News and Views

The government is misleading the media and public regarding the purpose and implications of the notification exempting Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau (VACB) from the purview of right to information.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the media after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting that the notification—withdrawal of which had been demanded by KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran, RTI activists and others—was being retained to protect the lives and physical safety of informants. However, there is no need for such a notification to achieve that objective.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Government withdrew the order allowing Bangalore based company to retain excess land and reclaim the paddy fields at Madathupady in Kodungalloor and at Puthenvelikkara Paravur taluks following public protests on Wednesday.

Kochi: Kerala High Court on Wednesday dismissed petitions challenging the procedure adopted by government for appointment of State Chief Information Commissioner and commissioners.

The Court also vacated the status quo ordered earlier while considering petitions filed by applicants Somanathan Pillai and D. B. Binu.

The Central Election Committee of the BJP has approved the first list of 22 candidates for Assembly elections in Kerala.

State president Kummanam Rajasekharan, O. Rajagopal, V. Muraleedharan and P. K. Krishnadas will be contesting from Thiruvananthapuram district.  Shobha Surendran is to contest from Palakkad constituency and K. Surendran from Manjeswaram. Former State president P. S. Sreedharan Pillai will be fielded in Chengannur.

The Cabinet decided to withdraw the office order of the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau redistributing work relating to enquires against present and former chief ministers, ministers, all India service officers and members of Assembly and Parliament to top secret  (T) branch of the Bureau.

The notification excluding the T Branch from the purview of right to information will not be withdrawn.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy explained to the media after the Cabinet meeting that the intention of the notification was to prevent disclosure of information relating to informers in vigilance cases.