Whispers Forum

AAP leader Sanjay Singh’s release from jail has stirred discussions on whether this could sway AAP's fortunes in the upcoming LS polls. The first benefit of Singh's release will be that the party will get a strong leadership. Singh's release could invigorate AAP's grassroots supporters and provide much-needed leadership amidst a leaderless phase. As a founding member, Singh wields considerable influence within AAP, garnering respect from MPs, leaders, and workers alike. His political acumen and extensive work in Punjab further solidify his standing within the party.
Neha Singh Ahirwar

The PIO of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change categorically informed the Appellant that the information sought by him is not available in their office and transferred the RTI application to the concerned PIO of Bangalore Development Authority under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, which is separate Public Authority under the State Government, The CIC observed that the PIO has given a timely response to the Appellant informing him the factual position in the matter. The CIC held that had the Appellant been actually interested in getting information, he would have approached the transferee Public Authority to know the actual status of the information. But the Appellant in the present case filed the first appeal with present Respondent Public Authority. This shows that the Appellant wants to pressurize the Respondent to create information which is not in their record. Further, the CIC held that the Appellant cannot raise fresh queries/issues at the stage of first appeal/second appeal. The directions of the First Appellate Authority to the PIO to go through the concern raised by the appellant in the first appeal and take further action were set aside.
Comments
An appeal should be filed with the FAA of the organisation which is holding the information. A PIO can file an appeal against the orders of his/her own FAA.
Citation: Vasanth Kumar V M v. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CIC/MOENF/A/2023/613465; Date of Decision: 18-03-2024
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

The INDIA alliance parties convened a striking 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. However, the rally lacked a compelling narrative to counter the policies of the Modi government, and no alternative agenda was proposed. Instead, a pervasive sense of victimhood prevailed, supported by allegations of being targeted by the ruling BJP administration. Moreover, doubts were cast on the fairness of the 18th general election. Achieving united action within the INDIA bloc proves challenging, as earlier plans for one-on-one contests against the BJP in 400 seats have faltered. While the BJP and its allies have nearly finalized their candidate lists, internal discord and negotiations continue within the INDIA alliance.
Nancy Kumari

Has the arrest of 2 CMs: Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren helped to unite the Opposition? The INDIA bloc organized a mega rally in Delhi in which prominent leaders of opposition parties were present. In this rally named 'Save Democracy Rally', not only the political parties from Tamil Nadu to Kashmir and Maharashtra were seen united in protesting against the arrest of CMs, but by the time the program started, the Ramlila Maidan was filled to capacity. This program of opposition unity in Delhi took place on the same day when PM Modi sounded the election trumpet of BJP from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. It is apparent that the arrest of CMs has brought opposition parties closer although its benefits are unlikely to be derived as LS polls are too close.
Aditya Kumar