This refers to the article “Lessons from the Thomas verdict” (March 5). It was an excellent piece from someone who is known for his professional integrity and commitment. Mr. Raghavan's professional experience including that as Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation is rich and vast, and he has been able to look at issues from a broader perspective. I was wondering why he should not be made the next CVC.
P. Radhakrishnan,
Chennai
The article was thought-provoking. However, there are issues that need to be looked into. As far as civil servants are concerned, we know that they have had a common standard of education, ranking, training, work record, etc. But how are we to know if a politicised individual is a man with personal integrity? The political system has still to show us an individual whom all parties and the rest of us can respect and accept.
V. Shankar Kumaran,
Bangalore
The article was supported by a wonderful cartoon. Mr. Raghavan is right in saying that had the judiciary not intervened as strongly and decisively as it did over the past few months, India would have become the laughing stock of the world. It is interesting as not so long ago, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in Parliament that India is the envy of the world on account of its economic progress. Did he forget the probity quotient?
T. Pratapa Reddy,
Guntur
Mr. Raghavan's anguish that “the nation's moral fibre is in tatters” and that “the current political leadership of all hues is unequal to the challenge” is shared by all, reminds us of what Jawaharlal Nehru said while paraphrasing the teachings of poet Mirza Ghalib: “If we are to be punished for the sins we have committed, at least we should be praised for our yearning for the sins we have not committed.” There is no harm in having a wider pool of choice by roping in other competent individuals for consideration of appointment to an “integrity commission” that adheres to the age-old dictum “Let knowledge come from all sides.”
Mahalingam Yaaman,
Tuticorin
It is difficult to see why the writer finds the Supreme Court's direction that the pool of choice of a CVC need not be confined to civil servants debatable. His choice of the word “infiltrate” in this context is unfortunate and it conjures up the spectre of the privileged assembly of civil servants jealously guarding a position they believe is rightfully theirs.
Judah S.G. Vincent,
Chennai
The biggest lesson is that even the highest executive functionaries in the country can be easily misled or manipulated. That is a rather unnerving thought in the context of the country's security. I do not agree with the generous view of the Leader of the Opposition that the matter should rest, now that the Prime Minister has accepted responsibility. In fact, there is need to delve deep into the whole process of this selection to find out if there was a deliberate attempt to conceal crucial facts and fix responsibility.
K. Balakesari,
Chennai
