The sentencing of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt by the Supreme Court is right and upholds the true spirit of law.
Though there has been some dismay and shock in certain quarters over the punishment being meted out to the actor, a sentence as this was to be expected. Abetment of terrorism, even unintentionally, is also a serious crime for which punishment is a must. In view of the actor's helpful attitude during the trial and the candid admission of his mistake, the apex court reduced his six-year imprisonment to five years. No doubt the actor has suffered the consequences of his wayward actions for the last 20 years, and he shall continue to suffer more for another three-and-a-half years. But it is also a fact that in matters of justice, there is no place for emotions.
One fervently hopes that a similar punishment is handed out to all those political leaders and Government officials who have been named for their involvement in the numerous scams. But will it ever happenIJ
Mahesh Kumar | New Delhi