The Hindu : Healthy criticism

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 10, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Healthy criticism

Sir, — That healthy criticism offered by a popular national daily could not be tolerated by the political establishment is extremely dangerous for the country's democratic system. Your resolve to work independently has to be welcomed and supported by one and all in the larger interest of our nation.

P.V.D. Paul,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — People in high position should show tolerance of criticism.

K. Purushothaman,

Tiruchi, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — The Tamil Nadu Police's actions in Bangalore show an utter disregard for public opinion. The entire country is behind The Hindu. The Central Government has a responsibility in this matter and should take appropriate action to end the assault on the freedom of the press.

T.R. Viswanathan,

Madurai, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — The Centre should intervene at once and dismiss the authoritarian regime in the State.

K. Lakshman,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — I am reminded of an incident that occurred when Rajaji was Chief Minister. Some MLA used a very filthy word in Telugu against Rajaji. Turmoil and commotion erupted in the Assembly.

The Speaker was on the Chair. He did not understand the meaning of that word. No MLA was prepared to translate the word either in English or in Tamil. Rajaji got up and pacified the Members by saying "my friend" in an emotional outburst, due to a slip of the tongue, used this word and did not really mean it and then explained the meaning of that word. The matter was dropped at that. Such was the tolerance exhibited under so much more provocation.

V. Jayaraman

Noida, U.P.

* * *

Sir, — I was shocked to read about the misadventures of the Tamil Nadu police on two consecutive days. This is an attempt to gag the Press, the fourth pillar of democracy. Your readers are with you.

Brajesh,

New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — The fourth estate has got every right in a democratic set-up to appeal to the courts.

R. Gowri,

Kangayam, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — An independent judiciary, a free press and an executive body arising from a fair election process are fundamental to a true participatory democracy. Sadly, elected people's representatives have become so alienated from the very people who voted them to govern, any attempt to reason with them is taken as a personal affront and swift retribution is the result.

Ravee Nerur,

Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — The editorial `Rising intolerance' is only vindicated by the present developments.

G. Nagarajan,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Hats off to you for your editorial and for reiterating the five guiding principles in such crucial times.

A.J. Rangarajan,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — There is a lot to criticise about the blatant mismanagement by various State Governments in India. Whatever happened to press freedom?

V. K. Ranganathan,

New York

* * *

Sir, — I have been an ardent reader of The Hindu from childhood and appreciate the ethics it practises. It would be worth remembering how our late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was brought down by the power of the pen. History will repeat itself.

Sunil C.,

Bangalore

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