Women empowerment

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This is with reference to the report Saudi women defy ban on driving (June 18). It is heartening to read about women defying the ban on driving in Saudi Arabia. It is disgraceful to know that women are being denied their just rights in this era of globalisation. The time is ripe now for women to stand up and raise their voice against male chauvinism. The so called superpowers like the US who claim to be fighting for human rights should help women in such endeavours.
N. Ratan Prasad Reddy
Hyderabad

BLACK MAGIC

This is with reference to the article The dark truth (June 17). It is heartrending to hear that people still believe in black magic. Notorious criminals are making money in the name of so-called tantriks. Even the politicians, sportstars are praising them as “gods”. It is the responsibility of the government and the police to create awareness among people and imprison the culprits. They have failed to do this. It is time we had a campaign against such tantriks.
V.G.K.S. Ranjan
P.Gannavaram, East Godavari

CAN’T GODMEN BE TAXED?

This is with reference to the report Satya Sai lived, slept with 98 kg gold, `12cr in cash (June 18). Even though all the money and gold has been deposited in the bank, nobody is questioning the legality of holding such a huge amount of money and assets. If the explanation is that devotees gave all this as personal gifts, it is still taxable as gifts from strangers come within the purview of taxable income. If the money was given by devotees to the trusts of Satya Sai Baba, it is still taxable as anonymous donations are fully taxable. In addition to this, if the property belongs to the trust, no trustee can hold this property in his residence. What about wealth tax payable on holding such huge quantity of cash, gold and silver? It works out to `10 crores of income-tax plus penalty and interest and about `30 lakhs of wealth tax every year. Will anybody in the government come forward to explain why all these assets were not seized?
Chandrashekhar Gokhale
Hyderabad