Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On corruption

The Supreme Court's observation that the only way to rid the country of corruption is to hang a few corrupt people from lamp posts has come as a shot in the arm for those who are seriously concerned about the malady. Instead of brooding over the propriety of the remark and feasibility of its implementation, one should derive solace from the fact that the common man's sentiment has found expression in the highest forum of justice. The honourable judges were only thinking aloud on the remedy for the cancer called corruption.

K.V.S.S. Sitaramarao,
Chennai

* * *

All those affected by corruption can appreciate the spirit of the remark made by the judges. Lack of stringent punishment is a major contributing factor to the spread of corrupt practices. A law should be enacted to punish the dependents of the corrupt too for remaining silent and enjoying the fruits of corruption.

Myneedu Govardhana,
Vijayawada

* * *

There is no doubt that the absence of stringent punishment has led to corruption becoming widespread. The rich and powerful in particular are never made accountable for their corrupt acts. Even the few caught are not punished.

K. Paulson,
Hyderabad

* * *

The judges' remarks only reveal how disturbed they are over the prevalence of the national evil called corruption. The number of bribe givers and takers has increased phenomenally, and increasingly people have started accepting corruption as a way of life. In most of the major corruption cases, the culprits escape thanks to the legal loopholes. The need of the hour is to plug them.

T.R.S. Rangan,
Bangalore

* * *

Unfortunately, these days most of the guilty are not punished in time. The verdict when handed out is not executed. The process of law is delayed inordinately. All these have sent the clear message that you can get away even with murder if you have muscle and money power. That is reason enough for rampant corruption in the country. Punish the corrupt adequately and promptly, and the corrupt and corruption will disappear.

M.J. Kuruvilla,
Kochi

* * *

Corruption is synonymous with commission that cannot be easily eliminated. It is deep rooted and has spread like cancer. The tribe that thrives on corruption is only increasing by the day. Its clout is enormous and far reaching, much to the agony of the common man.

A. Saratchandran Menon,
Palakkad

* * *

Such outburst was least expected from the highest court of the land. It could have thought of other alternatives. With the RTI Act in place, the people have a way of knowing how the corruption mechanism functions. Adequate coverage in the media about the culprits, more powers to the Lokayuktas, stringent punishment (other than hanging) for the corrupt, and value-based education at all levels can help to prevent corruption.

N. Mahantesh,
Chitradurga

* * *

To combat corruption, a revolution is necessary to change the mindset of both the giver and the taker. For a beginning, let us simplify the laws that have a bearing on the day-to-day lives of the people and do away with the discretionary powers of our rulers and babus.

V. Padmanabhan,
Bangalore

* * *

It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court should feel so sorry about the inadequacy of our democratic laws to punish the corrupt. The feeling is not confined to the legal community. Some of our leaders have also expressed their anguish in the past. If the feeling of helplessness is so acute, why not try some alternative system that is more efficient and can end corruption once and for all?

M.G. Mohiddin,
Chennai

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