![[Freedom of Speech] Are Government Servants Allowed to Speak to the media? Allahabad HC Asks State Gov.](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hc-1.jpg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Allahabad High Court has questioned whether government servants are allowed to communicate with the media freely. Justice JJ Munir has asked the State government to clarify if there are any restrictions in the service rules and directed the Department of Personnel to outline measures for training younger government servants to avoid impromptu media interactions if such restrictions exist.
Today (25th April): The Kerala High Court has stayed the land acquisition notification for the proposed Sabarimala airport for two months, following a plea by a charitable trust and its managing trustee. The trust alleges that the acquisition process aimed to unlawfully acquire their property. The government emphasized the airport’s benefits for pilgrims and tourism.
Today (18th April): The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea to tally Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes with Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips during elections. The petition aims to ensure accuracy and integrity in the electoral process and seeks expanded verification of all EVM votes with VVPAT records. This plea challenges the current guidelines and emphasizes the need for stringent punishment to prevent manipulation.
On Friday (5th April): The Kerala High Court declined to postpone the airing of the movie “The Kerala Story” on Doordarshan channel despite a petition seeking a delay until after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The petitioner alleged that the movie contains propaganda that could influence voters, leading to a scheduled hearing on April 11.
Today (5th April): The Supreme Court intervened in a case where a Panipuri seller’s son had his MBBS admission revoked by the Gujarat High Court due to SEBC eligibility issues. The SC stayed the decision, noting the student’s merit in the general category and ordered a review. The petitioner’s parents’ caste classification led to the dispute.
On Tuesday (2nd April): The DMK filed writ petitions with the Madras High Court concerning EVM issues before the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the presence of a printer between the Balloting Unit and Control Unit compromises data integrity. The party expressed concerns about the Election Commission of India’s oversight and transparency in decision-making. Additionally, a petition challenges the ECI’s guideline on VVPAT verification.
The Calcutta High Court Today directed the Centre to respond to a PIL alleging Aadhaar cards deactivation without notice. The petitioner, a West Bengal NGO, claims arbitrary deactivation affecting many residents. The Centre questioned the PIL’s validity, arguing that Section 28A of the Aadhaar Act applies only to foreign nationals. The case challenges the constitutionality of Regulation 28A, with widespread implications.
Today (20th March): The Allahabad High Court demanded explanations for withholding annuities for nine temples in Vrindavan, emphasizing the automatic transfer of funds to temple accounts at the start of each financial year. Concerned about bureaucratic delays, the court rebuked the need for legal intervention and summoned officials to ensure timely disbursement.