Letters to The Editor — February 21, 2026

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Legal jugglery

The report, “‘No clear evidence’, man gets sentence for attempt to rape” (Inside pages, February 20), describing the shameful act of a rapist, was immensely disturbing to read. While legal processes require precision and careful interpretation, the language often used in such cases — as in this report — can unintentionally overshadow the gravity of the violation and the trauma endured by survivors. Sexual violence is fundamentally an act of coercion and violation. Attempts to narrowly interpret or technically categorise such crimes risk diminishing their seriousness. No legal reasoning should obscure the lived reality of force, fear, and harm experienced by survivors. Courts must of course follow the law, but sensitivity in both interpretation and public communication is essential. Legal terminology should not appear to dilute the moral weight of such offences or compound the distress of those affected.

C.K. Prem Kumar,

Kalvakulam, Palakkad, Kerala

AI summit, disruptions

The sudden withdrawal of Bill Gates from the India AI Impact Summit 2026 — officially framed as an effort to maintain focus on AI-related discussions — coincided with renewed Epstein-related headlines following recent U.S. Justice Department disclosures (Front page, “Bill Gates pulls out of AI Summit”, February 20). The wave of revelations has also brought scrutiny to a Union Minister’s past professional correspondence with Epstein, sparking political controversy. The convergence of these developments casts a shadow over a summit meant to project India’s technological confidence. Instead of headlines about innovation, the narrative appears to have shifted toward controversy, blurring the message that India hoped to send to the world. At a time when the country is advancing major AI partnerships, industry pledges, and government programmes aimed at leading the Global South, a nation on the cusp of technological leadership must ensure that momentary storms do not eclipse its long-term vision.

Shreyan Kumar Mishra,

Kolkata

Accessibility gaps

Delhi’s metro network is praised for its scale and modernity, and there have been visible improvements in accessibility. Yet, for persons with disabilities and mobility challenges, it still falls short of being truly inclusive. A major concern is the lack of functional lifts at some stations. At Dwarka Mor, a lift has now been permanently sealed off. For wheelchair users and those using crutches, prosthetics or walkers, lifts are a necessity. Without them, the metro becomes inaccessible. Staircases and escalators cannot substitute for lifts. Last-mile connectivity is another challenge. Even when stations are accessible inside, reaching them is difficult due to uneven pavements, missing ramps, and a lack of accessible transport options.

Sabir Nishat,

New Delhi