News for 'RTI'

Wockhardt exits US generics biz, to focus on innovation

Wockhardt exits US generics biz, to focus on innovation

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

Mumbai-based pharma major Wockhardt, which is gearing up to launch its promising antibiotic candidate Zaynich soon, on Friday announced a shift in its United States (US) operations. The Indian pharma giant revealed that it has decided to exit the generics pharmaceutical segment in the country.

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 The university's solicitor general, Tushar Mehta, argued that the "right to privacy" superseded the "right to know" in this case, and that allowing disclosure would expose the university to RTI applications for information about lakhs of its students.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.

Kejriwal spent Rs 31 lakh per month on Sheesh Mahal: BJP

Kejriwal spent Rs 31 lakh per month on Sheesh Mahal: BJP

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The BJP has accused AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal of an "extravagant lifestyle" after an RTI reply revealed that Rs 3.69 crore was spent annually on maintaining his former bungalow. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva cited the RTI response, claiming that Kejriwal, who came to power on promises of serving the common man, is contradicting his promises with his lavish spending. The BJP is demanding an explanation from Kejriwal on the excessive maintenance costs.

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.

SBI refuses to share electoral bonds details under RTI Act

SBI refuses to share electoral bonds details under RTI Act

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

The RTI also sought the details of the fees paid by the SBI to senior advocate Harish Salve to defend its case against the disclosure of the electoral bonds' records, citing that the records are held in a fiduciary capacity and the information is personal in nature.

Another fake doctor surfaces in MP, this time with BJP links

Another fake doctor surfaces in MP, this time with BJP links

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Police have registered a cheating case against an alleged bogus doctor, who had also served as Bharatiya Janata Party Jabalpur medical cell's co-convener, after a complaint that he worked in a government hospital in Jabalpur on a fake degree, officials said.

Underground Mumbai Metro station flooded amid heavy rain

Underground Mumbai Metro station flooded amid heavy rain

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) was forced to suspend the operation after flooding was reported at the underground Acharya Atre Chowk station.

Congress to Challenge Waqf Bill in Supreme Court 'very soon'

Congress to Challenge Waqf Bill in Supreme Court 'very soon'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Congress party announced its intention to challenge the constitutionality of the recently passed Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Supreme Court. AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the party will "very soon" file a petition, citing concerns about the bill's impact on constitutional principles. Ramesh highlighted the Congress's ongoing legal challenges against other legislation, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and changes to the Conduct of Election Rules. He emphasized the party's commitment to defending the Constitution's principles, provisions, and practices.

Terms like 'miyan-tiyan', 'Pakistani' not a religious offence: SC

Terms like 'miyan-tiyan', 'Pakistani' not a religious offence: SC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that using terms like "miyan-tiyan" and "Pakistani" does not constitute an offence of hurting religious sentiments, though the court acknowledged that such language is in "poor taste". The court discharged a man who had been accused of using these terms against an Urdu translator in Jharkhand.

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'...in the minds of the youth of Assam.' 'Now, no protests happen in Assam because of fear of police encounters.'

BJP's Swamy moves HC over RTI denial on Chinese encroachment

BJP's Swamy moves HC over RTI denial on Chinese encroachment

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Centre seeking its stand on the former MP's petition for a direction to the authorities to give an "effective response" to his query.

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.

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The bank made a Rs 67 crore net profit, up 21% from the previous year. Its deposits grew 8%, the loan book 10%. Net bad loans dropped from 7.53% to 6.07%. So why was the banker, who headed the bank, not promoted?

Probe an eyewash: HC acquits ex-BJP MP in RTI activist's murder case

Probe an eyewash: HC acquits ex-BJP MP in RTI activist's murder case

Rediff.com7 May 2024

Observing that the trial court conducted proceedings with a "predetermined notion of conviction", a division bench of Justices AS Supehia and Vimal K Vyas quashed the CBI court's order sentencing Solanki and the six others to life imprisonment.

President nod for FIR against Sisodia, Jain in Rs 2,000-cr classroom scam

President nod for FIR against Sisodia, Jain in Rs 2,000-cr classroom scam

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the registration of an FIR against AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in an alleged scam of Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools. The alleged scam involves the construction of around 12,748 classrooms at an inflated cost, according to a report by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Delhi government. The ACB report alleged that the classrooms were constructed at a rate of Rs 8,800 per square feet, whereas the average construction cost was around Rs 1,500 per square feet. The President's approval came under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Relief for Lakshya: Supreme Court puts police action on hold

Relief for Lakshya: Supreme Court puts police action on hold

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday barred Karnataka Police from taking any coercive steps against badminton player Lakshya Sen, his family members, and coach over allegations of forging birth certificates.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Fill information commissions, save RTI, SC tells Centre, states

Fill information commissions, save RTI, SC tells Centre, states

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

It has granted states and the Centre three weeks to furnish the information, and posted the plea filed by RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj for hearing after that.

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

BJP reports highest income of Rs 4,340.47 cr in 2023-24

BJP reports highest income of Rs 4,340.47 cr in 2023-24

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

While the BJP received the highest amount, securing Rs 1,685.63 crore, the Congress received Rs 828.36 crore, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rs 10.15 crore.

Non-citizens not barred from seeking information under RTI Act: HC

Non-citizens not barred from seeking information under RTI Act: HC

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

The court stated that creating an absolute bar on the disclosure of information to non-citizens would be contrary to the purpose and object of the RTI Act itself, and the same cannot be read into the legislation.

What Is Pope Francis Suffering From?

What Is Pope Francis Suffering From?

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

'Assuming he has a sensitive bug, which is responsive to antibiotics, it may not necessarily be the worst-case scenario.'

The Minister Was Not Expecting Any Question On RTI!

The Minister Was Not Expecting Any Question On RTI!

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

It is sad that the legislative pre-consultation on such an important bill is being done in a very biased manner, notes Shailesh Gandhi, former Central Information Commissioner, recounting his experience with Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar.

Amid Ambedkar row, Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalits

Amid Ambedkar row, Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalits

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

In the run-up to the assembly elections in Delhi, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal announced an Ambedkar scholarship for free foreign education of the city's Dalit students. The scholarship is a response to the BJP's "insult" of Ambedkar, Kejriwal said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah "insulted and made fun of Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar in Parliament. Crores of people who love Ambedkar were deeply pained," the former Delhi chief minister said. Kejriwal added that the scholarship is a response to the insult meted out by the BJP to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Under the scheme, any Dalit student from Delhi will be able to receive education in foreign universities. If they get admission in any such university, the Delhi government will bear the entire cost of their education, travel and accommodation. Children of government employees will also be eligible for the scheme.

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.

What does Delhi loss mean for aam aadmi CM Kejriwal?

What does Delhi loss mean for aam aadmi CM Kejriwal?

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, suffered a major setback in the Delhi Assembly elections, losing to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The loss marks a significant blow to Kejriwal's national ambitions and raises questions about the future of the party. The AAP had been in power in Delhi for the past 10 years and had also formed a government in Punjab. Despite the defeat, the party still holds 13 MPs from Punjab and Delhi. The article examines the factors that contributed to the AAP's defeat, including allegations of corruption, poor civic facilities, and the BJP's relentless attacks. It also explores the impact of the loss on Kejriwal's national aspirations and the party's future.

Points Table: T20 World Cup 2024

Points Table: T20 World Cup 2024

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

How the teams stand in the T20 World Cup 2024.

'Childish jab': Solicitor general opposes Kejriwal's RTI plea on Modi's degree

'Childish jab': Solicitor general opposes Kejriwal's RTI plea on Modi's degree

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

The Gujarat University on Thursday told the high court in Ahmedabad the Right to Information Act cannot be used for satisfying someone's "childish curiosity" as it defended its petition seeking quashing of an order under the transparency law to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

A proposal by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to rename a stretch of road in the city after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked strong objections from the opposition JD(S) and citizens. The proposal, which calls for naming a stretch of KRS Road as 'Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga', has been met with criticism, with the JD(S) calling it a "betrayal and insult" to the city's history and the state. The proposal has also drawn ire from RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who alleges that the road holds historical significance and that Siddaramaiah is an accused in the MUDA site allotment case. Citizens have also voiced their objections to the proposal, and Krishna has announced her intention to challenge it legally.

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.

Data bill: 'Right to privacy will prevail over RTI'

Data bill: 'Right to privacy will prevail over RTI'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

During an open house discussion with stakeholders on the draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) bill 2022, Chandrasekhar said that the right to privacy is a fundamental right while the right to information is not. "Right to privacy is a fundamental right and right to information is not.

Students body stages protest over 'caste discrimination' at IIM-B

Students body stages protest over 'caste discrimination' at IIM-B

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

A group of people staged a protest on Wednesday against alleged "caste discrimination" at the Indian Institute of Management-Bengaluru (IIM-B), demanding the removal of its director. However, IIM Bangalore denied the allegations made by the protesters.

Why Every Indian Must Use the RTI Act

Why Every Indian Must Use the RTI Act

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

'Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don't.' 'But you can use the RTI to improve the future.'

'No One Has Seen Cheetahs In A Year'

'No One Has Seen Cheetahs In A Year'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

'Not disclosing information to the public indicates that there is something wrong with Project Cheetah.'

UGC Draft Regulations And AMU

UGC Draft Regulations And AMU

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Will the Draft UGC Regulations 2025 undermine our universities? Unlikely, notes Professor Mohammad Sajjad, citing how AMU has utilised its exceptional autonomy.

His fight is to save...: Rahul vs Kejriwal in Delhi

His fight is to save...: Rahul vs Kejriwal in Delhi

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of neglecting the welfare of backward sections, Dalits, tribals, and minorities. Gandhi promised a caste census in Delhi if the Congress forms the government, echoing his national call for removing the 50 percent cap on reservations. He also criticized Kejriwal's governance, drawing parallels with Modi's alleged reliance on propaganda and false promises. The Congress and AAP are part of the INDIA bloc, but are contesting the upcoming Delhi assembly polls separately. Gandhi's speech highlights the growing political tension ahead of the polls, where the Congress aims to regain its foothold in Delhi.

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Nitin Desai, who has known Dr Singh from 1971, extends his 'deepest condolences to his wife Gurcharan Kaur and to his three talented daughters Upinder, the historian; Daman, the writer; and Amrit, the human rights activist.'

MP hides behind national security clause on Project Cheetah

MP hides behind national security clause on Project Cheetah

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

The Madhya Pradesh forest department has refused to provide information under the Right to Information Act on management of cheetahs brought from Africa and their cubs born in India.

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

He drew the roadmap of India's economic reform, unshackled it from the licence raj and pulled it back from the brink when even its gold reserve was pledged.

Lokayukta police summon Siddaramaiah for questioning

Lokayukta police summon Siddaramaiah for questioning

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The Lokayukta police have summoned Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for questioning in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case on November 6, official sources said on Monday.