Handicapped
When it comes to public amenities, the Indian civil authorities don’t usually show great sensitivity towards the unprivileged and disadvantaged. On the rare occasions, when one finds facilities meant for the disabled, women or old, the so-called ‘advantaged’ make use of them with no qualms. How often have we seen, men sitting on seats marked for women in buses or trains? A similar scene was at display in the High Court recently. Some of the ‘busy’ advocates had no scruples in making a beeline for the newly constructed toilet for the handicapped. When one conscientious lawyer objected to his colleagues’ behaviour, pat came the reply, “This is meant for handicapped and we are qualified to use it as many of us are mentally handicapped.”

Justice denied
It is a shame that there is still no semblance of justice for the victim in the highly appalling and deeply reprehensible Nari Niketan rape case. Instead of punishing the guilty, thereby bringing quick justice to the poor victim, the authorities have engaged in a senseless war of words. First a red herring was thrown about the question of abortion. Now, the National Trust and UT administration are at loggerheads.

The Trust accuses the UT Administration of suspecting its commitment in the apex court, while the administration feels that the Trust members are out to seek publicity. It is high time that these gentlemen got over their mutual quibbles and work towards finding justice expeditiously. That justice delayed is justice denied is a cliche worth repeating.

... contd.