Complete care

Sir — The environment ministry has notified Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. This area is considered by conservationists as critical to the tigers’ movements. It is expected that the new reserve will help control the overpopulation of animals in Ranthambore, which is currently home to around 80 tigers. Over the last few decades, the Indian government has made concerted efforts to increase the tiger population in the country. It is good that the government is not simply prioritising the rise in the number of tigers but is also attentive to the conditions of their habitats.

Mrinalini Saha, Calcutta

Firm stand

Sir — The decision of the Supreme Court to release A.G. Perarivalan, convicted for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, is important for various reasons. The apex court has stated that the governor is bound by the Constitution to act on mercy petitions on the recommendations of the state cabinet. The governor cannot delay the decision by forwarding the plea to the president (“Edge for states as SC frees Rajiv convict”, May 19). Perarivalan walked free after languishing in jail for 31 years. The Supreme Court’s verdict has paved the way for the possible release of the six other convicts serving life sentences for the assassination of the former prime minister.

Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai

Sir — The release of A.G. Perarivalan is welcome. The Supreme Court’s invocation of its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution indicates that it would not hesitate to step in if governors fail to act in accordance with the constitutional provisions of the post. While it is true that the advice of the state cabinet to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of a convicted person is binding on the governor under Article 161 of the Constitution, the absence of a time frame within which the decision should be taken has resulted in delays. This is detrimental to the judicial system and must be remedied.

M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Sir — The complications regarding the procedure of A.G. Perarivalan’s release from prison lay bare several crucial problems confronting the justice system in India. The unnecessary delay in his release forced the judiciary to intervene in the matter. The verdict should act as a wake-up call for the government to expedite important hearings and enact prison reforms.

S.S. Paul, Nadia

Due recognition

Sir — The canonisation of Devasahayam Pillai by Pope Francis is a significant moment for India. He is the first layman preacher from the country to be declared a saint by the pope. The Tamil Nadu government had sent two ministers and the chief of the State Minorities Commission to Rome. During the canonisation ceremony, the state song of Tamil Nadu, “Tamil thai vaazhthu”, was sung by six nuns. This is remarkable.

Surabhi Pillai, Chennai

Strict measure

Sir — It is heartening that the mayor of Calcutta, Firhad Hakim, has taken initiatives to protect water bodies from being filled up. Many construction companies often fill up ponds to make way for residential buildings. This must be stopped. The mayor has directed an officer of the rank of joint police commissioner to work with the Calcutta Municipal Corporation regarding complaints about filling up water bodies. Hopefully, the CMC’s measures will help curb this unfortunate practice.

Debkumar Chakraborty, Purulia

Forgotten legacy

Sir — The first Bengali cartoon was published in Amrita Bazar Patrika in 1872. For the last 150 years, several eminent Bengali cartoonists, such as Gaganendranath Tagore, Benoy Bosu, Debashish Deb, have enriched the art form. Harbola Bhnar, Basantak and Sachitra Bharat regularly published Bengali cartoons. However, these days, magazines rarely publish cartoons. Recently, the Indian Institute of Cartoonists organised an exhibition celebrating the history of Bengali cartoons in Bangalore. It is high time Calcutta appreciated this glorious legacy.

Susanta Roy Chowdhury, Calcutta

Pay attention

Sir — The historical house where the celebrated director, Mrinal Sen, filmed Aakaler Sandhane is in a dilapidated condition (“Hooghly hamlet seeks Mrinal Sen archive”, May 19). The residents of Sukharia — a hamlet in Hooghly’s Balagarh where the house is situated — have urged the administration to turn a part of the site into an archive dedicated to Sen. This is not the first instance of such neglect. The Nimtita Rajbari, where Satyajit Ray shot Jalshaghar, Debi and Samapti, is in a similar condition. The West Bengal government must restore and maintain these sites. This will drive tourism and economically benefit the local people.

Sourav Malik, Bishnupur