The Hindu : TANSI verdict

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 26, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

TANSI verdict

Sir, — The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa's acquittal by the Supreme Court in the TANSI cases has certainly provided much relief to her. Nonetheless, the accompanying remarks by the judges should make her sit up and do some cogitation. Though she stands exonerated of the charges levelled against her, Ms. Jayalalithaa has earned some adverse comments on her conduct as public servant. The verdict should prompt her to do some introspection and mend her style of functioning. In a democratic dispensation, there is ample scope for an administrator to shine without being dubbed autocratic.

N.K.Vijayan,
Kizhakkambalam, Kerala

Sir, — While acquitting Ms. Jayalalithaa, the Supreme Court has highlighted the importance of adhering to the code of conduct. However, most present day politicians will lend a deaf ear to such `advice'. It is high time the code of conduct was made statutory.

C. Ramesh,
Keeramangalam, T.N.

Sir, — The apex court's observations on atonement are perhaps to be treated as obiter dicta. But the stern phraseology echoes the views of philosopher Jacques Saurin: "the law often permits what honour forbids; instead of asking `is it legal' more people should be asking `is it honourable'. That would lead to less crowding and agonising waiting time at the law courts."

D. Natesan,
Guduvancheri, T.N.

Sir, — The charges of corruption or other illegal activities against senior politicians are rarely proved in courts either because they are legally unsustainable, filed against them for political reasons, or because legal processes are vitiated by political pressure. When let off by courts for whatever reasons, the politicians get a chance to accuse their opponents of political vendetta and thereby gain political dividends. The ultimate victim is the legal system.

K. Vijayakumar,
Bangalore

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

CURTAINS ON A LEGAL SAGA

Sustaining the Centre's myth

U.S. faces unease in East Asia