Letters to The Editor — April 18, 2025

Court on Waqf Act

The Supreme Court of India’s discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 is an opportunity

to reinforce the constitutional values of equality, secularism, and justice. This debate is a positive step toward preserving the Constitution’s spirit and ensuring fairness for all citizens. Its stance signals efforts to align contentious provisions with the Constitution, improving the law and fostering public trust. This reflects the judiciary’s strength and commitment to the Constitution.

R.K. Jain,

Barwani, Madhya Pradesh

The Supreme Court has done as it has thought best to avoid a “huge problem”, to use its words. The Court is sure to look at the constitutionality of the new Waqf law closely and rigorously and find out if the law is in conformity with Article 26 of the Constitution. A law that does not recognise the notion of equality of religions and is predicated on religious discrimination cannot be countenanced in our secular democracy governed by the Constitution, of which secularism is a basic feature. As a nation founded on the secular vision of our founding fathers, we cannot let secularism become a casualty of the implementation of a Hindutva agenda.

G. David Milton,

Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

An unfinished fight

The article, “The unfinished fight of an ‘anti national’” (Editorial page, April, 17), has highlighted the legal principle, ‘bail is Rule, and jail is an exception’. But still, students should act with responsibility when expressing dissent. Holding protests, damaging public property, and also raising inflammatory slogans are bound to invite a swift and retaliatory response. If freedom of speech is a fundamental right of every citizen, does not the government too have a right to scan violent protesters?

V. Jayaraman,

Chennai

The article reveals the shifting moral compass of our democracy. When the state weaponises fear and criminalises criticism, articles such as this serve as a beacon — a reminder that the fight for justice, equality, and civil liberty remains unfinished. May journalism continue to stand tall in the defence of truth.

Rakshyakar Anupam,

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

A party protests

That the Congress has an ongoing campaign of ‘nationwide protests’ in connection with the National Herald case is jarring. This is an issue where the Enforcement Directorate has gathered sufficient evidence. The party’s first family is not divine that it cannot be touched by the law of the land. The party has to observe the dictum that “all are equal before law”. It should face the charges and respect any verdict pronounced by the judiciary.

B.S. Jayaraman,

Coimbatore