Not ethical this

Sir,- All right thinking people will fully endorse the views expressed in the Editorial, `Sleaze, not journalism' (Aug. 24). Tehelka has crossed the `lakshman rekha' of ethical journalism, taking the shine out of the good work done by them with exemplary perseverance. Honeytraps are used by espionage agencies and since the women utilised are from their own outfits, the confidentiality of the information obtained is not compromised.

In this case, the portal used common prostitutes, and any defence secrets known to them will spell danger to the nation's security. Therefore, such methods are not acceptable in the name of investigative journalism and cannot be part of any sting operation.

Secretly filming sexual encounters is done by criminals to blackmail their victims and a responsible portal should not have stooped so low. However, as you have pointed out, lack of discretion on the part of Tehelka does not in any way belittle or erase the corruption in defence and political parties, which still remains the core issue.

M.K.B. Nambiar,

Palloor, Mahe

Sir,- The fourth estate is one of the pillars of democracy, but abusing the position to bribe people in sensitive posts with sex smacks of outrageous scandal. Journalists do require certain privileges while discharging their duties but resorting to disgraceful practices under the cover of such immunity is a shame on the profession.

N. Radhakrishnan,

Chennai

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