Take a stand

It is heartening to read about the recommendations of the Justice Verma committee to protect women against all forms of sexual violence and to punish those who attempt to commit such crimes ('The Verma manifesto', IE, January 25). For these recommendations to result in tangible laws and action, it will be necessary for our parliamentarians to set aside their political differences and pass bills to amend the CrPC, the IPC and so on. Alas, given the track record of misogyny that most of our political parties share, it is very likely that the Verma committee report will be consigned to some standing committee, where it will gather dust for a few decades. It is for society at large to keep this issue alive. Perhaps one way to do so is to demand that every political party take a clear stand on the Verma report before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

— R.P. Subramanian

Delhi

Smothered voices

THIS refers to 'States of abdication' (IE, February 1). Our growing intolerance of free expression has something to do with our mindset. We seem to believe in hiding things rather than facing the facts, and lack the courage to defend the freedom of expression. By banning and censoring, we hope that we can avoid major crises but in reality, bans create an intolerant society. Without the freedom of speech, we would be unable to demand our rights and become subject to the whims of vested interests. As states ban books, films and artists, the Centre seems to have completely abdicated its responsibility to protect free speech.

— Ashok Goswami

Mumbai

Not doing the job

THE police play a vital role in tackling crime and maintaining law and order ('Dhule imperative', IE, January 31). They are expected to be gender sensitive, cooperative, efficient, effective and respectful of human rights. Unfortunately, the police violence in Dhule demonstrates otherwise.The problem seems to lie in a faulty recruitment policy, ad hoc training, frequent transfers (resulting in poor morale among policemen) and low levels of education.

— Anchit Mathur

New Delhi

Ten years later

THIS refers to 'Salman faces culpable homicide charge for Bandra hit-and-run' (IE, February 1). Why did it take the police more than 10 years to get the court to accept the charges against Salman Khan? It is this sort of travesty of justice that causes the citizen to lose faith in the system. The accusations of bias and deliberate stalling cannot be easily ignored when one looks at the timeline of Khan's sentencing. This is a denial

of justice to the kin of Noorulla Mahboob Sharif, who was killed by Khan, and the four others, who were severely injured. A fast track court should be asked to hear this case to its conclusion and prevent it from entering the dusty logs of cases that drag on eternally without closure.

— Suren Abreu

Mumbai

ALSO READ

Romance, finis

Hail, rain make a dent in kesar mango exports

tyuty