New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has sought to know from the central and city government why it cannot provide publications on homoeopathy free of cost in jail to a prime accused in 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts.
Justice Rajeev Shakdher asked both governments to inform about the problem in providing the free publications to the accused for study.
The court also asked the government to inform it about the status of case of Ehtesham Qutubuddin Siddiqui, lodged in a Mumbai jail.
Siddiqui had written a letter to Delhi High Court, which was converted into a PIL, seeking a direction that he be provided 45 publications on homoeopathy free of cost in jail for studying as he was too poor to afford them.
Hearing the plea, the court suggested advocate Rajdeepa Behura, who appeared for the Delhi government, that jail authorities can purchase the publications and put them in jail liberary from where the accused can study.
"What's the problem in providing the books to accused? Jail must be having a library.. it can purchase the books and put there in library. Take instruction on the issue and also on the status of case in which accused is lodged in the jail," asked Justice Shakdher.
One of the prime accused in the Mumbai train blasts attacks of 2006, in which seven bombs kept in first-class coaches of Mumbai's suburban trains and at railway stations had killed 187, Siddiqui has been lodged in jail since 2006.
Siddiqui had sought copies of books published by the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), Delhi under the RTI act to study but the council refused on the ground that these were "priced publications" and hence could not be given free. His request for soft copies was also turned down, citing copyright laws.
After his pleas to the CCRH and the Central Information Commission were turned down, Siddiqui drafted a letter and mailed it to the Delhi High Court in April 2012.
Siddiqui argued that since he fell in the below poverty line category, a fact verified by the Bombay High Court registrar, he should be given this "information" free of cost.
He cited Section 7(5) of the RTI Act that said that even for supplying a priced publication, no fee shall be charged from people in the poor category.
Siddiqui also raised questions over invoking of copyright laws, pointing out that providing soft copies does not violate the same unless the copies are published by anyone for financial gains without their permission.
Saint Premanand: Punishment of the innocent and crime... What did Saint Premanand say to ASP Anuj Chaudhary's question?
Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla and ASP Anuj Chaudhary reached out on Sunday morning to seek the blessings of Sant Premanand, who became famous by propagating and spreading
PM Modi Assam Visit: PM Modi will visit Assam today, will give seven cancer hospitals to the countrymen
PM Narendra Modi will visit Assam today. PM will gift many projects. Modi will address a 'peace, unity and development rally' at Diphu in Karbi Anglong district at 11 am. According to the Prime
India-Russia: India-Russia will increase cooperation on various forums in combating terrorism
India and Russia discussed issues related to the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. Also agreed to deepen cooperation on combating terrorism at the United Nations and other multilateral
MS Dhoni showered his love for CSK amidst talks of retirement, said- I will always be with them.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's future in IPL is being discussed continuously. Many reports claimed that MS Dhoni will not be seen playing for Chennai Super Kings as a player in the next season.
Team India's world record: In T20, India achieved the feat of winning 12 consecutive matches, defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the third match
India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the third and final T20I to clean sweep the 3-match series. Team India had a target of 147 runs, which the team achieved in a one-sided fashion by losing the first
Why does Kartik Aaryan get scolded by his mother? The actor revealed the secret
These days Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who is enjoying the success of the film 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2', is very active on social media. Karthik often shares his photos and videos on social media, which
Canada: 'Khalistan ideology was allowed to flourish', Indian-Canadian community spoke about the current situation in Canada
Tension is increasing between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Meanwhile, a prominent member of the Indian-Canadian community has expressed deep concern
The government claims the N440K strain not dangerous, but cases of infection rising due to this variant
Cases of corona infection in India are increasing steadily. Millions of infected patients are being found every day, while thousands are losing their lives due to infection. It was previously believed
Ensuring justice to be discussed in key Chinese sessions
Beijing, March 3 (IANS) Preventing wrongful convictions and ensuring judicial justice are likely to be discussed in China's two key annual sessions, said a Chinese daily Tuesday.An article in the
Madhya Pradesh: Uncontrolled bus fall with 54 passengers collapsed in canal, painful death of 30 people, rescue operations continue
On Tuesday morning, a bus uncontrolled and fell into the canal in the direct region of Madhya Pradesh. So far, 30 people have been reported dead in this accident. There were about 54 people on the
