Whispers Forum

Mentioning his Aadhar Card Number, the appellant requested to provide a print of the ten fingers and thumb impressions taken on biometric. The PIO replied that the "core biometric information" has been defined in Section 2(i) of the Aadhaar Act and there is a clear prohibition under the law against sharing or using core biometrics for any reason whatsoever. The CIC held that appropriate response in keeping with the provisions of the law has been duly provided to the Appellant. The CIC further observed that since the response of the PIO is found legally appropriate and the Appellant has chosen not to buttress the case at hand, no further intervention is deemed necessary in this case, under the RTI Act.
Comments
When a citizen seeks information which originates from him, the public authority can take the plea that the information is not “held” by it. However, in this case, the CIC has remained silent about section 22 of the RTI Act (Act to have overriding effect) and has preferred not to discuss which Act is supreme in case of inconsistencies between them.
Citation: Shri Suresh Chand Meena v. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Second Appeal No. CIC/UIDAI/A/2024/638600; Date of Decision: 04.09.2025
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

Politics is the game of scoundrels where moral values are zero and character seems missing, it may be any form of government or system in place
Harish Kumar
‘Punctilious Death Vehicle'
A vehicle travelling towards a destination can be delayed for any number of reasons. But there is one Vehicle of Death (Vahana), which always arrives on time. That ever-punctual Vahana is the death vehicle which is the black buffalo that serves as Yama’s mount, or for that matter, pale/black horse of death in western lore. If Yama or the vehicle of death arrives to take a person’s Soul (Atma), then the Atma is sure to go to Yamaloka or the Hades, as a realm in Greek mythology.
In Indian mythology, there is one narrative of a sage by the name Arunagirinatha who prays to Lord Murugan to save him from this fate. For, if Lord Murugan takes an Atma, He escorts it to Shiva loka (the kingdom of Lord Shiva). So Arunagirinatha prays that before Yama comes at the appointed hour, Lord Murugan should come on His peacock (His Vahana), to take charge of Arunagirinatha’s soul. Once Lord Murugan arrives, Yama will not dare approach His bhaktas (devotees).
Another Indian mythological sacred narrative goes like Lord Indra had an enemy by the name Soorapadman. When Sooran came in the form of a mango tree, Lord Murugan threw His spear at it and the tree was split into two. One half turned into a rooster, which became Lord Murugan’s flag and the other half turned into a peacock, which became Lord Murugan’s mount. There are reports that Lord Murugan saved a noble soul, Kripananda Variar, the great Murugan bhakta while he was travelling from Mumbai to Chennai by flight. From the plane he saw the Tiruttani hill, one of Lord Murugan’s six places of pilgrimage. He said, “Murugan is always with His devotees”. And those were his last words. When the time came for him to depart from this world, the Lord of Tiruttani gave darshan to him. His lifeless body returned to Chennai, while his Atma was taken away by Lord Murugan. His death is viewed as divine compassion. It is said Lord Murugan released him from the cycle of rebirth. Variyar is remembered as someone who lived only for Lord Murugan and left the world the same way with Lord Murugan’s name on his lips and His thoughts in his heart.
Yama’s vehicle of death or the pale horse in western lore is never late, meaning to say, death is inevitable and punctual, it arrives exactly when karmic time ripens. It cannot be delayed by wealth, power, prayers or cleverness. In traditional imagery, Yama rides the black buffalo slow, steady and unstoppable. It does not rush, but it never misses its moment. Philosophically, the saying points to this truth that what is born must end and when dharma’s clock strikes, nothing can pause it. That is why saints often say – Death is the most punctual visitor and the most honest one. It is not meant to frighten, but to wake up and the sacred formula or mantra to this is that always live consciously and act righteously so that the end of life becomes a spiritual liberation rather than a moment of fear.
Yours truly,
Subbiah Sridhar

The Congress seems to have run out of ideas. Trying to co-opt Kanshi Ramji now. It will have to try harder.
Vijay Kumar
CPAF
In recent times, people have started prioritising work-life balance and a peaceful life, something the paramilitary forces struggle to provide due to the nature of their duties. At the lower levels especially, the work environment is often harsh. There are instances of seniors exploiting subordinates, workplace harassment, and frequent transfers that disrupt family life. As one CRPF personnel aptly said, “force ki naukri kamar tod deti hai.”
Vishal Chauhan
CPAF
No promotions and also reserving the top positions for ias ips capf cadre really deserves its own officers to be at top and the deputations should stop altogether or should be exchange criteria the capf cadre goes to state police and the ips goes to capf.
Haardik Verma

One can only admire the finesse with which India's foreign policy is being conducted by the present government. Our government has good relations with all countries even if they happen to be at war with each other; so that the interests of our country are taken care of. The public needs to be informed about this wonderful achievement.
Vijay Kumar
UPSC limits
There should be max -3- chances for all categories One one attempt to be given to already in service UPSC ranker to improve their rank. Max age limit should be 28 for all categories.
Ram Chandra Das
CPAF
Not a single promotion in 15-20 years. Extremely difficult service conditions, no social recognition, no service and pension benefits. No family/social life. And step-motherly treatment of government towards CAPF officers and Jawans. What else do you expect?
Government should ask DGs of these CAPFs the reason for this high number of resignation and implement service reforms including Supreme Court ruling regarding OGAS status to CAPF officers.
Saahil Gupta

Time bound disposal of all cases to be assured. The submissions by advocate should be short and crisp, so that the judges can read the details of the cases before hearing. Gap between the hearing should be not more than a week. if the parties are from distance places it should be prioriatised and hearing should be day to day basis. There should be cap on the number of cases a advocate should handle then only they will not indulge in getting hearing postponed for filthy reasons. These are my humble opinions.
Kannan S
“Trump and Global instability”
One would go along with the assessment reportedly made by former Indian diplomats (WIC dt March14,2026)
The US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliations have led to global chaos. All eyes are set on the strait of Hormuz,that allows about a fifth of oil supplies and seaborne gas tankers pass through it.
Throughout the world, accusations are mounting that President Trump’s actions are destroying the “rules-based world order”.Rejecting Iran war settlement, President Trump had threatened that war with Iran will continue until all "objectives are achieved". A regional war in the middle-east,has expanded into a large theatre of war.
The UNO is ineffective.
By virtue of their enduring relationship and use of effective diplomacy by India,Iran has allowed free passage to India’s two tankers through the strait of Hormuz.
A happy augury. Could India not play a key role in resolving the ongoing middle-east crisis?
The BRICS, as a major inter-governmental organization represents, influential emerging economies and the global south. Originally, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa were its members. This later expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the UAE.
Going further, as the world economy deteriorates, India holding the 2026 chair of the BRICS, should take the initiative in bringing the adversaries to negotiations. In this regard, India’s dilemma due to its strategic tilt towards the US-Israel, should, in the interest of world peace, be appreciated by all concerned, particularly, President Trump.
A K Saxena (Former civil servant)

It will be BLACK DAY in the history of CAPFs if this bill is passed by the Parliament. It seems Shri Narendra Modi ji Hon'ble Prime Minister and mot popular leader of the world has NOT been properly been briefed about the longtime effect on the morale of cadre officers who are the pillar of CAPFs and NOT the IPS officers, who are inducted on deputation at the level of DIG, IG and DG. Troops are directly commanded by junior officer ie Coy Commander and Battalion Commandant on International borders, Internal Security Duties, Elections Duties etc. If junior leadership has low morale and are disgruntled, how can you expect good results from them. See, Indian Army is one of the best Army in world because the leadership is not the borrowed but is their own. It seem, Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, most popular in CAPFs, since celebrate Holi, Diwali etc with them, has not been briefed about the outcome of adverse effects of this bill in days to come. How can Government expect good results from the Forces, whose junior officer will have low morale resulting, bound to be disgruntled. Hon'ble Supreme Court must have considered all facts before pronouncing the decision in favor of CAPFs Cadre officers, which Government is reluctant to accept and hence bringing the bill in the Parliament. Hon'ble Prime Minister is humbly requested to kindly interact with CAPF's officers and retirees and save ruining the forces, on the selfish advice of senior IPS officers only. Should hear the views of Members of Parliament of opposition parties since Members of Ruling party, won't be able to speak frankly, even if they wish.
Capt SS Kothiyal, IG (Retd) BSF, President, Ex-CAPF Personnel Association Uttarakhand, Dehradun.
No Consideration of caste , religion in appointment
There should not be any consideration of caste, religion and gender in the appointment of judges, security personnel, doctors and scientists.
Yogesh Sharma

The Appellant sought the date wise LTC Concession (Economy Class) air fare displayed on https://www.irctc.co.in/Portal between Mumbai and Varanasi for the Period 01st to 30th November 2021. The PIO replied that the Historical Airfare data of Airlines is not stored by IRCTC. The Airline fares are governed by Airlines and are very dynamic which may vary as per the seat availability at the time and date of booking. It is the duty of the person booking the ticket to take the screenshot of the comparative fares flashed on the screen at the time of booking the ticket, because it keeps on changing and it is not possible to recapitulate later on the same at the relevant time. The CIC observed that as far as RTI application is concerned, appropriate reply has been furnished by the Respondents and upheld the same. The Appellant made a prayer during the hearing to provide a certified copy of downloaded fares. In this regard, the CIC held that it is an extended relief claimed which has never been sought in the original RTI application and rejected the same.
Comments
It is seen that some government servants miss taking a screenshot of the comparative fares at the time of booking of the tickets. Such bills are struck up and there is little that the RTI Act can do to provide the historical data which is not stored.
Citation: Anjani Kumar Mishra v. IRCTC Ltd., File No: CIC/IRCTC/A/2024/109292; Date of Decision: 28.08.2025
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

Rahul is the only reason he and his family should completely move away from politics to make congress win again until then winning is not possible.
Mnj G Snu
Just Basic Common Sense.
just basic common sense.. Godi media.. WhatsApp university… complete capture of institutions.. capture of cinema & art for nonsense fictional propaganda… extortion of electoral funds.. crony capitalism…open brazen bribery for votes before elections .. brazen demand for votes in the name of the armed forces.. brazen divisive politics…fooling gullible people who have forgotten to use their grey matter blinded by their faith and hate for the other!
buchyw
SIR is a scam
Congress cannot win the elections as the electorate votes have been stolen . Bihar 102 seats were manipulated. SIR is a scam. If you have disenfranchised voters , then they are refugees and UN needs to step in.
Kim Suksinha
Change the leadership...having an incompetent, inefficient, intolerant n dumb guy, surrounded by ego boosting guys, is the cause of all issues being faced by congress...
Santosh Raghavan
Centre stage in party by RaGa
Reason is simple. When Rahul Gandhi is taking the centre stage in the party at the cost of sidelining leaders like Shashi Tharoor. Then we can’t expect anything!.
Anmol Rai

It should be filled by online selection exam for IAS because currently IAS officer selection procedure is difficult. I am extremely interested if this online exam happens
Niteesha
Private sector deputations?
How does that work, because once the deputation gets over the I (XYZ) S folks come back to the bureaucracy. Compartmentalization to limit the unchecked scope of powers might be a solution. Private sector deputations sounds much more like an eye wash.
Arul Sood Cheemra
RSS Changes
Much needed, as the past narratives have become too soft.
Sishivam Dwivedi