Training for lawyers
“When judges have judicial academies to be trained in salient features of law, why not the lawyers?” Was an apt query by the Supreme Court bench of Justices Bela Trivedi and Pankaj Mittal. A young lawyer’s ‘knowledge’ in submitting a bail petition, without a summoning order, rightly disturbed the court. The top court’s observation is a wake-up call for a profession that once enjoyed unquestionable reverence but has several questions asked about its ethics and professionalism over the years. Young lawyers who emerge from smaller places are often thrown into the vast sea of legal profession without proper hands to guide.
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They are often found wanting in courtroom etiquettes and decorum. Barring senior lawyers who have a reputation to maintain, and a handful of old-timers, many young lawyers suffer from paucity of drafting skills and presentation acumen. Evolving changes in law and jurisprudence only mean they have to keep abreast of the latest developments because their advancement in legal profession hinges on favourable court verdicts. Therefore, a successful lawyer is an amalgamation of impeccable courtroom behaviour and outstanding arguing skills that can impress the judges. Also, transparency and accountability are not commodities to be compromised at all.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Need to control mango prices
Mango, the king of fruit, has arrived in the market as the summer season approaches. However, it appears that the fruit is meant only to be enjoyed by the ‘king’ or the rich people. Due to the soaring prices mangoes, they are beyond the reach of the common man and leave a deep dent in the wallet.
This is the case every year. The steep prices are making it more of a luxury item to be enjoyed by the rich rather than an affordable treat for the common man. It is learnt that the price of Mankurad variety which was sold for a whopping Rs 7,000 per dozen in the Panjim market has dropped marginally to Rs 4,000 but is still beyond the reach of the common man. Obviously the high price is not because it is in short supply since the markets are flooded with the fruits. It is probably a case of ‘making hay, while the sun shines’. Or is the fruit being exported to other countries and even to other States within the State for a higher price? It is learnt that the prices of the mangoes available in the market are not set by the vendors but is sold by the farms at a high price.
It would be desirable for the State government to exercise some control on the price of the fruit at the beginning of the season so that every citizen enjoys it.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Is this Viksit Goa?
Sixteen years ago, with lack of medical facilities in Canacona, my mother-in-law died on the way to Margao. Today, a young man suffered a heart attack and had to be rushed to South District Hospital, Margao, wherein he got another major heart attack and had to be taken to a private hospital for a surgery. The narrow roads through ghats are totally risky for a heart patient. Where is the development (viksit) for the past 16 years? How long will Canconkars have to wait for proper medical ICU facilities?
Vincy Gracias, Canacona
TN Guv should leave
It is unfortunate that TN Governor R N Ravi who is expected to act within the powers vested on him by the Constitution pertaining to the gubernatorial position he holds, prefers to exceed his brief at the fall of the hat and, in this process, gets only self-humiliated by his unwarranted, highly undemocratic and condemnable acts.
This is the second time Ravi has created problem by refusing to read the customary address prepared by the State government in the TN Assembly, quoting lame excuses and walked out which appears to be in cheap taste. It is to be noted that, in the history of Tamil Nadu, no other Governor has committed the disgraceful act of walking out of the Assembly without reading the customary address, despite differences with the State government.
By refusing to read the customary address and trying to justify his act, Ravi has not only insulted the very Constitution itself but also has exposed his hatred towards the Tamil Nadu government and, in turn the people of Tamil Nadu.
Though he has no authority to demand changes to the conventions followed in the Assembly proceedings in the past so many decades without any hitch, Ravi tries to dictate terms in this regard and gets snubbed and makes a huge and cry when his demands are turned down. If he is really interested in the welfare of the people of the State, he should take up with the Central BJP government, genuine cases like release of the required amount towards mitigation of losses caused by the recent floods and the earlier calamities like the Michaung Cyclone that devastated the State, instead of engaging himself in matters detrimental to the ideologies and livelihood of the people.
It is better he quits the State or is recalled by the govt and posted to some other BJP-ruled State, for obvious reasons.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
