Civil discourseThe article, “Need for moderation in public speech” (Opinion page – ‘State of Play’, July 29) is pertinent and must extend to discourse in Parliament. Parliamentary debate must be conducted with dignity, restraint, and respect, as language reflects the quality of democratic discourse. Decent speech strengthens public trust and ensures that disagreements are addressed through reasoned arguments rather than personal attacks.N. Subramaniam,BengaluruKarur tragedyThe Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu in September 2025 was distressing. There was nothing improper about the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government extending compassionate appointments to members of the bereaved families as a measure of solatium and rehabilitation. Such appointments fall within the executive’s discretionary powers and are intended to provide relief to families. They do not violate any constitutional or statutory right warranting judicial intervention. The High Court’s jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution is extraordinary. Unless the government’s decision was shown to be motivated by mala fides, extraneous considerations, or an oblique purpose, there was little justification to interfere with a policy decision made in the exercise of executive discretion. This amounts to judicial overreach.N.G.R. Prasad,Chennai Published - July 30, 2026 12:24 am IST