Right call

Sir — Technological innovations come with an expiration date. In the United States of America, payphones — coin-operated, battery telephones located in booths on the street — used to be the most ubiquitous thing even two decades ago. In spite of the integral role that they played in connecting loved ones during emergencies, payphones have now been replaced by their smarter avatars: cell phones. Hearteningly, a man in Philadelphia has been trying to bring back these iconic, clunky phones. He has even found a solution to the lousy payment method by making the use of payphones absolutely free. If nostalgia is not enough of a reason to enjoy these past relics, perhaps the cost-free aspect will make people go back to using this anachronistic technology.

Merissa Calvert, Mumbai

Lost opportunity

Sir — The Supreme Court has rejected Bilkis Bano’s review petition challenging its judgment that paved the way for the Gujarat government to prematurely release the convicts who gang-raped her and murdered her family during the 2002 riots (“SC refuses Bilkis review”, Dec 18). In her plea, Bano had contended that one of the accused, Radheshyam, had concealed crucial information that she wanted to bring to the court’s attention. The plea should thus have been accorded a judicial review. Moreover, the manner in which the 11 convicts walked out of jail on India’s 76th Independence Day and were felicitated by the saffron groups sent out the wrong message. It might encourage others to commit heinous crimes with impunity. Bano has highlighted that the release of the convicts poses a danger to her and her family. Such concerns must not go unaddressed.

Iftekhar Ahmed, Calcutta

Sir — The Supreme Court bench rejecting Bilkis Bano’s petition is justifiable. Proper procedures have reportedly been followed in releasing the 11 convicts. The lifers were released as per the Gujarat government’s remission policy as well as based on their good conduct during incarceration. The decision was also approved by the Central government.

Arun Gupta, Calcutta

Sir — The release of Bilkis Bano’s rapists was a travesty of justice. An opportunity for judicial review of such an important decision should not have been dismissed.

Krishna Pandey, Delhi

Walk the talk

Sir — The Rahul Gandhi led Bharat Jodo Yatra has completed over 100 days. The ongoing walkathon has been undertaken by the Congress leader to revamp his as well as his party’s image by going back to the grassroots and reconnecting with the masses. During the yatra, Rahul met a large section of people, listened to their opinions and attempted to feel the pulse of the nation (“Hate thrust on India: Rahul”, Dec 17). This is a manifestation of the Gandhian spirit of mobilising people for a national cause. However, it remains to be seen whether the Congress and Rahul can leverage the traction gained from the yatra to improve the party’s vote share in the 2024 general elections.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur

Sir — In the 100 days following the commencement of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress suffered the most humiliating defeat in the Gujarat assembly elections. But it has won in Himachal Pradesh. This is proof that Rahul Gandhi is on the right track. It will need more work at the grassroots as well as a reorganisation of the Grand Old Party to consolidate his position as a formidable leader who can inspire hope.

C.K.R. Ramani Suresh, Ghaziabad

Fair decision

Sir — The United States secretary of energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, has nullified a 1954 decision that wrongly revoked the security clearance of J. Robert Oppenheimer — the government scientist who led the creation of the atomic bomb during the Second World War — on suspicion of him being a Soviet spy (“A-bomb architect cleared of black mark”, Dec 18). This is a welcome decision. The Atomic Energy Commission violated regulations by barring Oppenheimer’s clearance and ending his career. The evidence which has now come to light not only fails to provide any information against the scientist but also reaffirms his patriotism.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Leadership goals

Sir — India has assumed presidency of the G20 for the upcoming year. During this period, it will need to preside over deliberations on several crucial factors, such as raising funds for climate mitigation efforts. Further, it will have to lead member countries and other cashstrapped nations through the ongoing global economic crisis. G20 is the perfect platform for India to prove its mettle on the international stage.

Dattaprasad Shirodkar, Mumbai

Target practice

Sir — The editorial, “Real reel” (Dec 19), paints a scary picture of vigilantism against Bollywood by Hindutva groups. Actors and actresses, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Aamir Khan and Naseeruddin Shah, have all been targeted for either their work or their comments in the past few years. That is not all. Films that do not adhere to the majoritarian Hindu agenda are often censored by the ruling regime. Such political interference in art is detrimental to democracy. As India sets itself on the path to becoming a world leader, its ruling dispensation should focus on protecting the basic tenets of freedom at home.

A.K. Chakraborty, Guwahati

Sir — Shah Rukh Khan’s comments on the negative impacts of social media at the ongoing Kolkata International Film Festival are welcome.

Simran Kaur, Chandigarh