Although the Supreme Court has settled the Army Chief's date of birth issue amicably (editorial “The best way out,” Feb. 13), a basic question remains unanswered. Which one is accurate: the DoB mentioned by an applicant in an application, or his birth certificate/matriculation certificate? When an individual applies for a post, he or she certifies that the information provided by him or her is correct to the best of his or her knowledge. It is substantiated by valid proof. When there is a mismatch between two official records, the authorities concerned should verify the proof produced by the applicant and record the DoB accordingly. Why was it not done in the case of General V.K. Singh? Who is responsible for the lapse? The honourable court should have given a ruling on how DoB issues should be generally handled. It could have served as a guideline for similar cases in future.
P.G. Harikumar,
Kaiga
The unfortunate age row resulted in unnecessary embarrassment to all concerned. I think it would have been more appropriate to say “Considering all aspects, the best way out for the Army Chief would have been not to approach the court.”
Y.S. Kadakshamani,
Madurai
