Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Landmark verdict

The Supreme Court verdict unfettering the prosecuting agencies from the need to seek sanction before initiating criminal proceedings against corrupt Ministers, legislators and bureaucrats is indeed a landmark decision. Democracy is not just about holding elections and enacting laws. It is about the rule of law under which every institution and individual is accountable. So far, our political class has claimed immunity from the law. The judgment has exploded the myth.

Raji Mani,
Mumbai

By dismissing the petitions of Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, Parkash Singh Badal, and others, the Supreme Court has upheld the rule of law. At a time when corruption has reached an all-time high, it has done well not to grant unfettered freedom, nay licence, to politicians to act without the fear of the law and indulge in corruption.

K.V. Seetharamaiah,
Hassan, Karnataka

The ruling comes at a time when there is increasing criminalisation of politics and criminals enjoy political patronage. There has been a sharp decline in the values practised by politicians. Simply getting elected does not mean a politician enjoys the unconditional support of the electorate. What our country needs is value-based politics, not politics-based values.

B. Madhava Murthy,
Hyderabad

The verdict dispensing with the requirement of prior sanction to prosecute public servants is significant for all those who are concerned at corruption in high places. Corruption is an affliction that has endured since Independence, though a few Chief Ministers have had to bow out following the institution of inquiry commissions. In recent times, those holding high office have taken shelter behind subterfuges such as sanction from competent authorities. The Court has removed the impediment.

M.K.D. Prasada Rao,
Ghaziabad

The judgment is timely. For years, politicians have misused the prior-sanction requirement to evade conviction. The court should also prescribe a time limit for the disposal of cases against politicians.

V.N. Ramachandran,
Vadodara

The Supreme Court has indeed opened a new chapter in arresting the declining values of our political class. If only it can find some way of reducing the enormous time delays in prosecution and the pronouncement of judgment, meaningful verdicts and convictions will automatically follow.

Ashok Viswanath,
Chennai

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