The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Clear-cut case

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Thursday, Nov 25, 2004

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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Clear-cut case

Sir, — This refers to the statement of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, hitting out at the DMK leader, M. Karunanidhi, on the Sankaracharya issue.

Leaders of Mr. Karunanidhi's stature should exercise restraint at a time when the case is in a crucial stage. As a responsible Opposition party, the BJP too should not use the issue to polarise the nation.

J. Rajiah,
Tirunelveli, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — It is undeniable that the sentiments of many have been hurt by the arrest of the Sankaracharya. But instead of making their point in a mature way, the BJP leaders have taken to the streets.

Namita Minj,
Raipur

* * *

Sir, — The BJP made desperate efforts to make capital out of Uma Bharti's arrest and the removal of a plaque on V.D. Savarkar from the Cellular Jail for resurrecting the sagging morale of the party. It is now trying its best to foment chaos over the arrest of the Acharya. Why not let the law take its course?

J. Dasgupta,
Coimbatore, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — The BJP has only condemned the manner in which the Acharya was arrested. It is not seeking immunity for him from the law. The Prime Minister also echoed the sentiments of many when he said the Acharya should be treated well.

S. Shyamala,
Thiruvananthapuram

* * *

Sir, — The Sankaracharya has actually become a means for political forces to score points.

C.S. Gopalakrishnan,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — A big hue and cry has been raised over the Public Prosecutor's remarks against the Seer. He has done only his duty, which is to prove that the accused is guilty. For the prosecution, the accused is guilty until proved innocent. If everyone has to assume that a person is innocent until proved guilty, then how can one prove that a person is guilty?

T. Muthukumar,
New York

* * *

Sir, — There is no doubt that all are equal in the eyes of law. However in the arrest and subsequent statements by the police and the administration, there is an attempt to prejudice the Acharya's case.

The media too have vitiated the atmosphere by making out the pontiff as a criminal even before his conviction by a court of law. This is against the principles of justice.

V.P. Japee,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — This is in response to letters decrying the participation of former President R. Venkataraman in the BJP's agitation protesting the Seer's arrest (Nov. 24). He might have held the highest post in the country but the fact that he is a citizen who has the right to air his views is irrefragable. He is not campaigning for any political party.

Lakshmi Ramasubramanian,
Thiruvananthapuram

* * *

Sir, — It was a cause for which Mr. Venkataraman joined the protest along with others who have also held high office in the past. The move was the result of his personal faith. Did not Khushwant Singh return his Padma award after Operation Bluestar?

S. Raghothaman,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Venkataraman participated in the sit-in demonstration to express solidarity with the Kanchi Seer in his capacity as an ordinary citizen of the country. This is fully justified in a democracy.

B. Suresh Kumar,
Coimbatore, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — While the BJP's stance of trying to get exemption for the Sankaracharya from the due process of law may be morally wrong, the handling of the issue by the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu and the television channels controlled by them leaves a lot to be desired. The talk shows on the issue with known anti-Hindu activists only add to the disinformation campaign.

Jeyshree Jayaraman,
Coimbatore, T.N.

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