Letters to The Editor — April 7, 2025

Bill and debate

I see the path taken, though individually, by some Members of Parliament, in challenging the Parliament-voted and approved Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Supreme Court of India, as the rule of law. It is also reported that more parties are set to follow the route. If the allegation of there having been a violation of the Constitution is true, it is for the Court to hear and make a final judgment. Such scrutiny by the judiciary is as per law. It should also be conceded that if such provisions or the whole Bill is found to be against the Constitution, a procedure to amend the Constitution also exists. Nobody can question the validity of such procedures being followed by the Houses.

Now for the other issue. Some parties have plans to take the issue to the streets. Political parties that are a part of parliamentary proceedings have no moral right to do so, disturbing the normal life of citizens. Street protests may be left to non-political groups. The present Opposition should also remember that it too would face the same situation if and when the INDIA bloc comes to power. The most unacceptable allegation is that from a senior party leader who found the Bill “passed by force”. Surely, parliamentary proceedings often have stories of disruptions and the passage of Bills without debates. But this time, it was not so. Both Houses of Parliament were engaged in long debates. And there was also a vote in both Houses. No element of force was visible.

P.R.V. Raja,

Pandalam, Kerala

The article in the Organiser does cause some apprehension (Inside pages, “Organiser withdraws article after Cong. questions its ‘motive’,” April 6). The line in the magazine about the extent of the properties owned by the Catholic Church appears to be ominous. United struggles by all those who believe in the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms alone will thwart the right-wing’s plans.

G. David Milton,

Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

It is heartening that our elected representatives respected the sanctity of democracy by engaging in constructive debate in the temple of democracy. All this while, the country has been a mute spectator to the loss of money as a result of frequent disruptions and adjournments in Parliament. In the end, only democracy emerged the winner in the debate.

S. Seshadri,

Chennai

‘Listless Super Kings’

CSK losing on its home turf? The lions on the throne have become mice under it at Chepauk. Two losses at home on the trot is shocking. The team has to make amends and revive its fortunes to be contention for the playoffs.

K. Pradeep,

Chennai

Published - April 07, 2025 12:24 am IST