Letters to the editor: Much hot air

2G under a cloud

# This refers to ‘Supreme insult: CBI chief taken off 2G case’ (IE, November 21). The recusal forced upon the director of the CBI, India’s premier investigating agency, by the apex court in the 2G probe will only aggravate the public’s distrust of the agency. The CBI is often seen to be acting under compulsion, compromising for extraneous reasons. The Supreme Court’s directive is extremely embarrassing for the CBI and for its director, Ranjit Sinha. It will be interesting to see if the agency’s investigation of the 2G case changes dramatically after Sinha’s recusal. Or, will this latest glitch turn out to be ammunition for the accused and help in their defence? They could complain that the investigation has been botched and biased from the start.

— Haridasan Mathilakath (Mumbai)

# The order of the Supreme Court has come a trifle late in the day. But, as the saying goes, better late than never. Since CBI director Ranjit Sinha only has a few days left before superannuation, he may swallow the insult. But the court’s order will help ensure the smooth functioning of this much-berated agency in future. The apex court’s eagerness to oversee and ensure an impartial probe and restore the common man’s confidence in the country’s top investigative agency is laudable. Had Sinha continued to oversee the 2G investigation till he demitted office, the final outcome would have been looked upon with suspicion. The bottom line is this: Caesar’s wife should be above suspicion. The court’s order has sent out a message that it is important for an investigator to be seen to be honest and transparent. In hindsight, Sinha would have done himself and the agency a favour had he voluntarily recused himself from the 2G investigation after the visitor book scandal blew up.

— Ganapathi Bhat (Akola)

Beating China to it

# This refers to the editorial, ‘Colombo reaches out’ (IE, November 20). The decision of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to release five Indian fishermen facing the death penalty on smuggling charges is praiseworthy. This provides the Narendra Modi government with an opportunity to work to improve bilateral relations further. Our relationship with Sri Lanka urgently needs to be made warmer and closer. China is fast moving in.

— Ashok K. Ashu (Patiala)