2G: Centre for PIL responds, says will not disclose the name of whistleblower.NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court declining to reveal the identity of the whistleblower who delivered the entry register of CBI Director Ranjit Sinha’s residence to advocate Prashant Bhushan. The affidavit states that the Whistleblower Protection Act, 2011 mandates concealing the identity of the whistleblower unless he himself makes his identity public or gives a no-objection to disclosure of his identity. Stating that revealing the identity could put the life of the whistleblower in danger, the affidavit also points out that PILs, unlike private litigation or private suits, are generally non-adversarial and that the Supreme Court itself has held that strict rules of procedure do not apply to PILs. The case is posted for hearing on September 22..Reliance KG Basin hearing re commences; SG Ranjit Kumar to represent the Centre.The hearing in the Reliance – KB Basin controversy re commenced in the Supreme Court today. The Court asked the Centre whether there was any change in its stand in the case after the change in government at the Centre. Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, who appeared for the Centre, submitted that a panel has been formed to recommend changes in the gas pricing policy and a decison will be taken only after September 30 when the Panel submits its report. .Justice TS Thakur is now presiding the hearing in the case after Justice BS Chauhan, who was earlier presiding the hearing, retired. Justice Jasti Chelameswar and Justice Kurian Joseph are the other judges on the Bench. However, the Court indicated today that even this Bench might not be able to hear the matter on a regular basis as the three judges otherwise sit on different Benches. The matter has been adjourned for November 14..Bring more transparency in the appointment of CVC, Supreme Court to Centre.The Supreme Court has asked the Central government to respond to a plea seeking greater transparency in the appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the Central government. The plea also seeks considering a wider talent pool for appointment to the post of CVC as opposed to the current practice of appointing IAS officers. The matter is now listed for October 14..Sexual Harassment against Dattu J. to be heard by Special Bench.A Special Bench of the Delhi High Court will hear the sexual harassment allegation against Chief Justice of India Designate HL Dattu. The petition has been filed by one Nisha Priya Bhatia, a former officer at the Research Analysis Wing. When the matter was taken up today, Bhatia alleged bias on the part of one of the judges – Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw. “We don’t want further controversy, post it before a Special Bench tomorrow”, said Chief Justice Rohini. Bhatia had, in 2011, created an uproar by baring herself inside the Delhi High Court.
2G: Centre for PIL responds, says will not disclose the name of whistleblower.NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court declining to reveal the identity of the whistleblower who delivered the entry register of CBI Director Ranjit Sinha’s residence to advocate Prashant Bhushan. The affidavit states that the Whistleblower Protection Act, 2011 mandates concealing the identity of the whistleblower unless he himself makes his identity public or gives a no-objection to disclosure of his identity. Stating that revealing the identity could put the life of the whistleblower in danger, the affidavit also points out that PILs, unlike private litigation or private suits, are generally non-adversarial and that the Supreme Court itself has held that strict rules of procedure do not apply to PILs. The case is posted for hearing on September 22..Reliance KG Basin hearing re commences; SG Ranjit Kumar to represent the Centre.The hearing in the Reliance – KB Basin controversy re commenced in the Supreme Court today. The Court asked the Centre whether there was any change in its stand in the case after the change in government at the Centre. Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, who appeared for the Centre, submitted that a panel has been formed to recommend changes in the gas pricing policy and a decison will be taken only after September 30 when the Panel submits its report. .Justice TS Thakur is now presiding the hearing in the case after Justice BS Chauhan, who was earlier presiding the hearing, retired. Justice Jasti Chelameswar and Justice Kurian Joseph are the other judges on the Bench. However, the Court indicated today that even this Bench might not be able to hear the matter on a regular basis as the three judges otherwise sit on different Benches. The matter has been adjourned for November 14..Bring more transparency in the appointment of CVC, Supreme Court to Centre.The Supreme Court has asked the Central government to respond to a plea seeking greater transparency in the appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the Central government. The plea also seeks considering a wider talent pool for appointment to the post of CVC as opposed to the current practice of appointing IAS officers. The matter is now listed for October 14..Sexual Harassment against Dattu J. to be heard by Special Bench.A Special Bench of the Delhi High Court will hear the sexual harassment allegation against Chief Justice of India Designate HL Dattu. The petition has been filed by one Nisha Priya Bhatia, a former officer at the Research Analysis Wing. When the matter was taken up today, Bhatia alleged bias on the part of one of the judges – Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw. “We don’t want further controversy, post it before a Special Bench tomorrow”, said Chief Justice Rohini. Bhatia had, in 2011, created an uproar by baring herself inside the Delhi High Court.
