Letters to the Editor: August 17

Whatever be the cause attributed to this tragedy by the Central government committee, it cannot be denied that gross human negligence on a major scale has played its part (“Gorakhpur deaths not due to lack of oxygen, says panel”, August 17). Moreover, the claim of the Central committee that fewer deaths have occurred this year compared to last year is no excuse and can never console those who have lost their little ones.

Chennai

Not only are the figures shocking, but the fact that they are not seen as alarming and that these deaths have been occurring regularly in the region is extremely worrying (“15%-29% AES fatality rate at BRD Hospital”, August 17). That 20 deaths daily are recorded on average seven decades after we achieved independence reflects the terrible functioning of the hospital and the state of health care in India. We still have many government hospitals in the country where maintenance and service are both poor. Governments are always ready to spend on capital expenditure, which will fetch commissions and kickbacks, but don’t give enough importance to health-care services.

Hyderabad

It seems as though there is enough evidence to prove that the hospital and the State administration ignored reminders by the private firm that supplied oxygen for payment of outstanding dues. Yet the Central committee report says that the deaths were not due to oxygen. This argument does not cut ice. Who were the members of this committee? We need to know their names and affiliations. Matters of this magnitude cannot be allowed to go unverified.

Tirupur

Free and fearless exchange of ideas is essential for the evolution of a democracy (“The architecture of censorship”, Aug. 17). However, as a society we have failed to realise that the right to free expression does not mean only expressing those ideas that are in line with what a majority of the people think. It’s no coincidence that we are yet to come out with a serious political film in India in recent times, for instance. Compare this with Hollywood where films like All The President’s Men and Frost/Nixon have released. They had the names of actual political figures. This is unlike in India where we give them fictional names and allude to them only through clothes or mannerisms. This is because there is fear that a legal case might have to be fought later. It is a pity that courts do not uphold this basic right to expression.

Payyannur

Books are not exempted from the reasonable restrictions that constrain the freedom of expression. Therefore, one cannot argue for a ban on book proscriptions whether by the government or by the judiciary. At the same time, the ease with which books can be outlawed points to the lowering of barriers for undeclared censorship, which has a chilling effect on free expression. Even terror and rape suspects are allowed the due process of the law before being convicted. Denying writers and publishers the right to be heard is a serious miscarriage of justice. Every knee-jerk book ban incentivises those who are forever ready to grab public attention by waving the flag of injured reputation.

If we want to leave the decisions on book prohibitions to considered judicial wisdom, we cannot entrust it to the lower judiciary whose quality of adjudication has not been consistently fair or well- thought-out. The Supreme Court, even if it is overworked, has no option other than looking into these cases.

Thiruvananthapuram

The report that Doordarshan and All India Radio blacked out Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar’s Independence Day speech is reprehensible (“Yechury questions ‘gag’ on Sarkar”, Aug. 17). A political party in a State assumes power only with the mandate of the people of that State and its Chief Minister has the right to air his critical views on any issue at any given point. The political leadership in these States is not required to toe the line of the party ruling at the Centre. Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati had said in June 2017 that he will put Prasar Bharati on a par with the BBC and Al Jazeera, but the public service broadcaster’s activities are, unfortunately, contrary to his claims.

Bengaluru

What message is Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat sending by hoisting the national flag at a Kerala government-aided school? (“Flag episode: no case filed so far”, Aug. 17). He hoisted the flag despite the Palakkad Collector refusing him permission. Doesn’t Mr. Bhagwat have an entire gamut of BJP-ruled States to demonstrate his pride? The fact that he chose an Opposition-ruled State clearly shows his and the RSS’s intent: to create civil disorder and strife in non-BJP-ruled States and then cry that there has been a breakdown of law and order.

Latur

With Donald Trump as U.S. President, the far right clearly feels emboldened to unleash violence with impunity against those who seek to protect liberalism (“Both sides at fault, says Trump on racial violence”, Aug. 17). Rather than condemning the Charlottesville incident in strong words, President Trump has sided with the white supremacists, which is a great pity. He should not pander to obscurantist elements on the ground.

Sholavandan