Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Justice against odds

The editorial "Justice despite the odds" (Feb. 17) deserves the highest praise not only for advocating the need to liberate the process of investigation and prosecution from the influence of the government of the day, but also for highlighting the manner in which the Dharmapuri bus burning case was in danger of being scuppered. Had not the father of Kokilavani — one of the victims burnt when AIADMK workers went on the rampage following their leader's conviction in the Pleasant Stay Hotel case — relentlessly pursued the case, the accused would have got away with the horrendous act of burning three innocent girls and perhaps emerged as heroes.

The question is: why did the course of investigation and prosecution not deliver on its own? Why was N.P. Veerasamy forced to press for the transfer of the case? Who is accountable for the lapses and what action is proposed against him or her?

V.S. Samuel,
Haridwar

Is it necessary for the government to change for people to get justice? Could not the judgment in the case have come much earlier, minimising the mental agony of the families of the victims?

R. Krishnan,
Chennai

Hats off to the parent who ran from pillar to post to keep the proceedings on track. The officials who were responsible for the laxity and attempts to scupper the investigations should be punished. Only then will the investigation and prosecution be liberated from the control and influence of the government of the day.

K. Hemamalini,
Thiruvananthapuram

All the 22 witnesses examined by the Krishnagiri court turned hostile; the Madras High Court described the trial in the Krishnagiri court as an eyewash; the AIADMK Government took 15 months to issue a gazette notification; and documents pertaining to such a sensitive case disappeared. Who is accountable for all this? How does the system seek to prevent such irresponsibility in future? Justice came thanks to Mr. Veerasamy's tenacity and resolve. How many of us can display such resolve after losing someone dear to us? Only when a person gets justice without difficulty can we claim that we are a truly democratic, progressive nation.

T.V. Shankar Narayanan,
Hosur

While there is no denying that the culprits who committed the murder should be awarded the most stringent punishment, the party responsible for the organised crime cannot go unpunished. The AIADMK should be banned from contesting elections in Dharmapuri for five years.

S. Ramesh,
Bangalore

The verdict is a slap in the face of politicians who seek to orchestrate violence whenever their interests are harmed. It reinforces the faith of the common man in the judiciary and it is gratifying to note that truth can still triumph. One however wishes that the court had imposed a hefty penalty on the political party to which the perpetrators of the crime belong.

V. Subashini,
Srirangam

Mr. Veerasamy's courage and conviction are highly commendable. That the judgment came after a prolonged trial against heavy odds is heartening indeed. The message is loud and clear. Determined citizens, powerful media, and committed judiciary can make a big difference. No offender can go scot-free in a vibrant democracy.

M.J. Sethuraman,
Chennai

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