Dr. Yash Paul has raised some pertinent questions regarding non-response of author to queries raised against a published manuscript. With regards to the present case, attempts were made to contact the authors, but came to know that the corresponding author had expired! And, hence the non-response.

Other suggestions were duly considered by the Editorial Board. Following comment are made:

Firstly, Editorial Board publishes only peer reviewed manuscripts and it will not be appropriate to re-review its own publications.

The Editorial Board has no control over authors lack of response, but by publishing the comments of researchers/readers, the journal is increasing the reader’s awareness of the lacunae of the study.

There are clear guidelines for withdrawal of a published article. Design issues and non-response by authors are not amongst the criteria.