The Hindu deserves praise for publishing the passionate appeal by lawyer Yug Mohit Chaudhry to the government to commute the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana, sentenced for being party to the killing of Punjab's former Chief Minister Beant Singh (March 29). He has rightly said it is time to end the cycle of bloodletting. Sparing the life of one of our misguided youngsters is a small price to pay for building the bridges burnt between communities by orchestrated pogroms against Sikhs in Delhi, Muslims in Gujarat, and Christians in Kandhamal.
Thomas Alex,Kolkata
The stay of Rajoana's execution, thanks to the timely submission of a mercy petition by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to the President, is welcome. The case will, hopefully, lead to a law abolishing the death sentence. The death penalty does not deter crime, and there is always the danger of an innocent person being put to death. It is revenge, not justice.
A.J. Rangarajan,Chennai
It is time to change the law. The clemency option for those sentenced to death should be removed. People misuse the provision by bringing in considerations of religion, caste, region, etc., which are hardly relevant to the unpardonable crimes committed by the criminals.
All those advocating clemency for dreaded criminals should spare a thought for the sentiments of the victims' kin who are entitled to natural justice. The law of the land should be allowed to operate.
V.S. Ganeshan,Bangalore
