The Supreme Court Today (Aug 25) stayed the Kerala High Court’s order that held Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) to be a ‘public authority’ under the RTI Act. The case now awaits a detailed hearing after CIAL argued it is a private company, not a government-created body.
The Supreme Court will hear petitions in April seeking to classify political parties as “public authorities” under the Right to Information Act, enhancing transparency regarding their funding and operations. Despite previous rulings by the Central Information Commission, parties like Congress and BJP resist this change, while CPI(M) supports some transparency but opposes revealing internal decisions.
The Delhi High Court Today (Feb 11) questioned RTI activist Neeraj Sharma on whether there was any “public interest” in seeking details of students who cleared Delhi University’s BA course in 1978, the year PM Modi claims to have graduated. DU opposed the disclosure, arguing that student records are held in a fiduciary capacity and cannot be revealed under the RTI Act. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also pointed out non-payment of RTI fees. The next hearing is scheduled for February 19.
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.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that aided colleges receiving government funding are subject to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, affirming that financial support renders them public institutions. This mandates these colleges to appoint Public Information Officers and respond to RTI requests, promoting transparency and accountability in their operations.
Yesterday, On 22nd October, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, agreed to hear a petition for adopting hybrid mode hearings in family courts across India. The petition highlights delays in case resolutions affecting women and children, advocating for timely justice through a combination of virtual and physical appearances, addressing logistical challenges.
Today, On 5th September, The Kerala High Court decided to form a five-judge special bench to address cases related to the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, following a plea challenging the report’s release. The state government has announced a special investigation team to probe the allegations. This follows the aftermath of the 2017 actress assault case.