CIVILISING INDIA

In your editorial, Zero tolerance to stop sexual attacks (March 19), you say “only concerted action by all sections of society can spread the message of zero tolerance”. Are you advocating that the public should take law in its own hands and deal with the culprits I am not against it, but the law does not permit it. Criminality and lack of civility have been part of our national culture and heritage for hundreds of years. How many of our lawmakers have rape and murder cases on them It’s sad that just one such case became an issue. And it’s even sadder that Delhi has now been internationally recognised as the “rape capital” of India. Respect for women’s honour has never been our priority. Bravo India Shining! You want a civilised democracy, fine. Let’s have the guts to say no criminals will be allowed to become our lawmakers. I daresay we might end up with many empty seats in our state legislatures and Parliament. Why make laws that will never be implemented, in fact cannot be implemented Create conditions where such laws become superfluous. Swift and severe punishment to the perpetrators of crime can become the motivators for a more civilised society.

Vijaypat Singhania

Mumbai