Judicial accountability
Referring to your edit "Flawed premise" (The Goan Everyday, October20), I would like to point out the following: The NJAC would include, among others, two "eminent persons". Even though the CJI would be one of the members selecting such persons, there could always be the possibility of the "eminent" persons being influenced to use their "veto" power, just to scuttle the choice.
Perhaps the solution could be to enlarge the collegium from five to seven members, by including, say, two senior Chief Justices of High Courts or two Senior Advocates. Even if one, or both, the Chief Justices were in the line for promotion, or the Advocates for appointment as Judges, they could abstain from voting for themselves. The collegium system could provide for "abstention" (no "veto" power here, like in the other SC - the Security Council). The selection should be by a majority (at least four in the seven member collegium).
There may be claims that the Supreme Court should not have the jurisdiction to interfere in appointments, transfers and promotions of the executive and the legislature. To the best of my knowledge, the SC does not have the powers, or the jurisdiction, to "interfere", but to pass a judgement whether such appointment, transfer or promotion is in accordance with the rules laid down and there is no bias therein.
Joaquim Correia-Afonso, Benaulim
LED lights
The Goa government is contemplating an annual hike in power rates ranging from 14 per cent in 2016-2017 to 11 percent in 2018-19. The Narendra Modi government’s program to get consumers to replace less efficient CFL or incandescent lights with the latest LED bulbs is reportedly gaining momentum with the number of bulbs distributed across the country crossing the two crore mark and generating an annual savings of Rs. 1,000 crore. These LED bulbs, which are being distributed at a subsidized rate under the Domestic Efficient Lighting Program, have a lower energy consumption and also helps in reducing the carbon footprint which fits well in government’s strategy for climate talks. However a few states which include Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, UP and Rajasthan have taken advantage of the scheme and switch on to LED lighting in a big way. Goa too needs to follow suit by promoting and encouraging the use of LED lighting in the state in a big way. This will go a long way in countering the financial losses suffered by the government in the sector as also providing lower electricity bills for the consumers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Concede defeat
The news that Mopa airport project gets the green nod from the Centre, will hopefully bring the curtain down on this highly sensitive and controversial topic kept simmering for over a decade by a section of concerned and misinformed Goans, with the blessings of a few opportunistic and power-seeking politicians. It is time now for Fr. Eremito Rebello and his band of dedicated followers of ‘Goans for Dabolim Only’ (GFDO) to concede defeat, now that the final environmental clearances for the development of Mopa have been accorded by the Centre. It serves no useful purpose to pursue the matter further and drag the matter to court. In fact, every Goan should now think positively, work to remove the hurdles, and strive to ensure the smooth functioning in the run- up to the development and commissioning of Mopa airport, which will benefit both the state and the people of Goa. That Dabolim airport will be closed later is only a figment of imagination and result of misguided thinking..
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
