Whispers Forum

The appellant sought details of non-compliance towards certain appeals communicated to CIC. The CIC observed that the case is premised on cumbersome and incoherent contents placed on record by the Appellant and the grouse of the Appellant is his alleged pending appeal(s)/letter(s). The CIC noted that the averred replies were mere reference letters quoted by the Appellant in the preface to his RTI Application and yet the Appellant chose to argue at length against these replies in the First Appeal when these were not even the actual RTI queries. The CIC commented on the sheer enormity of the jumbled contents of the instant RTI Application and the fact that it is framed as though the Appellant is filing a grievance petition, and not being clear about what exactly the reference letter(s) are. The CIC pointed to the preface to the RTI Application which refered to different letter(s), thus causing much of unwarranted confusion and making the task of deciphering the desired information onerous. The CIC dismissed the appeal remarking that RTI Act did not envisage the exercise of right to information in such a frivolous manner.
Comments
Sometimes a PIO comes across an application containing ramblings making it nearly impossible to comprehend what is the information being sought. Such inarticulate disjoined applications makes it nearly difficult to provide any meaningful information.
Citation: B Parameshwar v. Central Information Commission, CIC/CICOM/A/2024/113340; Date of Decision: 23.05.2025
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

The relevance of study of International Relations is felt, in general, in fields such as policy analysts and journalism in this increasingly globalized society. In particular, for a career in diplomacy, the relevance of study of international relations cannot be undermined and hence basic graduate or postgraduate level study of international relations should be made mandatory for an even more successful diplomatic manoeuvre.
Like in the case of a career in any of the other elite Services, such as Indian Economic Service (IES) or Indian Statistical Service (ISS) a candidate has to possess a postgraduate degree in Economics or Applied Economics or Econometrics or Business Economics. For pursuing a career in Indian Engineering Service (IES) a candidate is required to have an Engineering Degree to appear in IES as also clear specific examination conducted by Institution of Engineers. Similarly, for a career in Indian Forest Service (IFS), a degree in agriculture, forestry or engineering is essential.
On similar lines, the qualification required compulsorily for a career in diplomacy viz., the Indian Foreign Service, should be a minimum degree or post graduate study in international relations as the study embodies a critical perspective and has broad areas of focus that enable one to go deeper into the field of diplomacy as also provide a comprehensive understanding of global politics. Without a thorough knowledge of the ongoing global political events the gap that might arise during the course of one’s diplomatic career owing to lack of knowledge of international affairs, can prove detrimental.
Moreover, there are several other reasons which makes the study of international relations highly relevant for diplomacy. In today's interconnected world, events and developments in one part of the globe can have significant repercussions elsewhere. Understanding international relations helps diplomats comprehend global dynamics, identify opportunities, and navigate challenges. Secondly, knowledge of international relations is crucial for navigating the complex web of economic relationships. As the nation continues to integrate into the global economy, diplomats need to understand trade policies, economic alliances, and global economic trends to promote our economic interests. Issues such as terrorism, cyber threats, and regional conflicts have a global dimension. A solid understanding of international relations is essential for diplomats to engage with other nations in addressing security challenges, formulating joint strategies, and promoting regional stability.
Diplomacy often involves negotiations and dialogue. A comprehensive understanding of international relations equips diplomats with the skills to negotiate effectively, build alliances, and represent nation's interests on the global stage. Then there is the soft power projection such as cultural diplomacy, vaccine diplomacy, educational exchange programs, and promoting Indian arts and culture which are all integral components of soft power. An understanding of international relations helps in leveraging soft power to enhance India's image and influence globally. India actively participates in various international organizations such as the United Nations, BRICS, G20, and others. Each and every diplomat is equally required to navigate these multilateral forums effectively, understanding the intricacies of international relations to advocate for our position and contribute to global governance.
Issues such as climate change, pandemics, and environmental concerns need to be urgently addressed and can only be resolved with a collective approach and as such require international cooperation. Indian diplomats, armed with knowledge in international relations, can engage in collaborative efforts to address global challenges that transcend national borders.
Understanding the dynamics of South Asian and neighbouring regions is crucial for India's foreign policy. Knowledge of International Relations helps Indian diplomats navigate regional complexities, foster cooperation, and address conflicts effectively. With the increasing role of technology in shaping international relations, diplomats need to engage in technology and innovation diplomacy. This involves managing issues related to cybersecurity, digital trade, and emerging technologies, which have global implications. The study of international relations provides insights into human rights issues and international law. Diplomats well versed with international relations can engage in discussions on these topics, advocate for human rights, and contribute to the development and adherence to international legal frameworks.
In summary, the study of international relations is rather absolutely essential for a successful career in diplomacy as it provides the necessary tools and insights to navigate the complex, interconnected global landscape and advance nation's interests on the world stage. It is high time, selection process for a career in diplomacy is pruned and segregated with a separate examination pattern, if possible, based on a thorough study of international relations, just on the lines of selecting candidates for Indian Economic Service, Indian Statistical Service, Indian Engineering Service, Indian Forest Service, etc.
Subbiah Sridhar

Happy birthday to Dalai Lama! Wish you a happy and healthy long life, to steer the Tibetan society through such testing times. Remember Marana Pratap and Mahatma Gandhi. Between those two heroes lives Buddhism, inspiring millions for more than 2500 years! Communism is already dead in lesser than two decades your age. However, like all religions, reforms are overdue in Buddhism globally. It is not the religion of the weak. But it must be proved. One Indian under the influence of Buddhism from his birthplace has already proved it in our own times. Religion is not for the hungry, starving or ailing. So, means of livelihood must be provided. The fingers producing goods and services are the first targets for the proselytisers, whether religious or political. I would like to quote two poetic gems: “bhooke bhajan na hoi Gopala, ye lo apni kanthimala” and, Rahiman paani rakhiyo binu paani sab soon, paani gaye na ubre moti manus choon”.
M L Gupta

Let us pause and ponder about the Emergency, illegally clamped in 1975 without the consent of competent authority. Post emergency, the recorded statements of individuals revealed that even the union cabinet was not taken into confidence before declaring the emergency. It was autocracy all the way.
Put honestly, as a fledgling civil servant, I would shudder to recall and re-live the horrors of that draconian phase. The civil servants must be held accountable for the atrocities committed during the period. The gutless bureaucrats, when asked to bend, chose to prostrate before the political class to demonstrate their proximity to the power that be. They were largely responsible for misleading the political supremo surrounded by the coterie of power-seeking,extra-constitutional authorities. The emergency gaslighted the civil servants with impunity. The bureaucrats behaved like excellent subordinates but bad advisors.
There was no freedom of press with authoritarianism galore. People talked in hushed tones fearing detentions or arrests.
The fundamental rights were suspended without approval of the competent authority.Hundreds of people including the government employees, private persons, journalists and politicians and so on, started disappearing suddenly. They either went underground or were taken into custody on slightest suspicions with no clue about their well being.
Fortunately, the self-assumed power of the political Executive for unilaterally imposing internal emergency,was subsequently withdrawn by the newly elected successor dispensation by carrying out appropriate,deterrent legislative measures.
A K Saxena ( Former civil servant)

While, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Emergency, some politicians have trained their guns on the 42nd Amendment for inserting the term “secular” in the Preamble of the Constitution. This has raised an unsavoury controversy. It is noteworthy that even the Supreme court in its landmark judgement in the Kesavananda Bharti case (1973) preceding the amendment ,upheld the view that secularism is the basic structure of the Constitution. The court found no rationale in deleting the demand for its exclusion. Secularism is not a mere word but an article of faith in the manner we proudly define nationalism and inclusive democracy. Let us stay united with all co-existing faiths and set the on-going controversy at rest.
A K Saxena ( Former civil servant)

One small step in the journey of the sovereign democratic republic of India in these 78 years can be summed up in “tears to cheers”. Indians born 21st Century would not know what tears majority of the population had shed in the previous Century. Even 78 world class books will not provide a complete view. But the Indian films had faithfully captured the reality and essence of that India in tears. That India produced the best poetry and music as “our sweetest songs are those tell of saddest thoughts”. That India was also dominated by alien notions of communism and socialism etc. Before the turn of the century, India had discarded fully communism and socialism and all other isms. Today more than 95 Crore people are covered by social security according to the ILO. The World Bank report shows that extreme poverty rate in India has declined from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23, which means that the number of people living in extreme poverty fell from 344.47 million to 75.24 million and 269 million people were lifted out of extreme poverty. Today’s India is cheerful and determined to achieve greater heights. In these 78 years we the people of India have crossed insurmountable hurdles and become the world’s 4th Economy. The challenges today are more geopolitics related, but nothing can deter us. Our journey these 78 years was not stopped even for a day, because we are a knowledge society, hardworking and entrepreneurial. The full potential of our youth needs to be realized. They ought to be given support and rewarding tax laws, so that they enjoy the fruits of their labour without cutting corners.
M L Gupta