Letters to The Editor — June 24, 2025

The aggressor

America’s bombing of Iran has simply proved that U.S. President Donald Trump cannot be trusted in negotiations. Mr. Trump is under the illusion that might is good enough to overcome established order and norms. A bombastic Mr. Trump’s credibility as a leader is at a low ebb. A man who is craving for the Nobel Peace Prize has overnight become a “warmonger” and “globalist aggressor”. New Delhi must be keenly observant of Pakistan trying to cosy up to Mr. Trump.

C.G. Kuriakose,

Kothamangalam, Kerala

Adivasi identity

The Census plays an extremely crucial role, through data collection, for policymaking and understanding population trends. The weak and the poor, the neglected and the voiceless have the first right on welfare measures, schemes and support (‘Opinion’ page, “Recognising Adivasi identity in the Census”, June 23). There is already a very wide gap between the urban and rural regions. Development and progress would meet their objectives only if there is even growth. Economic growth, revenue realisation and trade would be meaningless if the voiceless are left out.

Balasubramaniam Pavani,

Secunderabad

ED notice to advocates

It is shocking that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued summons to senior advocates Arvind Datar and Pratap Venugopal for legal opinion. They were only exercising their professional right. The notices were withdrawn after strong protests by the Bar. Mr. Datar at one point was considered for direct elevation as a Supreme Court judge. He is a pre-eminent tax lawyer and has appeared in High Courts apart from the Supreme Court and argued matters of constitutional importance. He has written three volumes on the Constitution of India. This has to be mentioned in order to highlight how the ED has exceeded its power and authority. The entire Bar is aghast and slighted by the ED’s actions. Its conduct undermines the dignity and the autonomy of the profession, thereby undermining the rule of law itself.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai