Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

VIP squatters

This refers to the editorial "The day of the VIP squatter"(Oct. 27). Government inaction in the VVIPs overstay issue is evident. Now that the judiciary has done its duty, will the executive wake up and take action? People will lose faith in the Government if the rules are not implemented uniformly for all.

V.K. Naarasimhan,
Secunderabad

The Supreme Court has been criticised for its corrective judgments in the past and accused of interference in the legislative domain.

One wonders what our legislators have to say now that the Court has come down on them for illegally occupying government bungalows.

Gorakh Chawla,
Karaikal, Pondicherry

While the judges' concern over the issue is understandable, the language used, particularly against Buta Singh, should have been mild. The common people have great regard for the judiciary and it is expected to live up to its image.

M. Pradeep Kumar,
Hyderabad

Intemperate language is anathema to judicial poise and balance. There is little justification to assume any attitude other than judicial restraint under any circumstances.

V.K. Sathyavan Nair,
Kottayam, Kerala

I strongly support the language used by the Court. Gentle prodding will not have any effect on politicians.

Sannapareddy Krishna Reddy,
Nellore, A.P.

The apex court's observation that Buta Singh should be thrown out is welcome. It looks like the law is non-existent for the so-called elites. As Montesquieu said, "Law should be like death, which spares no one."

Ashok Kalra,
New Delhi

Four hundred and sixty five unauthorised VVIP occupants! The number is large enough to constitute a parliament.

P.V.R. Sarma,
Coimbatore, T.N.

How ironical that when tribals are being driven away from the forestlands, and slums are being cleared to make way for skyscrapers, the so-called VVIPs are allowed to overstay in extravagant bungalows in the capital. Though the Supreme Court has called for action, it is up to the executive, that shows no mercy while snatching away from the poor what little land they have, to implement it.

Kiran C. Nair,
Aluva, Kerala

We the voters, who elected these politicians as our representatives, should also share the responsibility of throwing them out. Ultimately it is the voters who are responsible for such a situation.

Our obligation to preserve and defend our democracy does not end with casting our vote during elections. It should continue after the elections too. The judiciary cannot intervene every time our representatives abuse power.

M. William,
Ahmedabad

The Court's observations have unmasked all the political parties and exposed the law-breakers among them. But political parties have developed high levels of immunity to shame and remorse. The order will make little difference to them.

S. Shivasundar,
Sriharikota, A.P.

The adage `rules are for fools' has never been more true.

Seshagiri Row Karry,
Hyderabad

The term VVIP itself is a slur on democratic values as it recognises some as more equal than others. A Minister is an important person only as long as he is discharging his official duty. In all other capacities, he is only a common citizen.

It is disgusting to see persons claiming VVIP status break queues, get out-of-turn allotments and other privileges at the cost of the common man with impunity. The tolerance level of our people is really astonishing.

V. Krishnan,
San Diego, California

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