— P.K.K. Menon

Pune

Up and down

• It has become customary for the government to increase fuel prices after being elected to power and consequently there is a fall in prices when the government’s term is to end. The new hike in petrol and diesel prices will no doubt hit the middle classes badly. Most are already reeling under the impact of the global recession with falling salaries, reduced interests, etc. The hike in fuel prices is not justified. There may also be a further increase in the process of essential commodities, including food. The price rise should be rolled back.

— Hansraj Bhat

Mumbai

Look further

• The manner in which the electronic and print media have glorified the Delhi high court ruling on Section 377 is appalling. This decision is part of a bigger picture; is our society prepared to accept the reality of homosexuality? Will this decision allow for the open and natural congregation of the LGBT community? To many this decision is one that indicates that we are progressing towards a modern society, but why then are we unable to accept inter-caste marriages?

— Bidyut K. Chatterjee

Faridabad

Double standards

• This refers to ‘MP says sorry to bank manager’. The slapping-gate scandal needs introspection by the Congress high command. It is not the question of tendering an unconditional apology but of understanding the ramifications of an MP taking the law into his own hand. It means that an MP can commit an offence and be allowed to go scot-free upon issuing a statement of apology. Anyone else would have been reprimanded severely.

— Deepak Chikramane

Mumbai

In letters

• This refers to ‘The middle-income trap’. Education is the backbone of our infrastructure. It can curb communal tension as awareness and knowledge grow.

— Rathin Kumar Chanda

Chinsurah

Pop for ever

• It is truly tragic that Michael Jackson, the most talented all-rounded artist, has died so suddenly. His talents enthralled us and his generosity helped inspire others to achieve more. He will for ever be the King of Pop and his art shall live on till the end of time.

—Jayashree Rajgopalachari

Trichy