Sir — It is most unfortunate that Haradhan Mal, a senior citizen from a humble background, was beaten to death in Murshidabad for protesting against the playing of loud music at a Saraswati Puja pandal near his house on the eve of his nephew’s Madhyamik examination (“Songs of death”, Feb 15). Both political leaders and the administration let Mal down — first, by not enforcing the prohibition of the use of loudspeakers and microphones for 72 hours before any board exam, and second, by failing to protect his life. However, Mal is not alone in this; he represents all the people who risk their lives by opposing loud music being played at odd hours or the bursting of sound-emitting firecrackers, particularly because such noise causes great distress to the elderly and the sick in their families.

The court speaks the language of law. The Supreme Court had, therefore, justifiably turned down the plea of the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party to relax the ban on loudspeakers during school exams in the state. But politicians are concerned only about reaping electoral dividends. The police wait for orders from the local political leaders before taking action. In this way, society as a whole becomes complicit in the harassment of ordinary citizens who stand up for what is right.

Jahar Saha

Calcutta

Sir — Loudspeakers are a major source of noise pollution in Bengal. For those who live near local clubs or temples, life becomes miserable especially during pujas. Music blares through loudspeakers from early morning till late night. Speakers are installed close to one other, adjacent to residential buildings. The administration remains utterly indifferent to the flouting of laws. What happened to Haradhan Mal in Murshidabad is an extreme example. Incidents of protesters being abused by law-breakers are common even in cities like Calcutta.

The apex court’s decision to reject the BJP’s petition seeking relaxation of the restrictions on the use of loudspeakers during board exams is laudable. But the authorities should enforce the stipulations regarding the permissible time for using loudspeakers more strictly round the year.

Sanjit Ghatak

Narendrapur

Gagged voices

Sir — It is disturbing that the Bengali movie, Bhobishyoter Bhoot — duly cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification — was pulled from theatres across Calcutta on the very day following its release. This step has reportedly been taken keeping the interest of the audience in mind. However, no official clarification has been issued by either the government or the police. This is surprising, given that when the release of the Hindi film, Padmaavat, was hindered in some states, it was screened in Bengal.

Although several film personalities, including Soumitra Chatterjee, have strongly condemned the manner in which the film’s screening was prevented, the voices of many others from the industry have been conspicuously absent. Perhaps they were unable to muster up the courage to speak out against the authorities. Even the print media, unlike in the past, have responded rather mildly. Social media, however, have been vocal against this unconstitutional act.

Srikanta Bhattacharjee

Calcutta

Sir — West Bengal had hitherto been known for upholding the cause of artists and their right to freedom of expression. However, now it seems to be following in the footsteps of the conservative states. The pulling of Bhobishyoter Bhoot from Calcutta screens appears to be designed simply to get even with the director, Anik Dutta, for his criticism of the state government. With the unofficial ban on the film’s screening, the machinations of intolerance operating in the garb of democracy have been revealed. This has caused many movie buffs who had been sleeping through the continuous butchery of democracy in the real world to wake up to the horrors of fascism.

This act betrays the nervousness of the state government over its prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The supposed fear regarding law and order is unfounded. The audience of Bengal should have been trusted to understand political satire.

Sudipta Ghosh

Jangipur

Palash blossoms in Calcutta The Telegraph file picture

Slowly fading

Sir — Winter in Calcutta exists only in the minds of the monkey cap-loving Bengalis. The same can now be said of spring. As February draws to a close, the signs of spring in the city — the dulcet tones of the koel, the abundance of flaming krishnachura, shimul and palash — can only be found in some pockets of a city that is bursting at the seams with concrete. Winter gives way to an oppressive summer. The only bittersweet sign of spring is in the tender neem leaves which, accompanied with begun, help Bengalis mourn the loss of a season.

Elina Banerjee

Calcutta