Protestors cornered
Barely days after the state government assured that cases against protestors who are opposed to Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act would not be pursued, the state began issuing notices to activists and Opposition leaders triggering allegations of a political witch hunt. The FIR names 1,500 unidentified persons, including elderly women, for alleged unlawful assembly, marching towards the TCP Minister’s residence and blocking roads. Is the FIR a procedural formality under the law? Or does it risk being perceived as instruments to discourage public dissent? Filing FIRs may be presented as a safeguard to ensure accountability and deterrence against potential disruptions. However, the fear of legal entanglement, repeated visits to police stations, and potential court appearances may discourage ordinary citizens from exercising their right to peaceful protest. History suggests that legal action does not always deter protest movements. In some cases, it galvanises them. In a democracy there is a thin dividing line between maintaining law and order and suppressing dissent and public confidence hinges on the transparency and fairness of state action. The right to protest is fundamental, but so is the state’s responsibility to maintain order.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Selective enforcement
During a recent press conference in Chennai, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, stated that the Election Commission of India would strictly enforce the model code of conduct (MCC) during the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. However, this assurance raises concerns about consistency. There have been instances in past elections, including the recent Assembly elections in Bihar and even the last general elections, where the poll code was allegedly not enforced with the same rigour, particularly in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party or its allies. Such perceptions of selective enforcement risk undermining public confidence in the impartiality of the Election Commission. The credibility of the poll code depends on its uniform and unbiased implementation across all states, regardless of which party is in power.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Despicable actions
The targeted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation by the self-anointed leaders of the democratic world and the killing of multitudes of innocent people is despicable and deserves strong condemnation, no matter what the proclaimed reason for it is. It is beyond tragic that multiple nations have now been drawn into conflict. The world needs peace not more unnecessary, devastating wars. Those responsible for this mayhem would do well to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” And we are seeing this happen in real time. Bertrand Russell too said, “War does not determine who is right, only who is left.” and by the looks of it seems there would be no one or nothing left if the present conflict escalates into World War 3. This fractured earth needs healing more than ever, not bombs, bullets and death raining from the skies. More than high time to stop the same old theme playing since 1916.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
On Dabolim airport
As a frequent flyer via Dabolim airport over many years, I have observed that since the commissioning of Manohar international airport at Mopa, most international and domestic flights appear to have shifted there. This has left passengers like me with limited and inconvenient transit options from Dabolim airport. The state government has repeatedly stated that Dabolim airport will not be closed. However, given past instances where assurances were reversed, there is understandable skepticism. Even if Dabolim airport remains operational, there is concern that it may function only nominally, without significant flight operations. Additionally, it would be important for authorities to clarify whether the alcohol purchase allowance for passengers departing from Mopa airport has been increased compared to Dabolim. If this is the case, the public deserves to know why such a disparity exists and which airport stands to benefit.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Industrial safety on decline
Safe work environment promotes production, augments punctuality and cuts down on absenteeism. Anticipation and preparedness do not cost much: but treatment and rehabilitation do. But the majority of Indian workers are in the dark about keeping themselves abreast of newer safety measures. Industrial safety is on the decline as evidenced by fire tragedies in different establishments. Gadgets enhance safety levels but at the end of the day an individual –employer and employee – is his own defence. Worker education, risk assessment and risk elimination are three aspects the employers cannot do away with. ‘Engage, Educate and Empower People to Enhance Safety’ is a befitting theme, on National Safety Day observed on March 4, that exhorts people to be active participants in promoting safety culture.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
