SC commutes death sentences of 15
Accepts that prolonged imprisonment of a convict awaiting death amounts to cruelty and violates right to life under the Constitution. Mental illness and solitary confinement can also lead to commuting of sentences. The beneficiaries include former members of Veerappan gang.
RBI to withdraw pre-2005 notes
Will help tackle fake currency notes and black money as post 2005 notes have better security features.
Jains are a 'minority'
Will get share in Central funds for welfare schemes and government programmes as well as scholarships just like Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis and Buddhists.
Politicians can't decide railway fares now
Cabinet cleared the railway tarrif authority which will function independent of political influence to decide on passenger fares and freight rates.
Rs 13,000 crore for Green India Mission
May converge with rural job scheme to ensure decentralisation of forest governance for improvement of forest cover and creation of new forest
SC issues notice on Kejriwal's dharna
Asks Centre and Delhi governments to answer. Petitioners contend that the protest amounted to breakdown of the constitutional machinery and the Chief Minister violated his oath of office.
Don't ask for Aadhaar cards: Madras HC
Till the Supreme Court decides on the issue, LPG agents or oil companies can't insist on Aadhaar cards for transfer of direct subsidy.
Goa's massage parlours, spas need consent of pollution board
Goa State Pollution Control Board now lord over ayuvedic clinics, spas, massage parlours, puncture repair shops, hair cutting saloons, physiotherapy units and X-ray units. They have to pay a fee of Rs 3,000 for three years.
Delhi HC questions Centre on extra allowance for MPs
A PIL had claimed that MPs get reimbursement of more money than they actually spend on train travel.
India keen on nuclear energy from Japan
Visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe marked by agreements on cooperation in areas including energy and telecommunications.
Delhi HC supports audit of power cos
Refuses to stay Delhi government's order for a CAG audit finances of three companies supplying power to the capital.
SC raps Gujarat govt for sale of land
The 36 acre land in Bhuj was alloted to a refinery which sold it further to another refinery. The state government should have taken the land back and auctioned it.
Jharkhand amends Panchayati Raj Act
Strikes down provision of removing mukhiyas through no-confidence motions. An appellate authority have to be formulated to consider and decide any complaint filed against the mukhiya now.
Appoint govt official in tribunal: Patna HC
At least one member of the municipal building tribunal should be a serving state government official. Currently, all four are retired officials.
This is a weekly roundup of important policy news from Jan 19-26, 2013.