‘Landmark judgment’ is a clichéd expression that is often employed to qualify the orders of the apex court in matters of varying import. However, its verdict in the 2 G Spectrum PILs undoubtedly merits this qualification, not only because of the significance and impact of the issues resolved by it, but also due to the amplitude of the unresolved issues arising from some of its postulates. The judgment pronounced by G. S. Singhvi and A. K Ganguli, JJ, in the PILs filed by Ce... Read More

Common Cause and Public Interest Foundation have been collaborating for some time on a PIL on Decriminalization of Politics. The initial draft of the PIL, which had benefited from the wise counsel of Mr Fali Nariman, envisaged a limited prayer of fast-tracking the pending criminal cases against sitting members of Parliament and state legislatures. The scope of the PIL was eventually enlarged to seek a direction to the government to consider the feasibility of enacting a legislation to debar pers... Read More

*Rajan Kashyap   If integrity is defined as “firm adherence to a code of moral, ethical values”, all institutions for governance are expected to maintain utmost integrity. What, then, are ‘integrity institutions’ that the Supreme Court of India mentions in a recent judgment striking down the appointment of India’s Chief Vigilance Commissioner? In the judgment the Supreme Court traces the concept of integrity institutions to certain democratic bodies est... Read More

In two successive issues of Common Cause, those of January-March 2009 and April-June 2009, we had published Mr. Narendra Ahuja’s articles titled “Security in Old Age” and “Disaster Management Plan for Prudent Wives”. These articles were much appreciated by our readers. The present article is based on further inputs on the subject of execution of wills and related matters provided by Mr. Ahuja. -Editor Tips on making a proper will • Get the will typed ... Read More

Readers may recall that in our issue of January - March 2009 we had first referred to the miserable plight of the construction workers, specifically those working in the Common Wealth Games related construction projects, and also mentioned that their case had been agitated by a number of civil society organizations, including Common Cause which had come together and formed a coalition. These organizations and activists collectively known as Common Wealth Games – Citizens for Workers, Women... Read More

During the year under review, the Society strove to further the mission and objectives of its Founder-Director, Mr. H.D. Shourie, articulate the concerns of the people and secure the resolution of their common problems. In its various initiatives, the Society received unstinting cooperation from like-minded civil society organizations and activists. Common Cause played a crucial role in conceptualizing an unprecedented mass movement for probity in public life. An affidavit filed by the Direct... Read More

Under the Rules & Regulations of COMMON CAUSE as amended by the Governing Council on March 8, 2007, The membership of the Society is open to individuals irrespective of caste, creed or community. Organisations, which were members of the Society as on March 8, 2007, shall henceforth be Honorary members without voting rights. The membership fee for new Individual members (with voting rights) is Rs.500/- for one year and Rs.2,500/- for life. New Associate members (without voting r... Read More

Humour A busy country doctor often covered the thirty kilometers to the nearest hospital with more regard for expediency than the speed limit. One day, he took his five-year-old son along for the ride when he went to make hospital rounds. Afterwards, his wife asked their son if he had enjoyed it. ‘It was neat,’ replied the son. ‘A nice man on a motorcycle stopped us and wrote father a prescription.’ &bul... Read More