High-handed

The news that the Director of the Bangur Institute of Neurology, S.P. Gorai, was suspended after an unscheduled visit by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee because he complained about crowding during her surprise inspection is shocking. The act is the height of high-handedness. Ms Banerjee is now holding an important position and should desist from such impulsive action.

G. Venkata Subbalakshmi,

Visakhapatnam

Government servants are, in theory, protected against arbitrary or wrongful punitive action. The relationship between the government and its employee is special and not that of a master and servant. However, in recent times, there have been many reports of some Ministers “suspending” or “dismissing” a government employee. Politicians behave like the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland.

In the present instance, the fault lies with Ms Banerjee. She is not expected to barge into a hospital with a large number of persons. As a retired scientist, I know that such actions can seriously disrupt work and even create extremely hazardous situations.

T.S. Raman,

New Delhi