Date:12/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/12/stories/2005041204131007.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Deserves praise

Sir, — Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee deserves praise for protesting against the proposed security check of members of a parliamentary delegation visiting Australia. He refused to even enter that country under such humiliating conditions. I am not very sure how many would do this, foregoing a foreign trip. He has displayed remarkable pride and sensitivity.

It reminded me of an incident when a lawyer had brought a number of authorities in a tax case to distinguish between hide and skin. The Learned Judge noted for his inimitable sense of humour and remarkable presence of mind, remarked: "Look, Mr. Counsel you don't need so many authorities for that. The answer is very simple. What I have is skin and what you have is hide." There were peals of laughter. Mr. Chatterjee has shown in no uncertain terms that what he has is skin and not hide.

N.G.R. Prasad,
Chennai

Sir, — At a time when it has become common for elected representatives to travel abroad on public money, Mr. Chatterjee has taken a principled stand.

Anand Gawarikar,
Varanasi, U.P.

Sir, — The Speaker should be complimented for taking a principled stand. If the Australian Government has a right to refuse exemption to Speakers from being frisked, the Speakers also have a right to boycott meetings in the country.

K. Ramachandran,
Howrah, West Bengal

Sir, — Security checks are the order of the day. There is no disrespect in subjecting oneself to routine security check.

A.J. Rangarajan,
Chennai