News for 'Central Information Commission'

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Election Commission is colluding with the BJP to manipulate elections, citing data analysis from a Karnataka constituency. He claims evidence of 'vote chori' and demands transparency from the EC.

With Samariya India gets CIC after a month, but 6 openings remain

With Samariya India gets CIC after a month, but 6 openings remain

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

Samariya, the first Dalit to have been appointed to the post, was working as information commissioner in the transparency panel Central Information Commission (CIC). A 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Telangana cadre, Samariya retired after serving as the labour and employment secretary in the Government of India. He was sworn in as the information commissioner on November 7, 2020.

'Rahul Will Drink Tea With 'Dead' Voters'

'Rahul Will Drink Tea With 'Dead' Voters'

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

'Rahul Gandhi is not coming to seek votes, but to reach out to people for awareness of their democratic rights.'

DA for over 1 crore central govt staff, pensioners hiked by 3%

DA for over 1 crore central govt staff, pensioners hiked by 3%

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

The Centre on Wednesday increased the Dearness Allowance (DA) by 3 percentage points effective from July 1 this year, benefitting more than 1 crore employees and pensioners ahead of the Diwali festival. The Union Cabinet has approved to increase Dearness Allowance (DA) to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners by three percentage points of the basic pay/pension ahead of Diwali, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said after the Cabinet meeting.

Will New Sports Bill Be A Game Changer?

Will New Sports Bill Be A Game Changer?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Salient features of the National Sports Governance Bill that promise to overhaul several aspects of sports governance and the grievance redressal system for athletes and administrators alike in the country.

'Bureaucrats Resist Meeting Public...'

'Bureaucrats Resist Meeting Public...'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

'...as then it brings them closer to the complaints and grievances that the public faces.'

Takedown Orders: X Takes On Govt

Takedown Orders: X Takes On Govt

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

X calls the home ministry's Sahyog portal a 'censorship portal', stating it usurps judicial functions.

'Selection of information commissioners is arbitrary'

'Selection of information commissioners is arbitrary'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2011

In this freewheeling interview with rediff.com's Priyanka, IC Gandhi says that appellants must understand that law describes 'information' as something which 'exists', and only those can be given out.

Ready to show Modi's degree to court, not strangers, DU tells HC

Ready to show Modi's degree to court, not strangers, DU tells HC

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Delhi University (DU) has informed the Delhi High Court that it is willing to show its records on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree to the court, but not disclose it to "strangers" under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The university's solicitor general, Tushar Mehta, argued that the "right to privacy" superseded the "right to know" in this case, and that allowing disclosure would expose the university to RTI applications for information about lakhs of its students. The court has reserved its verdict on the matter.

Two Information Commissioners sworn in

Two Information Commissioners sworn in

Rediff.com23 Sep 2009

Former media advisor to Prime Minister Deepak Sandhu and former secretary in the Union government Sushma Singh were sworn in, on Wednesday, as new information commissioners at the Central Information Commission.

Any information sought under RTI Act should be made public, unless...: HC

Any information sought under RTI Act should be made public, unless...: HC

Rediff.com15 Sep 2023

The Delhi high court said on Friday the purpose of Right to Information (RTI) Act is to bring in transparency, and if any information has been sought, it should be made public unless exempted from disclosure under the law.

Disclose phone tapping information: CIC to CBI

Disclose phone tapping information: CIC to CBI

Rediff.com22 Jun 2011

The Central Information Commission has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to disclose proposals sent to Union home ministry seeking permission for tapping telephones.

Has Karur Tragedy Halted Vijay's Political Rise?

Has Karur Tragedy Halted Vijay's Political Rise?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

The Karur tragedy has exposed the huge gaps in Vijay's understanding of realpolitik, elections and political administration, asserts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Passport officer denies information; gets RTI slap

Passport officer denies information; gets RTI slap

Rediff.com3 Apr 2007

The CIC, which was hearing the RTI appeal of one Uma Jayaram, expressed its anguish over the 'apathetic attitude' of RPO Gloria Kumar, who in an earlier order was penalised with Rs 16,000 for failing to provide information on time.

Pak was developing Haryana YouTuber as an 'asset': Police

Pak was developing Haryana YouTuber as an 'asset': Police

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Pakistani intelligence operatives were allegedly developing Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on espionage charges, as an asset, said a senior Haryana police officer on Sunday.

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Jyoti was among 12 people who have been arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks on charges of espionage, with investigators pointing at an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India.

'Biggest reform in sports since independence': LS passes Sports Bill

'Biggest reform in sports since independence': LS passes Sports Bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Sports Bill is a key reform aimed at building a "transparent, accountable and world-class sports ecosystem" in India.

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

While six of them have been held from Punjab, five were nabbed from neighbouring Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

Political parties out of purview of RTI: Election Commission

Political parties out of purview of RTI: Election Commission

Rediff.com27 May 2018

The order is is contrary to the Central Information Commission's directive bringing six national parties under the transparency law.

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking an independent selection process for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on March 17. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, argues that the current system of appointment solely by the executive and the prime minister violates the Constitution and undermines the CAG's independence. The petition calls for a transparent process involving the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The PIL contends that the CAG's role as a watchdog over government finances requires a fair and non-arbitrary appointment procedure.

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

New LAC Road Revives Memories Of China's 1962 Push

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

At the end of the discussion, the older Monpa said that if today the Chinese were to come inside India, "I will fight and kill them", prudently adding, "if they are of my age, if they are younger soldiers, I will not be able to fight". The entire village had a good laugh.

Why 767 Maharashtra Farmers Died By Suicide

Why 767 Maharashtra Farmers Died By Suicide

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'You've got to understand it is not easy to die by suicide.' 'People commit suicide only when they lose everything and find no other way to live.'

Task force to coordinate filling up of vacancies in central ministries

Task force to coordinate filling up of vacancies in central ministries

Rediff.com14 Jul 2022

The development assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last month announced 10 lakh government recruitments in the next 1.5 years.

SC agrees to reveal information with CJI under RTI

SC agrees to reveal information with CJI under RTI

Rediff.com12 Aug 2009

Mellowing down its earlier stand that no information with the Chief Justice of India could be revealed under RTI Act, the Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to disclose information on what action the CJI has taken on a complaint filed against a sitting Allahabad High Court Judge.

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Rediff.com27 Oct 2023

The parliamentary panel, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party's Sushil Kumar Modi, has also decided to examine remote voting and e-postal ballots for Indians residing abroad.

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Normal life remains unaffected during strike, violence in Bengal

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

A nationwide strike called by trade unions to protest against the central government's labor policies had a mixed impact across India. While normal life remained largely unaffected in most parts of the country, some sectors like banking, transport, and insurance experienced disruptions. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in West Bengal.

Special Branch manual confidential, can't be disclosed under RTI: HC

Special Branch manual confidential, can't be disclosed under RTI: HC

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

The high court said disclosing such information will not only compromise the functioning of the Special Branch of the Delhi police, but could also jeopardise ongoing and future investigations, adding that it falls within the scope of 'exempted information' under the RTI Act.

Disha Salian committed suicide, no foul play found: Police

Disha Salian committed suicide, no foul play found: Police

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Mumbai police submit to the Bombay High Court that Disha Salian committed suicide, refuting claims of foul play by her father, who alleges gangrape and murder and seeks a CBI probe.

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Landslides blocked arterial roads leading up to Dharali where dozens of people were trapped and many homes and cars swept away by the raging waters on Tuesday. Eleven Army personnel from the nearby camp in Harsil were among those missing.

'Counter-Productive For India To Create Upstream And Downstream Acrimony'

'Counter-Productive For India To Create Upstream And Downstream Acrimony'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'China has thus far been cautious, emphasising its focus on development rather than weaponising water resources.'

The Sword Of Vigilance Hangs Over Bankers

The Sword Of Vigilance Hangs Over Bankers

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

'Vigilance' is a dreaded term for PSB employees and there are instances where this fear is misused by the higher authorities to tame their subordinate officials. This fear always deters PSB executives from making decisions -- the fewer the decisions, the less the chance of falling into trouble, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Reveal Modi's education details: Kejriwal to information commissioner

Reveal Modi's education details: Kejriwal to information commissioner

Rediff.com29 Apr 2016

In a letter to Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu, Kejriwal said he does not object to government records about him being made public and wondered why the commission wants to "hide" information on Modi's educational degree.

Are I-T Returns Details Private?

Are I-T Returns Details Private?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Disclosing an individual's income-tax returns is tantamount to violating the person's fundamental right to privacy as recognised by the Constitution.

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.

CBI not liable to furnish any information under RTI Act: Kerala HC

CBI not liable to furnish any information under RTI Act: Kerala HC

Rediff.com7 Nov 2022

The case lodged against him by one of the Customs officials is pending before the special judge, Thiruvananthapuram.

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

CIC pulls up EC for not replying to RTI query on EVMs

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer M G Devasahayam, who was one of the signatories to the representation on the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) and the vote-counting process, had filed an application with the poll panel under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, seeking details of the action taken on it.

'RSS Wanted To Destroy The Janata Party'

'RSS Wanted To Destroy The Janata Party'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

'JP opened up about all the betrayals, the betrayal of the Jan Sangh and the RSS, how they ganged up with Sanjay Gandhi and pulled down the Morarji Desai government, how they destroyed the Janata Party.'

Molested, driven out of home, women at Malda camp tell NCW

Molested, driven out of home, women at Malda camp tell NCW

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

A delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW) visited a relief camp in Malda, West Bengal, and reported that women were being harassed and threatened by police. The NCW team, led by chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, met with those displaced by riots in Murshidabad and alleged that the women were being coerced to return home without proper safety measures. The team is scheduled to travel to Murshidabad and Kolkata to continue their investigation.

How India must select information commissioners

How India must select information commissioners

Rediff.com23 Feb 2016

There is a great need to introduce a transparent process to select information commissioners, who are expected to oversee transparency, says former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi.

Shakti Dubey tops 2024 civil services exam; women dominate top 5

Shakti Dubey tops 2024 civil services exam; women dominate top 5

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Shakti Dubey has topped the civil services examination 2024, with Harshita Goyal and Dongre Archit Parag getting the second and third ranks, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced on Tuesday. The top five successful candidates comprise three women and two men. The civil services examination is conducted annually in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. A total of 1,009 candidates -- 725 men and 284 women -- have been recommended by the UPSC for appointment to various services.