The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Of political morality

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Monday, May 02, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Of political morality

This refers to the editorial "Political morality, law and precedents" (April 29). It is true that presumption of innocence unless convicted is the foundation of the criminal justice system. But in the case of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, the issue is not just legal. Elected representatives of the people should not only be clean but also appear clean.

V.K. Vallioor,
Hyderabad

The editorial appears to be a laboured defence of the UPA Government. The presumption that a person is innocent until proved guilty is only an escape clause in Mr. Prasad's case. Why should a Minister who is also a public servant be allowed to remain on active duty once he has been charge sheeted?

K. John Mathai,
Kochi, Kerala

With the Opposition demanding that the Prime Minister drop charge sheeted Ministers from his Cabinet and the ruling UPA retorting that the NDA Government too had charge sheeted Ministers, it is time all political parties worked towards a consensus on amending the Constitution. It should be provided that a charge sheeted MP should not occupy any public post unless acquitted by court. Last year, when there was a hue and cry over the continuance of Shibu Soren as Minister he resigned. But even before the dust could settle on the issue, he was appointed Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Unless such legal loopholes are plugged, the problem will persist. More so because each government is setting a new precedent.

K. Sundaresan,
Chennai

Mr. Prasad has become an embarrassment for the Manmohan Singh Government. That a gentleman, statesman and an economist of international repute such as the Prime Minister has become a doll in the showcase of the UPA Government is unfortunate indeed.

J.P. Reddy,
Nalgonda, A.P.

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