Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Clemenceau issue

This refers to the editorial "Stifling democratic discussion" (Feb. 16). It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court, a symbol of enlightened wisdom and defender of individual rights, has restricted debate on a substantive issue such as the effects of letting an asbestos-laden ship enter the country.

The court is expected to exercise the concept of contempt of court only in cases where there are conspicuous attempts to malign the court or influence its judgment. In the Clemenceau issue, there is no hindrance to the judges for arriving at an equitable solution. One shudders to think of a scenario where lower courts start restricting discussions.

V.N. Mukundarajan,
Thiruvananthapuram

Protests against the entry of the decommissioned French aircraft carrier Le Clemenceau have at last borne fruit. French President Jacques Chirac's decision to recall it is a victory for environmentalists and workers all over the world.

As for the Supreme Court's concern over media trial, it lacks credence. Public discussions help in analysing an issue in a wider dimension.

K.S. Thampi,
Chennai

In a true democracy citizens should be able to voice their concerns in matters affecting their interest, and mobilise support for a common cause. It is surprising that the court has banned protests and articles in newspapers and magazines on such a crucial subject.

S. Seetharaman,
Chennai

Mr. Chirac's decision is laudable and speaks well of his statesmanship.

C.P. Chandra Das,
Coimbatore

The issue was becoming an embarrassment for both the French and the Indian Government. Thankfully, the Conseil d'etat's initiative helped break the deadlock. The recall marks a hard earned victory for environmentalists.

A.T. Ajesh,
Malappuram, Kerala

Congratulations to environmentalists led by Greenpeace. The volunteers have to be thanked for their initiative at different levels, which drew world attention to the issue.

K. Narayanan,
Udupi, Karnataka

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