pressure
With reference to Forced to toe the line (September 30), all efforts need to be made to protect young and upright civil servants. The media has, however, been extremely selective in targeting the Uttar Pradesh government in its handling of the Durga Shakti Nagpal case. Justice for Durga became a national campaign. What about the injustice being meted out to many other officers, the most prominent being Ashok Khemka? This duplicity and double standards will only help politicians to get off the hook and discourage young and honest officers.
Kiran Yadav, Uttar Pradesh
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