The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Prosecuting Ministers

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Thursday, Nov 11, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Prosecuting Ministers

Sir, — This refers to the editorial, "Prosecuting State Ministers" (Nov. 10). It is naive to expect Ministers to be fair when it comes to prosecuting one of their own. The Supreme Court's effective intervention, upholding the right of a Governor to override the Council of Ministers in according sanction to prosecute Ministers, has put on hold this unholy affiliation. Regarding Union Ministers, either the Chief Justice of India or the President could be vested with the power to check any violation bordering on favouritism.

S. Srimoolanathan,
Irvine, California

Sir, — The apex court order is significant. Governors are seen as titular heads who sign on the dotted line. Some have even suggested that the post of Governor be abolished. The order has added to the powers of a Governor.

H. Narayanan,
Bangalore

Sir, — The President should be allowed to exercise restricted discretion in cases in which the Union Council of Ministers deny sanction to prosecute a colleague.

K. Rajasekharan,
Thrissur, Kerala
Sir, — The President should be empowered to sanction prosecution proceedings against corrupt political executives. Judicial activism of this kind is necessary in these times.

Santosh Nandur,
Dharwad, Karnataka

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Prosecuting Ministers