Take it easy
Sir — To err, as the adage goes, is human. A BBC news anchor was recently caught showing the middle finger to the camera at the start of a show. Maryam Moshiri, one of the channel’s chief presenters, has since apologised for what she said was a joke meant for her team. But some viewers found her gesture offensive. While Moshiri should definitely have exercised better judgment — she should remember that her telecast reaches more than just her team — people should also stop taking offence at the drop of a hat. After all, Moshiri’s gesture is no worse than the hate some news anchors spew every day.
Swati Datta, Calcutta
Justice denied
Sir — The expulsion of the Trinamul Congress leader, Mahua Moitra, from the Lok Sabha is a travesty of justice (“Hounded, Mahua vows dogged fightback”, Dec 8). The Speaker did not even give Moitra an opportunity to be heard on the floor of the House. This is especially worrying as Moitra has claimed that the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee not only invaded her right to privacy and dignity but also failed to investigate the Dubai-based businessman, Darshan Hiranandani, despite doubts about the accusations he made against her. More important, no money trail has been established against Moitra. The competence of the Ethics Committee is thus questionable. Moreover, queries have also been raised about whether there are provisions to expel a member even if unethical conduct is proven. Moitra should challenge her expulsion and take the matter to the Supreme Court.
S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru
Sir — First, Rahul Gandhi was expelled from the Lok Sabha for speaking up on the nexus between the Narendra Modi-led government and the Adani Group on the pretext of his conviction in a defamation case. Now, Mahua Moitra, too, has paid the price for being a vocal critic of the businessman. Moitra was not given a chance to defend herself in Parliament even though the Opposition had been assured that she would be given an opportunity to do so and that there would be a discussion on the matter. Moitra has made it clear that her expulsion will not stop her from questioning the Adani Group’s links with the Narendra Modi-led government. One hopes that Moitra will receive justice at the apex court.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Sir — Mahua Moitra was expelled on the basis of the recommendation of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee. Her conduct threatened national security and the country’s sovereignty.
Arun Kumar Baksi, Calcutta
Dangerous times
Sir — The latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau presented some disturbing data. It shows a rise in crimes against women, children, members of the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes, and in cases of cybercrime. There was a 4% increase in crimes against women and 8.1% against children, including kidnapping and sexual harassment. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of first information reports for crimes against women. The perpetrators of this violence, the report said, were often acquaintances, making it difficult for women and children to report these crimes. The onus should be on law enforcement departments to ensure that all such crimes are reported and appropriately investigated. Laws are only as good as their implementation and despite several legislations to prevent crimes against women, the problem has not been adequately addressed.
Shovanlal Chakraborty, Calcutta
Sir — The NCRB report shows that India is becoming increasingly unsafe for women. This is not surprising. The paternalistic stance of the government towards women is one reason for this.
P.V. Rao Sreelekha, Secunderabad
