The Indian Express -- Expressions

This page contains Editorial and Op-Ed articles

Wednesday, November 26 1997

Letters to the Editor

Governance on holiday

The drama of a manufactured political crisis has gone on for well over a week now. When it began, given the initial firmness of the Congress' tone, it had promised to be over in no time at all. Uncertainty would have persisted, but the country could then still look forward to getting on with life, and a caretaker or new government could have got down to the humdrum if crucial job of governance.

The common enemy

The march of a group of first-time MPs to Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday to beseech the President not to dissolve the Lok Sabha under any circumstances reflects their paranoia over the prospects of elections. Obviously, they do not want to forego the perks and privileges that go with the membership of the House. Besides, they are keen on availing themselves of the benefits of a life-long pension, perhaps at enhanced rates, when they complete a minimum period of two years. Small wonder then that the three dozen or so MPs cutting across party affiliations got together.

Time for judicial transparency

We will have a new Chief Justice of India next year. But the events of 1997 have thrown up the key issue of transparency in the matter of appointments to and functioning of our judicial institutions. The failure to address this issue has led to a complete mix-up of accountability and culpability. If transparent systems of accountability are put in place, then the institution of the judiciary will be protected from public denunciation which is inimical to judicial credibility.

Governance on holiday

Wise men talking

The common enemy

Time for judicial transparency