Katju’s statement

If true, former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju’s statement shows that the ‘separation of powers principle’ enshrined in the Constitution can be overcome by petty interests within a ruling dispensation (July 22). The debate over evolving a fair system for the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts is not new. Anyway, this incident sheds light on how the system can be compromised. In India, there are many laws but implementation is wanting because of a lack of ethics. Questions have also been raised about the timing of this statement.

Ashish Sangwan,New Delhi

One is not at all surprised at the sordid happenings, given the track record of the erstwhile UPA government and its unscrupulous allies. To question the timing of the development is to sidestep the issue. The fact is that the system appears to have been subverted and a person against whom there were serious allegations of corruption had a smooth time under political patronage and pressure. The task before the judiciary is to plug the loopholes in the system and ensure that badly shaken public confidence in its independence is restored.

V. Jayaraman,Chennai

It is strange that it is this issue that has enlivened Parliament when a steady deterioration in law and order, escalating crimes against women and children, price control and inflation are being glossed over in the House. It is best to ignore the allegation, which seems to be a move by a retired official who might have his reasons to stir up issues and use them to settle scores. Parliamentary time is precious and the taxpayer’s money should not be wasted.

V.S. Ganeshan,

Bangalore