Too extravagant

• Sir - A large amount of food is wasted during wedding celebrations. Legislations such as the 'Guest Control Order', which was in place in the 1960s and 1970s, should be reintroduced. The Union government should also examine the Marriage Functions (Prohibition of Ostentatious Displays and Wasteful Expenses Amendment) Act of Pakistan whereby one dish along with beverages is allowed to be served in such functions. Even Afghanistan has taken measures to curb the massive expenses that are incurred during such events. Steps should be taken to check monetary expenditure during social functions because it adds to the financial burden of families.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal,

Dariba, Delhi

Love hurts

• Sir - The Supreme Court has directed that Hadiya be sent back to her college in Salem so that she can pursue her studies under the guardianship of the dean of the college ("Firm Hadiya sent to study", Nov 28). Hadiya's parents had confined her to her home unlawfully. They are against her marriage with Shafin Jahan, who has been accused of radicalizing Hadiya. The Kerala High Court had nullified Hadiya's marriage, forcing her husband to challenge the decision in the apex court. The highest court has done a commendable job by prioritizing Hadiya's education. A good education can go a long way in empowering women.

Vijay Dattatray Patil,

Goa

• Sir - The idea of 'love jihad ', its oxymoronic ring notwithstanding, is popular with Hindutva groups.

There is nothing wrong if a Hindu girl decides to be with a Muslim boy or vice versa . But right-wing groups project such unions as part of a larger conspiracy aimed at converting Hindus. The resultant anxiety polarizes the two communities, which the Hindutva groups take advantage of.

Jubel D'Cruz,

Mumbai

• Sir - Hadiya, a Hindu by birth, had converted to Islam several months before her marriage. The Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre is now trying to prove that love jihad is rampant in Kerala. The Supreme Court has sent Hadiya back to her college. Earlier, the court had directed Hadiya to be produced to know whether she married of her own volition. The direction came amidst the National Investigation Agency's assertion that Hadiya may have been indoctrinated.

One hopes that the Supreme Court would prevent the politicization of this case. It should take a decision based on law and evidence. Hadiya says she wants the 'freedom' to live with her husband. Unfortunately, the Centre seems keen to project her as a victim of love jihad .

S.S. Paul,

Nadia

Under fire

• Sir - The annual report on terrorism released by the state department of the United States of America has stated that the number of terror strikes in India increased by 16 per cent in 2016 ("Dark night", Nov 28). Failure on the part of intelligence services has put India in a spot. This is evident not only from the Mumbai terror attack but also the assault on Parliament and in Uri. There apparently is an acute dearth of resources in India's intelligence services. The modernization of India's policing system has been in the offing for decades as well. There has been some improvement in mobility and communication facilities as far as the police are concerned. But a lot more needs to be done. The enemy would desist only when they fear an overwhelming response.

Sambhu Nath Chowdhury,

Hooghly

• Sir - The editorial, "The dark night", aptly equates the Mumbai terror attack with a nightmare. Even Parliament, the sanctum sanctorum of democracy, has been targeted. It is time India learns lessons from its nightmarish experiences. India's security establishment remains understaffed. Compounding the problem is the lack of coordination among intelligence agencies. Police reforms have been inadequate. These factors need to be addressed to forestall terror attacks in the future.

P.B. Saha,

Calcutta

Parting shot

• Sir - I am a retired government officer. As an Aadhaar card holder, I am facing a serious problem. I have been constantly receiving calls urging me to link my Aadhaar identity with my mobile number. When I tried to get them linked, I had to have my fingerprints scanned with the help of a rather small machine. This did not work. I do not know what to do next. It is frustrating to have to deal with such inconvenient modes of technology at this age. The service provider keeps sending me reminders to do the linking, but is unwilling to consider my problem.

Suprabhat Som,

Barrackpore