It is satisfying to note that the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence awarded to Yakub Memon for his role in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. But one wonders what the logic behind the commutation of the death sentence of 10 others, despite their clear involvement, is. It is not as if all of them were “arrows” in the hands of “archers” ( >editorial, March 22 ); they chose to be part of the conspiracy.
It is also surprising that Justice Markandey Katju has appealed to the Governor of Maharashtra to pardon Sanjay Dutt whose conviction has been upheld by the Supreme Court. How can going to courts often, taking permission for foreign shooting, inability to get bank loans, and reviving the memory of Mahatma Gandhi through films constitute a valid moral and legal ground for pardon?
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The Supreme Court verdict has once again proved that everyone is equal before the law. By showing no mercy to Yakub Memon, the court has done justice to the victims of the blast.
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Jhajjar
It appears the PCI chief is a fan of Nargis and Sunil Dutt, parents of Sanjay Dutt. The yesteryear film stars, in films like Awara , Shri 420 and Mother India fought social evils and were patriotic in real life. On the other hand, Sanjay fought evil in reel life but, unfortunately or inadvertently, entertained villains in real life.
Had he informed the police of the activities of his ‘friends,’ 257 people would have been alive today.
R. Janakiraman,
Cheyyar
The PCI chief is a constitutional functionary. It is inappropriate for him to intervene in matters outside his domain of authority. As a retired judge of the Supreme Court, he is expected to act with even greater restraint in judicial matters. He would certainly know that his appeal to the Maharashtra Governor will set a precedent that will destroy the fabric of our already abused judicial system. Our hearts should bleed for the victims of the blasts, not the perpetrators.
N. Natarajan,
Chennai
The report “ >Why are people talking only about Sanjay ” (March 22) was timely. Many people do not realise the difficulties faced by the investigating agencies and prosecutors who handle terror related cases. It is very difficult to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
On top of this, witnesses, investigators and prosecutors are under constant pressure from influential people and threat from terrorist organisations and their sympathisers. Sanjay Dutt had the benefit of being the son of a Union Minister. It is worth noting that he got off the hook due to a pliable CBI, and was convicted of illegally possessing weapons, and not under the harsher provisions of TADA.
Lt Col B.R. Kohli (retd.),
New Delhi
I wonder why Justice Katju did not speak up for Yakub Memon, the only accused whose death sentence was upheld, but chose to write to the Governor to pardon Sanjay Dutt. He has also not bothered about the 10 members of the ‘innocent club’ whose sentences have been commuted.
V. Tilak Subramanian,
Chennai
When such a serious case was pending against Sanjay, why did the film industry invest in him? If he is pardoned, every second person will be emboldened to acquire dangerous weapons illegally. He should not be given any special treatment just because he is an actor and has a political background.
Oshin Johari,
Bhopal
Whether or not the film industry will lose money because of the sentence awarded to Sanjay is immaterial. At the end of the day, the film producer makes money for himself, not for any public cause. Sanjay was 33 when he acquired the weapon from the underworld. Those talking of pardon for Sanjay should spare a thought to the families of the dead.
Sarangan Ramaswamy,
Bangalore