Delhi HC declines to order public access to CIC hearings, cites infrastructure issues
09 Jul 2025, 18:06 GMT+10
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to pass directions allowing the general public and journalists to attend Central Information Commission (CIC) hearings either physically or virtually, stating that such access would require significant infrastructure and planning.
A division bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal was hearing a petition filed by a group of journalists seeking public and media access to CIC proceedings.
The court clarified that, while it supports the idea of open or virtual hearings in principle, implementing such a system is not straightforward. It involves technical complexities and heavy financial investment, particularly when it comes to live streaming or virtual access.
Instead of issuing directions, the court advised the petitioners to approach the CIC directly for physical access, pointing out that the Commission already has an internal order on the subject. It requested the CIC to take a timely decision in accordance with legal procedures and inform the petitioners.
As for the demand to allow virtual public access, the bench noted that the Supreme Court is already considering the issue. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma also confirmed this during the hearing. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
40 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Pro-Palestinian Lebanese militant released after 40 years in French jail
One of France's longest-held inmates, the pro-Palestinian Lebanese militant Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, 74, was released from prison and deported on Friday, after more than 40 years behind bars for the killings of two diplomats. At around 3:40 am (01:40 GMT), a convoy of six vehicles left the Lannemezan penitentiary with lights flashing, AFP journalists saw. Hours later, he was placed on a plane bound for Lebanon. As he disembarked in Beirut, he was welcomed by family members at the airport's VIP lounge. Dozens of supporters, some waving Palestinian or Lebanese Communist Party flags gathered near the arrivals hall to give him a hero's reception, an AFP correspondent said. Mr. Abdallah's family had said previously they would take him to their hometown of Kobayat, in northern Lebanon, where a reception is planned. Abdallah was detained in 1984 and sentenced to life in prison in 1987 for his involvement in the murders of U.S. military attache Charles Robert Ray and Israeli diplomat Yacov Barsimantov in Paris. 'Past symbol' The Paris Court of Appeal had ordered his release "effective July 25" on the condition that he leave French territory and never return. While he had been eligible for release since 1999, his previous requests were denied with the United States -- a civil party to the case -- consistently opposing him leaving prison. Inmates serving life sentences in France are typically freed after fewer than 30 years. Mr. Abdallah's lawyer, Jean-Louis Chalanset, visited for a final time on Thursday. "He seemed very happy about his upcoming release, even though he knows he is returning to the Middle East in an extremely tough context for Lebanese and Palestinian populations," Chalanset told AFP. AFP visited Mr. Abdallah last week after the court's release decision, accompanying a lawmaker to the detention centre. The founder of the Lebanese Revolutionary Armed Factions (FARL) -- a long-disbanded Marxist anti-Israel group -- said for more than four decades he had continued to be a "militant with a struggle". After his arrest in 1984, French police discovered submachine guns and transceiver stations in one of his Paris apartments. The appeals court in February noted that the FARL "had not committed a violent action since 1984" and that Abdallah "today represented a past symbol of the Palestinian struggle". The appeals judges also found the length of his detention "disproportionate" to the crimes and given his age.
India.com
40 minutes ago
- India.com
PM Modi, Maldivian President Muizzu Inaugurate New Defence Ministry Building In Male
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the eleven-storey building is a symbol of the strong and long-standing defence and security cooperation between the two countries, according to a release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The MoD building has been constructed with India's financial assistance and will contribute towards enhancing the capabilities of the defence and law enforcement authorities of the Maldives. As PM Modi arrived at the venue, he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds chanting "Narendra Modi Zindabad" and holding banners that read -- "Honouring Enduring Partnership - Welcome, Prime Minister Modi." In a post on X, Maldivian President's Office stated in a post on X, "His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, inaugurate the Dhoshimeyna Building, the new office premises of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)." #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu jointly inaugurate Dhoshimeyna Building, the newly-built Ministry of Defence building in Malé, Maldives. (Video: ANI/DD) — ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2025 Prime Minister Modi described the inauguration as another instance of strong India-Maldives cooperation. In a post on X, he said, "President Muizzu and I inaugurated a new building of the Ministry of Defence in Male. This is yet another instance of strong India-Maldives cooperation." Earlier in the day, PM Modi reaffirmed the Maldives' significance in India's regional outreach. In a post on X, he said, "Held very fruitful discussions with President Muizzu. Maldives is at the core of our 'Neighbourhood First' and Mahasagar Vision. Our discussion covered several sectors, notably commercial and cultural linkages. We both agree that the India-Maldives friendship will always be bright and clear. India is honoured to work closely with the Maldives in areas such as housing, connectivity, infrastructure, defence, digital technology and more. Climate change and renewable energy are also two vital pillars of our bilateral cooperation." In a further gesture of goodwill, PM Modi also gifted two Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes to President Muizzu on behalf of the Government of India. In a post on X, the President's office said, "His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu accepts two Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes gifted by His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on behalf of the government of India to the Maldives. The state-of-the-art portable hospitals are equipped with an ICU, operating theatre, laboratory, X-ray, and other emergency medical facilities. Each unit can operate independently for 72 hours and treat up to 200 individuals." PM Modi is on a two-day visit to the Maldives at the invitation of President Muizzu.
India.com
40 minutes ago
- India.com
India will continuously cooperate in development of defence capabilities of Maldives: PM Modi in Male
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) Health Cubes to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, in Malé on Friday. (ANI Photo) Modi in Maldives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India will continuously cooperate in developing defence capabilities of Maldives and peace, stability and prosperity in Indian Ocean is a common goal of the two countries. In his remarks at the Press Statement with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, PM Modi talked of expanding economic cooperation and strong development partnership between the two countries. 'In the sector of defence and security, mutual cooperation is the symbol of mutual trust. The building of Defence Ministry, which is being inaugurated today, is a trusted, concrete building. It is a symbol of our strong partnership. Our partnership will also be in weather science. Whatever the weather may be, our friendship will always remain bright and clear. In the development of defence capabilities of Maldives, India will cooperate continuously. Peace, stability and prosperity in Indian Ocean is our shared goal,' PM Modi said. 'Together in Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security. Climate change is a challenge for both of us. We have decide to promote renewable energy. In this sector, India will share its experience with Maldives,' he added. PM Modi said that last year in October, during the President Muizzu's visit to India, the two countries shared a vision on extensive economic and maritime partnership. 'Now, this is becoming a reality. It is a result of that, that our relations are touching new heights. Inauguration of several projects have become possible. 4000 social housing units, built with India's cooperation, will become a new beginning for several families in Maldives. These will be their new houses. Greater Male Connectivity Project, Addu Road Development Project and redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport – this entire area will emerge as an important transit and economic centre. Soon, with the beginning of ferry system, commuting between different islands will be smoother. After that, the distance between islands will be measured in terms of just ferry time, and not GPS,' he said. The Prime Minister said that India is Maldives' closest neighbour and the country holds an important place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'MAHASAGAR' vision. 'India is proud of being the most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a crisis or pandemic, India has always stood as first responders. Be it making essential commodities available or handling the economy after COVID, India has always worked together,' he said. PM Modi noted that this year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. 'First of all, on behalf of the people of India, I would like to extend heartiest greetings to the President and people of Maldives on the historic occasion of the 60th year of independence. For inviting me as the Guest of Honour on this historic occasion, I express heartfelt gratitude to the President,' he said. 'But the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea. The commemorative stamps released today display traditional boats of both nations. This reflects that we are not just neighbours but also co-passengers,' he said. PM arrived in Maldives on Friday in the second leg of his two-nation tour. He reached Maldives after successful visit to United Kingdom.
