The verdict

Sir, - The Supreme Court has established the supremacy of the Constitution against the claim of `voters decision' by disqualifying Ms. Jayalalithaa as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Thank God, we have an apex court which does not mince words while dealing with such open affront of the Constitutional provisions by Ms. Jayalalithaa who took on herself the task of defying the rule of law, at every stage, under the belief that she could ride rough-shod based on the verdict of the electorate who voted the AIADMK to power.

It is most surprising that Ms. Fathima Beevi, who has been a judge of the Supreme Court should have sworn in Ms. Jayalalithaa in such haste ignoring the Constitutional provisions regarding such appointment and putting the entire nation into such agony over the interpretation of law about the Governor's power, until the verdict came from the Supreme Court. She could have avoided this situation had she deliberated for some more time before swearing in Ms. Jayalalithaa. The immunity regarding the Governor's action has been abused in this case. In my view, she is primarily bgresponsible for this situation and her role needs to be further probed.

C. Lakshmi Narain,

Chennai.

Sir, - The unanimous verdict of the Supreme Court rejecting the appointment of Ms. Jayalalithaa as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is welcome. Though ruled by politicians who are corrupt to the core, the common man, who has to struggle out in the streets for his daily bread, can heave a sigh of relief that his life is safe in the hands of the judiciary of the country.

It is a matter of great concern that each and everything, right from providing food to the basic amenities, has to be dictated to the politicians by the courts.

V. Santhosh Kumar,

Goa

Sir, - The Supreme Court's judgment invalidating the appointment of Ms. Jayalalithaa is likely to open new vistas of Constitutional guarantees against all and sundry taking over the reins of power.

It is now crystal clear that there is a line of demarcation between massive mandate and Constitutional propriety. The mass cannot overrule the proviso of Constitution and a brute majority cannot decide the fate of State, throwing to winds our sacred Constitution.

Dr. U.S. Iyer,

Bangalore

Sir, - Once again, the Supreme Court has proved its presence to keep up the spirit of democracy that was being eroded by an individual's desire to stay in power flouting the laws of the land. In a nation where emotions, more than economics, decide the election of leaders it is imperative we have an institution that is beyond the reach of politicians.

It is time Ms. Jayalalithaa realised the harm done to her by the `yes men' around her who cannot restore to her what she has lost. Only contemplation with a clear mind over the dos and don'ts in public life can make her stage a comeback, if she still feel that way.

T.S. Gopal,

Chennai

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