Whispers Forum

RTI Applications were filed seeking information in matters related to inquiry conducted relating to the death of an officer (I.C. No.81948P Captain Abhishek Mishra) by the father of the said deceased officer in Border Roads Task Force (BRTF). The appellant apprehended foul play and alleged corruption charge in the matter of death of his son. The CIC observed that the information sought concerns the death of an employee while in service, which directly attracts the human rights exception and in this matter, the appellant is not a stranger but the father of the deceased.
Comments
The appellant had lost his young son who was an army officer and was making efforts in pursuit of justice for his deceased son. The CIC has consistently held that next of kin (NOK) are entitled to inquiry records relating to death of the deceased officer in an organisation, which otherwise is exempted under 2nd schedule of RTI Act and in the instant matter as well, the Commission would reiterate that even the organisations listed in the Second Schedule are bound to disclose such information.
Citation: Santosh Kumar Mishra v. Ministry of Defence HQ 50 BRTF, File No: CIC/DODEF/A/2024/119747 with CIC/IARMY/A/2024/117327; Date of Decision: 23.01.2026
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is an accomplished Right to Information (RTI) consultant who has worked for organisations such as IIM Indore, IIM Mumbai, IIM Visakhapatnam and ICAI. She is the co-author of two widely acclaimed books, PIO's Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. She conducts training programmes, workshops, and capacity-building sessions on the RTI Act. She also provides consultancy services on RTI implementation, compliance, and third-party audits. Her weekly article has been published on this website since 2008. Other articles and publications can be accessed on the RTI Foundation website at: www.rtifoundationofindia.com

American Midterm Election Results, Surprising? Not at all! It is only a message to everyone engaged in political responsibilities of a democratic nation: Democracy is a highly delicate crown deserving of total care in handling; it is invisible and hence sublime like an idea uplifting human spirits. It can’t be a weapon to wield unlimited power at will, to harass the law-abiding or reward the macho perennially in conflict with the law(Order of Nature). Democracy is to be worshipped to serve, not to rule. Election results are not simply victory or defeat, they mandate improved quality of service to the people and greatness to the nation.
M L Gupta
Difference between Rahul and Akhilesh
The caption given is very interesting. It becomes very important to read the news as aspirants for competitive examinations need to read it...........fascinating way of attracting readers..........
Virender Dabral

I’m from Nagpur, Brahmins vote for BJP candidate. They just voted NOTA and it was manual voting, not digital voting. Almost 8000 Brahmin votes were not to BJP, most of them. NOTA.

Vinit

Rahul mission failed

Previous mission of Rahul Gandhi has miserably failed. Now he is called to take up a new agenda against India.

Samesh

Full support to Rahul Gandhi ji and the patriots and youth of Bharat for their righteous cause of regime change and comprehensive overhaul of the system in India in 2026.

Priyadarshan Gajbhiye

Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi is a part-time politician, full-time traveller.

Dr. Nilesh Shanmugam

Comeback of Raga

Rahul Gandhi is going to do something big, he will come back with a storm. He is not going for any holiday trip. He is going to meet some special powerful persons in the US, huge masala loading for the BJP. My frend Trump gone, fatherland gone, now next loading 56 inch wala so he is going to do something big so this guy's will step down from the govt soon in 2028 mark my words, the world is watching

M Imtiyaz

UGC is the main pain point for BJP. The Upper cast vote share has reduced hence these results. Only UGC rollback can save them.

H Agrawal

UGC masterstroke

UGC masterstroke by mahamanav has successfully alienated even the most pro BJP castes. No management can compensate for structural issues.

Aditya

ITBP needs competent officers like Nalin Prabhat sir, the Director General of Police, J&K.

Shahid

Manipur safe

It’s truly encouraging to see a Mizo girl touring Imphal and showcasing that, even amid the Manipur crisis of 2023, the capital city remains welcoming and safe for tourists. Once again, Imphal has proven to be a destination of choice, reflecting the resilience and warmth of its

Michael Lamjathang Thadou

Why do you think everyone is happy? Benjamins won. I'm happy too. Just that I wish, they become vegan. Before the Garden of Eden, Jews were vegan. They should become vegan once again.

A visitor

I didn't know that India's bureaucrats are whispering about Astrotalk and predictions based on astrology. Super stuff

Amrit

Towering figure

J&K forgot the PDP era? At least Omar Abdulla is a towering figure... if you let others take over, Article 370 kya? Statehood be bhool jao.

Nachiket

The appellant sought a copy of the Transfer application and the correspondence in respect of Sri. S.Ramesh Sunkasari Programme Executive AIR Hyderabad and also the order copy of the transfer order No: 07/01/23 dt 31/05/2023 from AIR Kothagudem to AIR Hyderabad. He sought the details of the staff and leave management, work flow order at AIR kothagudem for the period from Jan-2023 to June 2023 and the name of the sanctioning authority in respect of leave of the staff during the above period. He also sought the correspondence over e-office in respect of certain computer no's along with the reasons for inordinate delay in taking up the needful action. The Appellant stated that he works in the All India Radio (AIR) and one of his colleagues misbehaved with him. He raised complaints against the same, but no action was taken by the All India Radio. The Respondent submitted that an enquiry was ordered at that time based on the e-office files sought by the appellant and hence, the same was denied under section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act, at that time. However, the respondent submitted that the aforesaid enquiry did not take place. The CIC observed that there is no on-going enquiry and hence, exemption under section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act is not applicable. The CIC directed to provide to give a revised reply to the appellant incorporating the information pertaining to the appellant, after redacting third-party information under section 10 of the RTI Act like officer’s names, contact details etc.,. Also, the respondent was directed to give a revised reply about the sanctioning authority (only designation) in respect of leave of the staff. In case, no such sanctioning authority has been notified, the respondent shall state the same explicitly in their revised reply.
Comments
8(1)(h) of the RTI Act permits denial of information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders. If there is no enquiry, the mute question is whether it would ‘mpede’ the process of investigation.
Citation: S Ramesh Sunkasari v. All India Radio, File No: CIC/PBSEC/A/2024/121626; Date of Decision: 22.01.2026
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is an accomplished Right to Information (RTI) consultant who has worked for organisations such as IIM Indore, IIM Mumbai, IIM Visakhapatnam and ICAI. She is the co-author of two widely acclaimed books, PIO's Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. She conducts training programmes, workshops, and capacity-building sessions on the RTI Act. She also provides consultancy services on RTI implementation, compliance, and third-party audits. Her weekly article is being published on this website since 2008. Other articles and publications can be accessed on the RTI Foundation website at: www.rtifoundationofindia.com

In truth, the Epstein scandal is insignificant in Indian politics and doesn't invite debate in the Indian public discourse as it has in the West. Plus, New Delhi requires an experiences crisis manager to oversee the present energy crisis, one who is already attuned to the job. So, there is no merit in dispensing with Puri at all.

Kishore Anandan

KJS Dhillon is suitable choice for WB Governor

Lt Gen KJS Dhillon Sir's decades of service, strong leadership and deep understanding of national security make him a very suitable choice for the next Governor of West Bengal.

Sheetal

Dear Dr. Mehrotra,

Eighty-two is a wonderful milestone, but what makes your birthday truly special is the life that has brought you here. For nearly six decades, you have lived journalism, not merely practised it. Your journey, from the early years in print to Whispers in the Corridors, has been a remarkable testament to what passion, perseverance and an unshakeable sense of purpose can achieve.

On your 82nd birthday, I find myself thinking not just of the remarkable journalist you have been, but of the remarkable human being you are. A friendship spanning decades makes one value such things even more deeply.

For nearly six decades, you have given yourself to journalism with a passion and purpose that few can match. Through Whispers in the Corridors, you have continued to inform, provoke and sometimes unsettle the corridors of power. Your reports may have stirred political storms, but you have remained serenely untouched by the turbulence you create. Such equanimity, combined with your characteristic modesty and simplicity, is rare indeed.

What moves me most, however, is that even as your health grows frail and the body begins to falter, your commitment remains as strong and unflinching as ever. The journalist in you refuses to retire from his calling. There is something deeply inspiring about this quiet tenacity. It tells us that when a life's work becomes a life's purpose, neither age nor adversity can easily diminish its hold.

Your life is itself a celebration of commitment. It has been a life devoted to a purpose that is both useful and positive, and one that has made a difference. May the years ahead bring you the very best of health, abundant happiness, and the love and warmth of those who matter most. Above all, may they bring you that deep contentment and bliss which come from looking back upon a life well lived, a purpose faithfully pursued, and a contribution that will endure.

Happy 82nd birthday, Dr. Mehrotra. May life be gentle with you, may your heart remain at peace, and may you continue to find joy in the calling you have served so faithfully.

With much affection, admiration and warmest wishes,

Uday Kumar Varma,
Former Secretary I&B

Congress must come out from the cage of the Gandhi family. Must give responsibility to Shashi Tharoor or Sachin pilot or any other leaders

Bhavesh

Significance of Ist November Congress Rally

November 1 in Christianity is celebrated as All Saints Day. It follows October 31. On this day prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated. It is called Halloween, widely celebrated in western Christianity, especially USA, Canada etc. Halloween, the night of October 31, when it was believed in the past that dead people appeared from their graves, is celebrated by children who dress as ghosts, witches. November 1st is All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas) in Western Christianity. November 2 is All Souls Day !

M L Gupta

Rahul Gandhi is the only ray of hope for Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and America, to control the growth of India. That's why people vote for BJP.

Keerty

Upright and clean gentleman needed in WB

WB needs this upright, clean gentleman to continue as a governor. In contrast to what a neighbouring state got recently.

Guru