Govt asked to clarify stand on CBI powers
The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to inform the Court by May 5 what it proposed to do regarding the implementation of the Apex Court judgement in the Jain Hawala case of freeing the CBI from State interference regarding investigations. A three judge bench hearing the Indian Bank scam case said now that the government had accepted the judgement it should be able to respond to what it proposes to do regarding its implementation.
Govt plans to lift its shroud of secrecy
The Union government plans to dilute the Official Secrets Act to promote "openness, transparency and accountability" in administration. The Government is ready with the Freedom of Information Bill, 1998, which is likely to be introduced in the next session of Parliament.
WB caught in ISI net; Govt tries hard to wriggle out
The rise in the Pakistan's Inter-Services-Intelligence (ISI) activities in West Bengal is causing considerable concern to the state government and Central government agencies. A Central Intelligence report expresses concern that Murshidabad District in South Bengal was fast becoming `a hub of the ISI activities.'
Me, surrender? Never, says Veerappan
Sandalwood smuggler Veerappan has ruled out surrendering to the authorities, thus ending speculations that he is about to give himself up. In an audio cassette delivered to a Tamil magazine editor, Veerappan says, "Me? Surrender? It is all nonsense."
TADA cases may be tried under IPC
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has assured that the existing cases under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, including the cases of the blasts accused, will be transferred to the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the all-India vice-president of the BJP Minority Morcha M U Khan said yesterday.
Expert panel to finalise Mahadayi river project
The Karnataka and Goa governments have constituted a joint expert committee to finalise a proposal for joint construction of a dam near Kalasa-Alanthara at the states' borders to utilise the Mahadayi river water for drinking purposes.
