The Gopal Subramanium case should have been handled with care (“ >Govt. got ‘overwhelming evidence’ of Subramanium’s unsuitability ,” June 27). What it has done now is to send out a wrong message to the public that it is a circumstance of political vendetta. It is frustrating that the judiciary is still at the mercy of politicians. A man of impeccable integrity and who has been regarded for his legal expertise and skills of articulation has unfortunately been made a political victim. It is still not too late to re-examine his case.
S. Parthasarathy,
Chennai
The NDA/BJP government should have treated Mr. Subramanium with a little more respect. The judiciary is one of the pillars of democracy and the Executive should not try to interfere with the highest court’s decision. This government does not appear to be any different from the UPA and its actions.
V. Tilak Subramanian,
Chennai
It was indeed a rare gesture in which a senior member of the Bar was drafted to occupy the Bench of the Supreme Court. However, a well-defined procedure was adopted in which the government had reservations about his appointment and the recommendation was sent back to the collegium. There is no procedural lapse and the government has no obligation to come out open in the matter. The collegium has not reiterated its selection and has toed the line of the government. The outburst of the affected person, though justifiable, is unwarranted as the government is within its powers to reject any selection. The media reaction is a little inappropriate and sensational.
G. Ramachandran,
Thiruvananthapuram
The issue of judicial appointments, such as that involving Mr. Subramanium, will not be the first, nor will it be the last. It is much deeper than the procedural one. It is not just the government that is to be blamed. As long as such appointments remain political, which seems to be the public perception, discussions on the procedure will not make any difference. Proximity or a lack of it to politicians and political parties is the only criteria. Unless the entire legal fraternity is more transparent and more accountable, issues such as this one will be seen by some as a sign of flaws. There is a crisis of confidence not just on the process of appointments, but how one gets nominated as well.
Biksham Gujja,
Hyderabad
The independence of the judiciary is of utmost importance in assuring the fair delivery of justice. For this the independence and integrity of judges is a prerequisite. Mr. Subramanium should have at least waited for the response of the collegium before hastily withdrawing his consent and holding the judiciary at fault for failing to stand by him. A procedural matter which could have been resolved through normal processes has now turned into an ugly public debate which casts doubts not only on the intentions of the Executive but also on the integrity of other judges appointed through the present procedure.
Akanksha Gupta,
Lucknow
