RTI Act – Right to Information for the Citizen and Right to conceal it for the Government
Government is all about concealing information. The Babus know that knowledge is power and that power is better vested with the babus rather than the masters that is the citizens. But most often the power is wasted on the babus.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has issued certain instructions on the RTI Act.
1. Disclosure of 'file noting' under the Right to Information Act, 2005: The Ministry has clarified that file noting can be disclosed except file noting containing information exempt from disclosure under section 8 of the Act. - No. Dated: June 24, 2009.
2. No Benches of the CIC: It is observed that the Central Information Commission and some State Information Commissions are taking decisions on the complaints and the appeals by constituting Benches. Provision of Section 12(4) of the RTI Act does not empower the Chief Information Commissioner to constitute the Benches. In view of this legal position, it is advised that decisions on the complaints and appeals should be taken by the Central Information Commission as defined in Section 2(b) of the RTI Act, 2005 and not by the Benches of the Commission. - No. Dated: May 22, 2009.
3. No Bench for the State Commission too: The State Information Commission is to be advised that decisions on the complaints and appeals should be taken by the State Information Commission as defined in Section 2(k) of the RTI Act, 2005 and not by the Benches of the Commission. - No. Dated: May 22, 2009.
Where deduction u/s 80HHC as also u/s 80- IA are claimed, relief allowed u/s 80- IA is to be deducted from profits and gains on which relief u/s 80HHC of the Act is to be computed – Revenue wins big case – Special Bench order in Rogini Garments upheld - ITAT Five Member Bench
The ITAT five Member Bench in a landmark decision upheld the order of a Special Bench in preference to a High Court order, at the same time emphasising that there was no question of not following the High Court.
This is a record even for us. The Five Member Bench order was delivered on 23.06.2009 and we bring it to you today, 25.06.2009 within a day. I wanted to carry this order tomorrow, but my colleague who secured this order insisted that we carry it today. And here it is for you.
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