M K Gupta,
Free Lance Journalist
1. Corruption is noticed only after one leaves Party
In Andhra Pradesh, the Enforcement Directorate registered a case against YSR Congress President and member of Parliament Mr.Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as part of enquiry into his alleged disproportionate assets.
The ED officials registered Enforcement Case Information Report based on the FIR already filed by the CBI and also registered case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Meanwhile, the CBI’s enquiry into Jagnamohan Reddy’s assets as per High Court’s order is underway and CBI officials are interrogating heads of several companies who allegedly pumped money into Jagan’s firms.
CBI’s Joint Director Lakshmi Narayana met state government chief secretary S.V. Prasad on Tuesday and requested him to provide necessary documents from eight departments including Revenue and IT to expedite the enquiry.
2. MOVE TO BRING BCCI AND OTHER SPORTS BODIES REGULATORY REGIME STALLED AT CABINET
Another story that is prominently covered on the front pages is the Union Cabinet's refusal to approve a draft Sports Bill that aims to bring the sports federations under an independent regulatory regime. "Cabinet shoots down bill to regulate sports bodies" writes the Times of India in its front page lead. The Mail Today reports on its front page "Politicos gang up to defend sports fiefs". This would have brought sports federations under the purview of the RTI Act too. A spokesman said that there is enough transprancy at BCCI etc. and there is no need to bring it under RTI. Despite such transprancy, the CWG scam involving alleged siphoning off millions has taken place.
Five Ministers present in the Cabinet Meeting are at the helm of affairs of sport bodies.
3. OPPOSITION OF APPOINTMENT OF LOK AAYUKT BY GOVERNOR AT GUJRAT
The BJP has extended full support to Lokpal demand raised by Civil Society led by Shri Anna Hazare and the Jan Lokkpar proposed draft envisages appointment of Lok Aayukts in every state. BJP is opposing the appointment of Lok Aayukt by the Governor on the plea that the Governor does not have such powers under the Constitution and the step is against the Federal Structure. It has alleged that the person appointment to the post is opposed to the Chief Minister.
The post of Lok Aayukt was vacant since 2003 and as per media report, govt. did not act when the Governor has drawn its attention towards this.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
No compulsion to have lawyer at Consumer Court
The Supreme Court has said that hiring a lawyer is not mandatory for a person to fight his case in a consumer forum and he can plead his case personally or through his agent. A three-judge bench said that the Consumer Protection Act mentioned clearly that a person can plead his case through his agent and it will be against the consumer to force him to hire the services of an advocate for his case. The court turned down the plea of Bar Council of India which pleaded that only advocates should be allowed to appear before a consumer forum.
With this, the requirement of an advocate in Information Commissions has been nipped in the bud too. .