Supreme Court Recognises Walking on Footpaths as Fundamental Right
In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court of India has declared that walking on demarcated footpaths is a fundamental constitutional right. This decision addresses the widespread issue of footpaths being badly designed, broken, dismantled, or occupied by street vendors, shopkeepers, and parked vehicles, which restricts citizens' freedom of movement. The government is now legally bound to construct adequate, well-maintained, and encroachment-free pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. This move is expected to tackle traffic congestion, ensure public safety and health, and save the environment from pollution, according to DS Kang from Hoshiarpur.
Call for Long-Term Heritage Protection in Chandigarh
Sanjay Chopra from Mohali has urged Chandigarh to adopt a long-term heritage protection strategy beyond reactive measures. He emphasises that the city's modernist legacy is not just a collection of iconic buildings and furniture but a living symbol of independent India's architectural vision. Chopra recommends that every heritage asset in public institutions be digitally catalogued using QR codes and blockchain-backed records to prevent theft and establish ownership. He also calls for periodic audits by independent experts, mandatory reporting of missing items, and the formation of heritage protection committees involving architects, historians, students, and citizens to foster public participation and vigilance.
Passport Issuance and Citizenship: The Burden of Proof
K Kumar from Panchkula raises concerns about the evidentiary value of passports in proving citizenship. He argues that a passport is issued only after due official scrutiny of an applicant's identity, date and place of birth, and supporting records. If such a document is not considered evidence of citizenship, then what document is? While the law may distinguish between proof and conclusive proof, public confidence demands that official documents carry real evidentiary value. Kumar asserts that the State, having itself verified and recorded these particulars, should not cast doubt on these documents. If it does, the primary onus of proving otherwise should rest on the authorities. He stresses that legal precision is necessary but so are certainty, fairness, and public trust.
Need for Military Spirit in Politicians
Captain Amar Jeet (retd) from Kharar draws a stark contrast between the dedication of soldiers and the behaviour of politicians. He notes that a veteran soldier will climb 14,000 feet to cheer a jawan he doesn't know, while a politician (neta) won't climb 14 steps to his party office to meet a voter. He criticises the double standards where discipline is demanded from soldiers, honesty from clerks, and punctuality from the Railways, but defection, corruption, and betrayal are forgiven in elected officials. He calls for a national introspection: "Did I vote for a leader or a dealer?" and asserts that the nation needs the soldier's spirit in Parliament.
Padma Shri for 'Broom Warrior' Inderjeet Singh Sidhu
HS Sarkaria from by mail expresses joy over Inderjeet Singh Sidhu, known as the 'broom warrior', being honoured with the Padma Shri. Sarkaria recalls his mother handing him a newspaper article about Sidhu in the late 1990s, encouraging him to read about his remarkable mission. Even at the age of 88, Sidhu continues his mission to keep the surroundings clean. His relentless efforts to clean public spaces without seeking recognition serve as a shining example of humility and dedication. Such sons of the soil remind us that true service lies not in words but in consistent action.
Concerns Over Unity and Federalism in India
Jarnail Singh Brar from Bathinda warns that India's principle of unity in diversity is in peril. He cites the autonomy of Opposition-ruled states being jeopardised, autocracy and centralisation of powers worsening the situation, and democratic institutions being ruthlessly misused. He claims the tone and tenor of the Election Commission of India (ECI) reek of partiality and that the Supreme Court appears subservient to the all-powerful executive. Justice, he says, is tardy and uncertain. Instead of settling burning national issues, old scores are being settled. He calls for imbibing and cultivating tolerance, amity, and scientific temper to augment homogeneous growth and sustainable federalism.
