Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Contempt jurisdiction

Sir, __ Rajeev Dhavan in his article ``Arundhati Roy's contempt'' (April 5) has made out a convincing case for reviewing the law of contempt. Ms. Roy was apparently bewildered that she was hauled up for contempt when the petition was ``obviously false and flawed'' and lacked the consent of the Attorney-General, and when she was honestly exercising her right of freedom and expression on a matter of public importance.

The court did not take kindly to the tone and tenor of her reply.

Contempt jurisdiction is a colonial legacy. It would be incompatible with the democratic ethos of our Constitution.

It is well-established that courts and judgments are not above criticism. But the comment or criticism must be fair and honest and without malice. Criticism even if outspoken or wrong-headed cannot amount to contempt.

N. Krishna Murthy,
Cuddapah, A.P.

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