Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Thought provoking

Your editorial "An unjustifiable broadside" (Feb. 7) was apt and thought provoking. The judiciary and the executive should function in unison for the common good of democracy. Mr. Veerasamy's outbursts on the judiciary are unfortunate and not in good taste in a democratic society.

T.S. Satyam,
Chennai

* * *

Mr. Veerasamy's outburst against the judiciary is not only unwarranted but also unethical. During the hearing of a case the courts may pose certain questions, pass remarks, offer suggestions for consideration, which may or may not be liked by the parties concerned. However these can be suitably met in the manner prescribed in the law and not otherwise. It therefore follows that the parties to the dispute should exercise utmost restraint when they speak out in public, especially on issues that may tend to generate fresh controversies.

G. Thirumalai,
Chennai

* * *

Your editorial truly represents the reactions of a well-meaning public on issues related to the outbursts of politicians against the judiciary. There have been instances when State Assemblies were used by Ministers as public platforms to air criticism against courts and judges. The present Government is responsive and sensitive to High Court judgments and the speed with which the Chief Minister advised DMK councillors to submit their resignations following the High Court judgment stands testimony to his respect for the judiciary. In this context Mr. Veerasamy's outburst was least expected. As rightly pointed out in your editorial, this is "the last thing a relatively well-governed State such as Tamil Nadu needs".

N. Chandrasekaran,
Chennai

* * *

Mr. Veerasamy's remarks on the Madras High Court were unwarranted and unjust. Persons holding high office should observe some sort of self-restraint. The executive's over-reaction vis-à-vis the judiciary, that too for political reasons, is very dangerous for democracy.

D.V.G. Sankara Rao,
Nellimarla, A.P.

* * *

The judiciary and the executive have clearly demarcated jurisdictions and have to function without interfering with each other. I agree with your editorial that the constitutional scheme envisages a delicate balance between these vital institutions.

If the executive in its exuberance does something wrong, the judiciary has to interfere. Mr. Karunanidhi would do well to advise his colleague on this point.

E. Sivasankaran,
Coimbatore

* * *

The editorial is well written and has rightly pulled up the erring Minister. Of late, politicians have become intolerant of any judicial pronouncement against their interests. Often, they assume a confrontationist attitude against the judiciary. This is a harmful trend.

K. Panchapagesan,
Bangalore

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