Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Jail for Sanjay

Congratulations to Judge P.D. Kode, who handled the TADA court proceedings professionally while delivering the verdict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. The citizens’ faith in the legal system has been reinforced by his judicial pronouncements. The common belief that people with contacts and influence can get away with any crime has been proved wrong by the sentencing of Sanjay Dutt. A few more examples of such judgment and punishment will go a long way in enhancing the citizens’ faith in the system.

Ved Sarvotham,
Pennsylvania

The verdict in Sanjay Dutt’s case — rigorous imprisonment for six years — sends a loud and clear message, particularly to the celebrities, that popularity cannot bail out those who violate the law. Justice Kode should be complimented on speaking a few words of encouragement to Dutt. His gesture shows that one can be uncompromising and sensitive at the same time.

Suresh Manoharan,
Hyderabad

The verdict proves that the law of the land is supreme and holds both the poor and millionaires equal. Although Sanjay’s star status helped him in getting bail and escape being charged under the TADA, I am happy justice has been done.

Shakeeb A. Khan,
Nagpur

The words satyameva jayate (truth alone triumphs) inscribed on our national emblem have been proved right. The verdict ought to send a shiver down the spines of those who feel they can use their position to get away with committing a criminal act. None can escape the long arm of the law.

S. Sankaran,
Kumbakonam

Many may feel sorry for Sanjay. But many more will be happy that justice has been done and that the status and wealth of the accused were not allowed to influence the process of law. Judge Kode need not have sounded apologetic about the sentence.

C.V. Krishnamoorthy,
Kolkata

We are thankful to Justice Kode as his judgment has done its bit to strengthen the common man’s belief in the judiciary.

Madhu Teotia,
New Delhi

Crores of people will reaffirm their faith in the judiciary. However, a sentence passed after 14 long years needs to be seen from another angle. It is a known fact that Sunil Dutt’s family was being targeted by Hindu fundamentalist groups. It is therefore possible that Sanjay acquired an AK-56 rifle for self-defence. He has already served 16 months in jail and has repented the mistake. Could he not have been given a lighter sentence?

K.J. Varghese,
Ahmedabad

I sympathise with Sanjay. He is rich and famous. But how can we forget those who lost their near and dear in 1993? Law is and should be the same for everybody.

S.P. Sharma,
Mumbai

I am one of those who suffered the trauma of the blasts on Black Friday. No verdict can restore the lives or make good the loss of the victims. The media are crying for the convicts but no television channel seems to have a sympathetic word for those who lost their lives and limbs.

A.C.K. Satyasai,
Chennai

The blasts led to a huge loss of life and several families were deprived of their breadwinners. They have been forgotten by all and left to fend for themselves. The media must learn to present a balanced view of things.

Prasad Chitra,
Secunderabad

The jail sentence for Sanjay is unfortunate. The actor has already spent 16 months in jail. He has been punished for 14 years during which time he lived under constant stress. Just as justice delayed is justice denied, punishment delayed is punishment doubled. Courts should take this factor into consideration before pronouncing a verdict.

Farheen Sultana,
Hyderabad

I am really disappointed with the sentence. The whole objective of punishment is to reform a person. Sanjay has accepted his mistake, and wants to turn over a new leaf. Why are we taking away this opportunity from him?

Kunal Parikh,
Bangalore

Sanjay chose to acquire AK-56, an assault rifle, for self-defence! He made the choice of the weapon and he made the choice of possessing it. Unfortunately, in the long drawn-out trial, people seem to have forgotten the 1993 blasts and the role of various people at various stages. The sympathy for Dutt is uncalled for. His imprisonment should act as a deterrent to all rich kids with influential contacts.

Dushyant Kr. Mahant,
New Delhi

I fail to understand why anyone would buy an AK-56 and be in touch with the underworld for self-defence. I don’t think he had a role in the blasts but the fact that he tried to destroy the illegal weapon shows he was far from clean. Hats off to the judge, who did what was right to reassure the people that all are equal in the eyes of the law. At the same time, isn’t it ironical to be punished just when you are sorry for the past and want to be good in future?

Priya Ramachandran,
Chennai

I have a question for those who are lamenting that the film industry will incur huge losses if Sanjay is jailed. What about the damage caused by the 1993 blasts? Who is accountable for the loss of lives and property? We need to give more importance to India’s achievements than to news that is of little use to the people.

Kannan Ganesan,
Phoenix, Arizona

Everyone knows that the minimum punishment for illegal possession of weapons is five years in jail. Did the film fraternity think that the sentence would be waived because Sanjay was a celebrity? Or, because he behaved well in the last few years? Do we as a society want to pardon those who commit mistakes at various stages of their lives and say they were naïve at the time of committing them?

G. Anand,
Chennai

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Concern over liquidity
Awash with waste
Should we allow U.P. to hijack Indian politics?
The long term damage to Kerala’s health
Long road to employment guarantee
Pollution threatens Himalayan glaciers
Britain has lost art of socialising the young
Corrections and clarifications
Jail for Sanjay
Unwanted media hype
Congratulations!

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu