The Supreme Court instructed governments to establish clear timelines for filling vacancies in the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions. Emphasizing the Right to Information Act, it mandated actions to expedite appointments and compliance affidavits from Chief Secretaries, addressing delays particularly in states like Jharkhand.
Today, On 20th December, The Delhi High Court declined to consider a petition that sought to classify the Ram Janmbhoomi Trust as a public authority. The plea argued that the Trust should fall under the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. However, the court determined that the Trust did not fulfill the criteria required to be recognized as a public authority.
The Central Information Commission upheld the denial of information by the Public Information Officer regarding the blocking of X accounts linked to farmers’ protests, citing national security and confidentiality under the IT Act and RTI Act. The case emphasizes the balance between transparency and the protection of sensitive information essential for safeguarding national interests.
Today, on 21st October, the Supreme Court upheld the summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a defamation case regarding Prime Minister Modi’s academic qualifications, rejecting Kejriwal’s appeal. The court referenced a similar prior dismissal involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh, stating the complaint aimed to protect Gujarat University’s reputation from alleged defamatory remarks.
The State Bank of India refuses to disclose electoral bond SOPs, citing “commercial confidence” and intellectual property concerns. An advocate’s appeal for transparency has been denied, leading to escalation to the Central Information Commission. This reflects broader concerns about transparency in political funding, highlighting the tension between transparency advocates and institutions prioritizing confidentiality.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to disclose information about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). This decision followed a second appeal by retired civil servant MG Devasahayam. The ECI must provide the requested data within 30 days. Compliance with the order is mandatory.
The Delhi High Court has overturned the Central Information Commission’s order directing the Income Tax Department to disclose PM CARES Fund information under the Right to Information Act. The court emphasized the confidentiality of taxpayer information and the necessity of the Fund’s involvement in the decision. This ruling has raised questions about the Fund’s transparency and accountability.
In a recent development, the Gujarat High Court has dismissed a review petition filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal concerning the request for information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational qualifications. The court criticized Kejriwal’s persistence in the matter, stating that his continued efforts Also read- PM Modi Degree Row: Court Reserves Order On […]
Gujarat High Court Denies Interim Relief to Kejriwal and Singh in PM Modi Degree Defamation Case The Gujarat High Court has declined to grant interim relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. The duo had sought an interim stay on the proceedings of a criminal defamation […]