Institutions face pressure

There is now a widespread public perception across the country that India’s democracy is facing pressures — institutions such as the Election Commission of India, the judiciary, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the IAS and IPS machinery seem to be struggling to discharge their constitutional duties sincerely, for reasons best known to them. The way the selection process for the Chief Election Commissioner has been diluted to have a pliant person in the chair has, obviously, paved the way for the botched operation of the Special Intensive Revision, which seems intended to manipulate electoral outcomes to the advantage of a political group. Indian citizens can no longer afford to be mute spectators to the growing tendency of constitutional functionaries to seek the goodwill of their political bosses rather than remain loyal to the country. And, of course, fearless and meaningful journalism is expected of the Indian media, whose image badly needs to be restored.

Ravindrababu,

Hyderabad

Banking sector issues

The deferment of the proposed three-day bank strike by the bank unions following discussions with bank managements is a welcome step. A five-day working week was agreed upon in the last settlement two and a half years ago, but it is yet to be implemented. The unions have also expressed deep concern over the lack of unilateral implementation. The IBA should come forward and resolve all outstanding issues expeditiously, considering the importance of the banking sector to the nation’s economy.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu

Justice delayed

The ‘Data Point’ (Opinion page, September 28), on pendencies in cases of assault, was an eye-opener on the issue of women’s safety. Women in India are often revered as mothers and goddesses, yet remain vulnerable to gender-based inequalities. While women are being empowered on the one hand, the continuing crimes against them on the other are deeply disturbing. The judiciary needs to work on a war footing to ensure that cases involving crimes against women are not delayed.

Balasubramaniam Pavani,

Secunderabad