Chidambaram and Sibal should also pay the price

Chidambaram and Sibal should also pay the price
This has reference to ‘SC pulls up Delhi cops for Ramlila crackdown, blames Baba Ramdev too’ (February 24). The Supreme Court’s holding of Delhi police’s midnight crackdown on Baba Ramdev and his supporters at Ramlila Maidan in June last year as an assault on democracy is commendable. However, blaming Ramdev for what happened on that night is incomprehensible. The court’s observation that Ramdev was expected to urge his supporters to leave the ground raises the question whether the protestors were warned well in advance to leave the ground. As media reports suggested, the police crackdown was abrupt and at a time when the protestors, including aged persons, women and children, were not creating any law and order problem but just sleeping. The court has ordered for action against the guilty police officers. It may be recalled that Union home minister P Chidambaram and telecom minister Kapil Sibal had justified the police action. Why should not they also pay the price of defending the crime committed by Delhi police?
—MC Joshi, Lucknow

II
The Supreme Court has rightly observed that it was a glaring example of trust deficit between people and the government as also a reflection of might of the state which struck at the foundation of democracy. While the court has not spared Baba Ramdev for not asking the gathering to leave the place, it is surprising how the observation is quiet on the point of continuous misuse of police force by political masters? The appropriate mention of such misuse and due punishment to erring politicians must also form a part of the honourable court’s observation.
—Kishorkumar J Ved

III
Apportioning blame on Delhi Police administration and Baba Ramdev does not have any parellel. The SC vacation bench in July last year had issued suo motto notice to the police and government authorities for the forcible and unprovoked action on innocent law-abiding citizens. Ramdev had used his wisdom to persuade the followers to keep peace and calm as it was evident from the live TV channels. However, the honourable court has found fault with Baba’s organisation and asked it to shell out a percentage of compensation to the victims of police action. Delhi Police might have had clear directions from the home ministry but the court has not decided anything on that. A review of this observation and naming the guiding government functionary will certainly clear the air.
—S Balasundar

Sachin needs rest
Apropos of ‘Sachin as fit and charged up as ever’ (February 24), Dilip Vengsarkar must realise that the runs scored by a batsman are more important than the player himself. Australia never bothers about names. Ricky Ponting was dropped because he had not scored many runs in one-dayers. Tendulkar, or for that matter, Sehwag, should have been sitting on the bench and allowed others to get an opportunity. It is wise to not to call a living sportsman a legend, unless the player has retired. Also, it is better to avoid worshiping the player, we have many Gods for that. If somebody like Tendulkar could play Test cricket at a tender age, then why the youngsters who are making records at Harris Shield not considered for the Mumbai team? If we transform our selection process we shall definitely get some players to better Tendulkar’s records. For Tendulkar, he needs some rest for introspection.
—Pradeep Chitre, Thane 

Equal law for all
It is indeed unfortunate that cine actors take law into their hands and punish the innocent without any reason. Saif Ali Khan’s act of punching the South African NRI is not a one-off case. It would not be wrong if it is said that such incidents are common among Bollywood personalities. After remaining ‘untraceable’ all day, Saif was arrested in the evening from his lawyer’s chamber at Nariman Point. It shows that the special appearance of the star was arranged after the bail plea got ready. Khan claimed that the charge against him was fabricated and the attack first came from the other group involved in the scuffle. Looking at past incidents of such kind involving politicians, cricketers or cine stars, it is expected that Saif will come out unscathed. He came to unveil a hockey trophy on the very next day of his arrest. Isn’t it high time that we had uniform rules for everyone?
—CK Ramani

II
Apropos of Saif Ali Khan’s incident with an NRI, I would request all the authorities concerned to make sure that proper justice is given to the common man. As a law abiding citizen, we should not tolerate the famous and powerful people going scot-free. If Saif is found guilty, he should be punished and his Padma Shree award should be withdrawn. We don’t want our heroes to set wrong examples for the new generation.
—Anand Hariharan

A true hero
This has reference to ‘Ambulance is his exam centre’ (February 24). What better example could we have of a diligent student and a caring friend? Hats off to Sudarshan Shetty; we all would agree that it is very easy to say ‘be courageous’ but extremely difficult to actually be so. In today’s times where students give up on life because of exams, he stands apart. That’s the mark of a true hero. If people like Sudarshan are a part of India’s future, then we still have lot of hope left to be a better country. I am sure his act has inspired a lot of young minds to be determined and courageous, come what may.
—Shivangi Lodha