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Complaints to Banking Ombudsman set to increase as RBI amends the scheme
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
June 28, 2017
The RBI has amended the Banking Ombudsman scheme to include additional issues as grounds for a complaint. The number of complaints is set to increase with these changes.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently amended the Banking Ombudsman Scheme to include complaints relating to Misselling, Mobile/Electronic Banking. With the inclusion of these issues, the complaints to the Banking Ombudsman are set to increase. In 2015-16, more than 90000 complaints were received by the Banking Ombudsman across the country.
What is Banking Ombudsman Scheme?
The Banking Ombudsman scheme was introduced in 2006 to enable resolution of complaints in case of certain services rendered by banks and to facilitate the satisfaction or settlement of such complaints. Before approaching the Ombudsman, the complainant has to make a written representation to the bank. If the bank has rejected the complaint or has not responded within one month, then a complaint can be lodged with the Ombudsman.
What kind of issues are covered by the Banking Ombudsman Scheme?
The grounds for complaint are well defined in the scheme document. A complaint can be made on one of the following grounds
With the recent amendment, the RBI has included the following as possible grounds for a complaint.
With these new inclusions, the scope has widened and the number of complaints is set to increase in the coming years.
How does one file a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman?
A complaint can be lodged with any of the 20 Banking Ombudsman offices based on the jurisdiction of the bank. The complaint can be filed online or offline. Relevant documentary proof has to be enclosed to support the claims. The Ombudsman may also call for additional documentation if required. It is advisable that a complainant go through the compendium of cases handled by the various Banking Ombudsman offices in the past to get an idea of the kind of cases dealt by the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman can pass an award directing payment of compensation. The amount of compensation cannot be  more than the actual loss suffered by the complainant or Rs 20 lakh, whichever is lower. The compensation awarded  will be exclusive of the amount involved in the dispute. The Ombudsman can also award compensation in addition to the above to the tune of Rs 1 lakh taking into account the loss of the complainant’s time, expenses incurred by the complainant, harassment and mental agony suffered by the complainant.


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Here is a complete list of Railway Concessions
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
December 3, 2016
The Indian Railways currently extends concessions in passenger fare in 53 different categories. Here is a look at all the 53 categories.
The Indian Railways extend travel concessions in passenger fare to 53 categories of passengers and the quantum of concession ranges from 25% to 100%. The Railways has also notified general rules for availing such concessions. Passengers desirous of making use of these concessions have to use the relevant concession certificates.  Given below is a complete list of concessions extended by Indian Railways. It has to be noted that the concession is applicable only on the basic fare.
· 50% in 1AC and 2AC,
· 25% in 3AC & AC Chair Car of Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains
· 50% in MST & QST
· One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
· 50% in MST & QST
· One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
· 100% in SL & 3AC
· 50% in 1AC & 2AC
· one escort eligible for same element of concession (except in SL & 3AC where escort gets 75%)
· 50% in 1AC and 2AC,
· One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
· One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
· One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
· One escort is also eligible for same element of concession
· One escort is also eligible for same element of concession.
Women of Indian Nationality – 58 years and above.
– travelling for any purpose.
· 50% in all classes
· Also in Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/ Duronto trains
(i) President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service,
(ii) Indian Police Award for Meritorious service.
– travelling for any purpose
· 60% for women
· in all classes & Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi
– General Category –
– SC/ST Category –
· 50% in MST/QST
· 75% in 2 and SL class
· 75% in MST/QST
Boys up to 12 standard
(including students of Madrasa) between home & school
(a) National Youth Project
(b) Manav Uththan Sewa Samiti
40% in 2 and SL class
(i) to attend interview for job Statutory Bodies, Municipal Corporation, Govt Under-taking, University or Public Sector Body.)
(ii) to attend interviews for jobs in Central & State Govt.
(i) Bharat Krishak Samaj and
(ii) Sarvodaya Samaj, Wardha.
· 50% in 1, AC Chair Car, 3AC & 2AC
· 50% in Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/ Jan Shatabdi AC Chair Car, 3AC & 2AC
· 50% in 1st, AC Chair car, 3AC & 2AC
· Incl Rajdhani/Shatabdi
(i) All India and State tournaments
(ii) National tournaments
· 50% in 1 class
· 75% in 2, SL and 1 class
· 50% in 1 class
· 50% in 1 class
Spouse/companion/dependent children (up to 18 years)
50% concession twice every financial year.
Featured Image: www.thebetterindian.com

source: news-factly

created: December 3, 2016

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Sai Krishna Muthyanolla


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Computer graphic video is passed off as Moon eclipsing the Sun at the North Pole - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
May 27, 2021
In the event of the occurrence of Super Blood Moon, a celestial event wherein the moon despite being covered in the earth’s shadow does not go completely dark but turns reddish instead, a social media post is being shared widely. The post is accompanied by a video that purportedly shows the Moon eclipsing the Sun, with the description ‘Moon crossing the Sun at the north pole’. Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Video of the Moon crossing the Sun at the north pole.
Fact: This is a computer graphic video created by a Tik Tok user. This user had also created many such videos earlier. The video shows grasslands which is not the case at the Poles, as they are covered with ice. Also, we see no reflection of the Moon in the lake as it is eclipsing. All these prove that the video is indeed a computer graphic creation. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
This video of the Moon eclipsing around the Sun is actually an animation video made by Aleksey__nz, a Tik Tok user. Google search led us to tweet by Hoaxeye, a fact-checker who shared the actual Tik Tok video.
Artist found. Aleksey___nx on TikTok. They made one viral UFO animation recently so I decided to check their other videos. https://t.co/P5sYUMOkv2
Further search led us to his profile, where the artist shared many similar animation videos on his profile. He identified himself as a Computer Graphic creator on his Instagram account.
Apart from these, the post claims that the video is from the North pole. However, one can notice grasslands rather than ice. Also while the Moon is eclipsing, we cannot find any reflections in the lake.
Further, the average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 3,82,900 km. Moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, and at perigee, its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, the moon comes as close as 363,104 km. Super Moon occurs when a full Moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, at perigee. However, at this distance and when the Sun is out, the Moon does not appear as bright as shown in the video.
The Moon rotates at the same rate as its orbital motion, a special case of tidal locking called synchronous rotation. Due to this, we can see only one side of the Moon all the time. However, in the video, we can clearly see the far side of the Moon while it is eclipsing around the Sun. All these details establish that the video is nothing but a computer graphic.
To sum it up, computer graphic video passed off as Moon eclipsing the Sun at the North Pole.


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Concept Video of Artificial Womb Technology is being shared as a real facility - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 8, 2023
An animation video which shows artificial incubation of babies is being widely shared. The video is being shared with a claim that a company named EctoLife is producing 30,000 such lab-grown artificial babies every year. Through this article let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: EctoLife is producing 30,000 lab-grown artificial babies every year.
Fact: The viral visuals are just a depiction of the concept of incubation of babies through artificial wombs by a Berlin based science communicator and biotechnologist, Hashem Al Ghaili. He confirmed that the technology currently does not exist. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The video shared in the viral post shows the idea of incubation of babies in artificial wombs. It is a concept introduced by Hashem Al Ghaili, a Berlin based science communicator and biotechnologist. Google search with relevant keywords yielded multiple news reports which reported the this concept by Hashem (here & here).
However, the facility is not in operational stage currently. It is just a concept pitched by Hashem Al Ghaili. He introduced this concept in December 2022. According to Hashem Al Ghaili, Ecto Life could grow around 30,000 babies. He further added that  this could help people to produce customized babies. Introducing the concept, Hashem Al Ghaili, shared the same video on his YouTube channel.
When contacted by USA Today, he confirmed that the technology depicted in the video does not exist yet. And EctoLife is not a real company.
In the past, research has been done in studying the possibility of developing life outside the womb. ‘In 2017, a team of researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia kept a pre-viable lamb fetus alive for four weeks in an amniotic sac, one designed to imitate the womb from which the developing embryo had been prematurely plucked.’
Studies related to artificial womb can be viewed here and here. However, there doesn’t exist any facility of growing babies outside womb as shown in the viral video. The visuals shared in the viral post is just a depiction of the concept but not an existing technology.
To sum it up, concept video of artificial womb technology is being shared as a real facility.


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Congress did not use Pakistan's flag during their Karnataka election rally - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 26, 2019
A Facebook post with a video related to the Congress party’s rally in North Karnataka  is being shared alleging that Pakistan flag is waved in the rally along with the Indian flag. Let’s analyse the authenticity of the claim made in the post.
The archived version of the post can be found here.
Congress party supporters during their rally in North Karnataka have waved Pakistan flag along with the Indian flag
The flag seen in the video other than India’s is that of Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML), an Indian political party with a strong base in Kerala. Hence the claim made in the post that the flag in the video as Pakistan’s stands FALSE.
When the video in the post is run through INVID tool , various fragments of the video are  obtained. If observed closely, the green flag in one of the fragments ,it is found to be that of Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) which is quite similar to that of the  Pakistan’s flag.
You can notice the difference between both the flags below. The one to the left is the flag of IUML and the one to the right is that of the Pakistan.
Hence, the flag used in the post by Congress partymen during their Karnataka election rally is that of Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) and not that of Pakistan and the claim is False.


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Congress in its manifesto proposes to amend or review AFSPA but not to withdraw it. - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
April 2, 2019
A post is being shared on Facebook by many users claiming that Congress promised in its manifesto, to withdraw AFSPA and reduce army presence if voted to power. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
The archived version of the post can be found here.
Congress Manifesto: “Will withdraw the AFSPA, reduce army presence if voted”.
The Congress Manifesto promises to amend or review the AFSPA, not withdraw it. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The Congress Manifesto can be found on its official website. When looked for the promises on AFSPA in its manifesto, it can be found that AFSPA has been mentioned twice in the manifesto. First, AFSPA has been mentioned in the ‘Review of Laws, Rules and Regulations’ section, where the Congress promises to amend the AFSPA, 1958 so that proper balance can be brought between the powers of security forces and the human rights of citizens and also, to remove immunity for enforced disappearance, sexual violence and torture.
Second, it has been mentioned in the ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ section, where the Congress promises to review the AFSPA in J&K. In the same section, Congress promises to move more troops to the border to stop infiltration, reduce the presence of Army and Central Armed Police Forces in the Kashmir Valley and entrust more responsibility to the J&K police for maintaining law and order.
Finally, Congress in its manifesto proposes to amend or review AFSPA but not to withdraw it.


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Congress is contesting more than 420 seats, not 230 - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
April 27, 2019
A post is going viral on Facebook which claims that the Congress party is contesting only 230 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats and hence it is not contesting to form the government. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
Congress is contesting only 230 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. Hence it is not contesting to form the government.
Fact: As per the official website of the Congress party, the Congress has already announced candidates for more than 420 Lok Sabha constituencies. Hence the claim is FALSE.
When one visits the Congress’s official website, the list of candidates for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is found. When one goes through that list, it is clear that the Congress has announced candidates for 424 Lok Sabha seats so far.
To sum it up, the Congress party is contesting in more than 420 Lok Sabha seats and not 230.


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Congress leader Kapil Sibal hasn't said that if Ram Mandir is constructed, he would commit suicide - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 22, 2020
A message claiming that Congress leader Kapil Sibal has said that if the Ram Mandir is constructed, he would commit suicide, is doing the rounds on social media. Let’s check the authenticity of that claim.
Congress leader Kapil Sibal has said that if the Ram Mandir is constructed, he would commit suicide.
Fact: Kapil Sibal hasn’t made any such statement. Information from no credible source was found which confirm that such comments were made by him. After the Supreme court’s verdict in Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue, Kapil Sibal said that he welcomes the verdict by the court. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
When searched on Google with keywords ‘Kapil Sibal said that if Ram Mandir is constructed, he would commit suicide’, no relevant information was obtained in the search results. If Kapil Sibal had really made such a  statement, all the major newspapers and channels in India would have reported the statement. But no news agency has reported about Kapil Sibal making that statement. After the Supreme Court verdict in Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue in November 2019, posts claiming that Kapil Sibal has made a similar statement (‘I will not let Ram Mandir built till I am alive’) went viral. FACTLY had debunked that claim and written a fact-check which can be read here.
Also, after the Supreme court’s verdict in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue, Kapil Sibal, speaking to the media has said that he welcomes the verdict by the court. Before the verdict was given, Kapil Sibal has said ‘Ram mandir will be built only when God wishes. It will not be built at the behest of Modi ji. The matter is in court’. Those statements of Kapil Sibal can be seen here and here.
To sum it up, Congress leader Kapil Sibal hasn’t said that if Ram Mandir is constructed, he would commit suicide.
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Congress leader Naseem Khan did not make ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans. It is a clipped video. - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
February 6, 2020
A video is being shared widely on social media with a claim that it shows Naseem Khan, a Congress leader, making ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans at a rally. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
Video shows Congress leader Naseem Khan making ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans at a rally.
Fact: It is a clipped video. In the full video, it can be seen that Congress leader Naseem Khan said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar made ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
When searched about the incident, it was found that Naseem Khan has already filed a case on the ‘fake’ video at Sakinaka police station in October 2019. In ‘The New Indian Express’ article, it can be read that the police probe found that the video was doctored and was uploaded by a Facebook account holder named Venkat Goddul.
The un-clipped version of the video can be seen here. He said (English Translation) – ‘Today, on the banks of Yamuna river in Delhi, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar made ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans in the presence of Rajnath Singh. Will the sedition case be filed on him?’. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s comments (to which Naseem Khan was referring in his speech) can be watched here. Also, it was found that Sachin Sawant, a Congress leader, has posted a video, comparing the original and clipped videos, on his Twitter account. So, the original video was clipped to show that Naseem Khan made ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans.
भाजपा ही राजकीय विकृति आहे. @BJP4India ची आयटी सेल ही विरोधी पक्षातील नेत्यांच्या भाषणांचे व्हिडिओ तोडून एडीट करून आपल्या पद्धतीने जनतेची दिशाभूल करत असते. @INCMaharashtra चे नेते @naseemkhaninc यांचे भाषण असेच तोडून व्हायरल केले जात आहे. या अत्यंत गलिच्छ प्रकाराचा जाहीर निषेध pic.twitter.com/9fzS4qPBZq
To sum it up, the video was clipped to falsely show that Naseem Khan made ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans.
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created: February 6, 2020


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‘Congress MLA Anil Upadhyay ?’ – Old fictional character revived this time as MLA praising Modi - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 2, 2021
A video is being widely shared on social media with a claim that it shows Congress MLA Anil Upadhyay praising PM Modi and his initiatives. The video was originally posted in February 2020 and has been shared more than 21 thousand times. Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Video of Congress MLA Anil Upadhyay praising PM Modi and his initiatives.
Fact: The man praising Modi in this video is Mohan Chandra Pandey. He is not a Congress MLA. In fact, there is no Congress MLA with the name Anil Upadhyay. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
At the beginning of the posted video, the man in the suit is referred to as ‘Pandey ji’. When we searched for the posted video on the internet, many similar videos with the same man were found in the search results. They have also tagged ‘@M0hanPandey’ in their posts. On looking at the Facebook and Twitter profiles of ‘Mohan Chandra Pandey’, it can be confirmed that the man praising Modi in the video is Mohan Chandra Pandey. He has posted the same video on his profile in December 2019. In one of his other videos, he mentions that he works as a Zonal Sales Manager – Everest Masala. He can also be seen as supporting BJP in many of his videos.
In April 2019, he has also tweeted that Republic TV has wrongly shown him as Congress leader Anil Upadhyay. He has mentioned in his tweet that he is a fan of Modi.
@narendramodi @republic Arunav ji  यह गलत बात है कि आपका चैनल मेरे वीडियो यानी मोहन पांडे के वीडियो को अनिल उपाध्याय कांग्रेस लीडर के नाम से प्रसारित कर रहा है मैं एक मोदी जी का फैन हूं ना कि कांग्रेसी इसलिए मैं परेशान हो गया हूं जगह-जगह से आने सुनते हुए तुरंत आप इसको ठीक करें
Also, when we searched on the ‘My Neta’ website about ‘Anil Upadhyay’, it was found that there is no Congress MLA with the name ‘Anil Upadhyay’. There are two persons with that name in the search results but neither of them belongs to INC (Indian National Congress).
Earlier, when several other videos claiming to be related to ‘BJP MLA Anil Upadhyay’ and ‘Congress MLA Anil Upadhyay’ were shared on social media, FACTLY has debunked them. The fact-check articles can be read here, here, and here.
To sum it up, the man praising Modi in the video is Mohan Chandra Pandey. He is not a Congress MLA named Anil Upadhyay.


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Congress party candidates trailed in only four seats in the 2022 UP Assembly elections. - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 11, 2022
In the light of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly general election results, a social media post claiming that ‘in 167 seats Congress party has lost with a narrow margin of 500 – 1000 votes’, is being shared widely. Through this article let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: In  UP elections, Congress party has lost with a narrow margin of 500 – 1000 votes in 167 seats.
Fact: According to the ECI, there are only 15 seats wherein the winning margin is below 1000 votes in the 2022 UP Assembly elections. Even in these 15 seats, it was either the SP alliance candidate or the BJP candidate who trailed behind. Congress party stood in second position only in four seats and even the margin of loss in these seats is way more than what claimed in the viral post. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
In the recently announced 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly general election results, BJP stood as the single largest party with 255 seats, followed by the Samajwadi Party with 111 seats. The Indian National Congress has bagged only two seats.
Further, as per the Election Commission of India, there are only 15 assembly seats wherein the winning margin is below 1000 votes and not 167 seats as claimed in the viral post. And none of these 15 trailing candidates represent the Congress party. It is either the SP alliance candidate or the BJP candidate who stood second in these seats. The list of these seats can be seen in the below table.
In fact, the Congress party stood in the second position only in four seats and even the losing margin in these seats is way more than what is claimed in the post. Hence the official information proves that the claim made in the post is not true.
To sum it up, the Congress party candidates trailed in only four seats in UP elections.


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Congress President’s approval is not required to use funds from PMNRF - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
April 8, 2020
‘PM CARES’ (Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund) fund was established recently as ‘a dedicated national fund with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation, like posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide relief to the affected’.
A post is being shared widely on social media with a claim that the actual reason behind establishing PM CARES is because of the requirement of Congress President’s approval for the release of funds from the existing PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund). Let’s analyze the claim made in the post.
Congress President’s approval is required to use funds from PMNRF.
Fact: No such approval is required. On the PMNRF website, it can be read that the disbursement out of the fund is made at the discretion of the Prime Minister. Previously, the fund was managed by a committee (in which Congress President was a member), but in 1985, all the powers were transferred to the Prime Minister. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
On the PMNRF website, it can be found that the fund was established in 1948. During its inception, a committee was formed to manage the fund. ‘The President of the Indian National Congress’ was one of the members of the managing committee.
But, currently, on the PMNRF website, it can read that ‘the disbursement out of the fund is made at the discretion of the Prime Minister, and in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directions’. So, no approval is required from the Congress President.
In a Delhi Hight Court Judgement, it can be read that ‘in 1985, the Managing Committee of PMNRF entrusted the entire management of the said fund to the Prime minister who was given the discretion to appoint a secretary of the fund to manage it’.
FACTLY has written a detailed explainer article on ‘PMNRF Vs PM CARES’. It can be read here.
To sum it up, Congress President’s approval is not required to disburse funds from PMNRF.
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india consumer complaints statistics
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 12, 2016
As per data available with the government, consumer complaints increased by 70% in the last two years. The complaints received through the national consumer helpline reached 1.72 lakh in 2015-16.
In an era where selling and buying of goods & services has grown exponentially with the help of technology, it is important that the consumer’s rights are protected. The government after a recent review has decided to augment the capacity of the national helpline to deal with increasing number of consumer complaints. As per data available with the government, consumer complaints have increased by over 70% between 2014 and 2016.
Consumers can lodge complaints through various modes
Consumers can lodge a complaint about a good or service through various modes like the
The government has also been working towards consumer awareness through the ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ campaign for many years now. It has also established Grahak Suvidha Kendras in various states to help consumers.
National Helpline received 1.72 lakh complaints in 2015-16
The National Consumer helpline received 1.72 lakh complaints in 2015-16, up from 1 lakh odd complaints in 2013-14. The state help lines also received 54827 complaints in 2015-16. Most complaints on the National helpline were received from Delhi followed by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.  The state help lines in Gujarat, Maharashtra & Rajasthan received more than 10000 complaints each in 2015-16.
National Consumer helpline and State Consumer help lines provide telephonic advice, information, guidance and grievance redressal procedure to consumers relating to their complaints and forward their complaints to companies and regulators concerned for taking necessary action.
National Consumer Helpline has tied up with more than two hundred companies as part of its convergence program for resolution of consumer complaints. Convergence is an alternate dispute resolution mechanism to resolve grievances expeditiously.  As per government data, 53185 consumer complaints were sent to companies as a part of the convergence program and 80% of these complaints have received full or partial response from the respective companies.
More than 90000 complaints were filed in the National & State Consumer fora in 3 years
Consumers who are not satisfied with the response of the respective company usually approach the consumer fora setup at the district, state and national level.  While it appears that the number of cases filed in the national & state fora has come down in 2015, this is due to non availability of data for more than 10 state consumer fora. The disposal rate has also come down from 2013 to 2015.
In the district consumer fora across the country, 1.21 lakh cases were filed in 2015 compared to 1.45 lakh in 2013. This again is due to the non-availability of data from over 10 states. Within the states, the trends are mixed. While the number of cases filed has decreased in Uttar Pradesh, it has increased in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh from 2013 to 2015.
More than 20% vacancies in District Fora
As per data available with the government, 20% of the members’ posts are vacant in district fora across the country as of February 2016. Close to 75% of the members posts in district fora are vacant in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 100% of the member posts are vacant in the state fora of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana.
Measures to improve the working of the National Consumer Helpline
The government has initiated the following steps to tackle with the growing number of consumer complaints.
A committee under the chairmanship of Minister of State, Consumer Affairs, Shri C.R. Chaudhary has been setup to consider setting up four regional helpline centres to address complaints in regional languages.  Only time will tell if these measures would effectively deal with consumer complaints.


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Why did a Consumer Forum in Delhi rule that ‘Fair & Handsome’ ads are misleading? - Factly
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 13, 2015
Fairness Creams cash in on people’s desire to look fair. In a case that could have wider ramifications, a district consumer forum in Delhi held that the ‘Fair & Handsome’ ads by Emami are misleading and directed Emami to pay Rs 15 lakh as damages.
There is no dearth of fairness creams in the market. From promising fairness in a few days to a few weeks, these products are promoted by the icons of the film industry. A multibillion dollar industry that was once the preserve of only metros has now reached every nook and corner of the country. Emami’s Fair & Handsome was one of the first fairness products for men in India. In a rare case that could have wider ramifications, a district consumer court in Delhi recently ruled that the ‘Fair & Handsome’ ads by Shahrukh Khan are misleading and directed Emami to pay an amount of Rs 15 lakh as punitive damages.
The Case
One Mr. Nikhil Jain, a resident of Delhi filed a complaint in the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum of Central Delhi. The complaint was about the ‘Fair and Handsome Cream’, (World’s No.1 Fairness Cream for Men) being manufactured by Emami. The complainant contended that he had used the product as per directions for use mentioned on the labeling and packaging of the product, but it had failed to show any results as claimed. He also argued that Emami has been using Mr. Shahrukh Khan, a well-known actor as its brand ambassador for promotion of the product and it makes false claims and promises that it provides fairness in just three weeks.
The complainant claimed that the complaint is maintainable under sections 2(f) and 2 (r) of the Consumer  Protection Act as the product is not of the quality  and potency as claimed and that Emami has adopted an unfair trade practice for the purpose of promoting the sale , use and supply of the product. The complainant also said that the complaint against Emami is maintainable for the following reasons;
The Complainant’s Prayer
The complainant made the following two prayers in this complaint and requested the consumer forum to provide him relevant relief.
Emami’s Response
In its response, Emami argued that the complaint is frivolous in nature and is not maintainable. It also denied that the complainant had used the cream for three weeks as per directions and there is no evidence to prove the same. In its defense, Emami made the following arguments,
Emami requested that the case be dismissed since it does not have any substance.
The Forum’s Order
The forum relied on the complainant’s version that Mr. Sharukh Khan has been used in the ads with a representation that using the cream gives a fair complexion to the user. The forum relied on the transcripts and video recordings of the advertisements that focus on ‘Behtar Gorapan’ or fair complexion.
The forum concluded that the advertisements depict that by application of the product, the complexion of the user changes from dark to wheatish and from wheatish to fair. The advertisements make a representation to the general public that, by the use of the product, they can achieve fair complexion.
The forum also held that this is in direct contrast with the defense taken by Emami wherein it has claimed that the use of the product improves the health and quality of skin.  It also held that no attempt has been made by Emami to show and justify the advertisements which hold out a promise of the skin getting fairer by the use of the product.
The forum held that the advertisements published make a misrepresentation to the public at large about the effectiveness of the product to change the complexion of the skin from dark to wheatish and  from wheatish to fair.  It, therefore, amounts to an unfair trade practice being adopted to sell its product. The forum also held Emami guilty of deficiency in service.
The forum directed Emami to;

created: November 13, 2015


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Contestant giving up an Immunity pin in MasterChef India is shared as her rejecting the 25 Lakh prize money - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
August 9, 2023
A social media post shares a photo of Aruna Jain, a contestant in the Season-7 of MasterChef India. The post Description claims that Aruna rejected a reward of 25 lakh rupees when she was asked to cook an egg-based dish. The post claims she withdrew from the 25 Lakh Prize race by refusing to cook eggs as a Jain. Let’s fact-check this claim through this article.
Claim: Aruna Jain, a MasterChef India contestant, refused to cook an egg-based dish and withdrew from the 25 Lakh Price race.
Fact: This incident happened in Season 7, Episode 24 of MasterChef India. Contestants were asked to cook an Egg-based dish. Aruna Vijay, who belongs to the Jain community, refused to cook an Egg-based dish owing to her faith-based principles and gave away her Immunity pin, which saves a contestant from elimination. Giving up an immunity pin does not mean a contestant has withdrawn from the competition. Hence, the claim made in the post is Misleading.
A thorough search on the Internet regarding this incident led us to an article published by Latestly where it was reported that MasterChef India contestant Aruna Vijay gave up her immunity pin, and she tweeted about it. The same incident was also mentioned in an article published by the Times of India about the controversies generated by the last season of MasterChef India.
After looking through the official YouTube channel (SET India) of Sony Entertainment TV, which aired this show, we found that this incident took place in Episode 24 (watch it here). When contestants were asked to prepare an egg based dish, Aruna Vijay refused to cook something she doesn’t use (Egg) and gave away her immunity pin. The immunity pin saves a contestant from elimination. About this incident, Aruna Vijay expressed herself through a now-deleted tweet in which she said, ‘I gave up the immunity pin for an egg, PROUD JAIN….‘
However, giving away an immunity pin does not mean that a contestant has rejected the prize money or has withdrawn from the competition; it means they have just lost the immunity against elimination in future episodes. Furthermore, Aruna Vijay continued her journey as a contestant until the final four, when she was eliminated. Here, you can see the episode in which she was eliminated. Here, you can watch the finale of this season in which Nayanjyothi Saikia won the contest.
To sum up, Aruna Vijay gave up her immunity pin but did not withdraw herself from the competition; in fact, she continued and even reached the final four.

created: August 9, 2023


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Controversial statements on the final of the Asia Cup 2023 cricket match are falsely attributed to the late Andrew Symonds. - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 19, 2023
A post is being shared on social media after Sri Lanka lost the final match of the Asia Cup 2023 to India, scoring just 50 runs after batting first. According to the post, former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds allegedly expressed his suspicion regarding how the Sri Lanka team turned up for the match. Let’s fact-check this claim through this article.
Claim: Andrew Symonds expressed his doubts about the Sri Lanka team’s performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final match, where they were all out for just 50 runs.
Fact: Andrew Symonds passed away in a motor accident in 2022. Random statements are being shared on social media linking them to him the context of India’s 10-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.
A basic keyword search on the internet to know whether Andrew Symonds made these comments on the Sri Lanka team’s credibility in the context of their loss against India in the Asia Cup 2023 final revealed that the Australian all-rounder died in 2022 in a car accident.
According to news reports (here, here, and here) from May 2022, he lost his life in a “single-vehicle auto accident near Townsville in northeast Australia. He was 46.” The cricket fraternity has shared their grief and paid their respects after his death. So, this makes it clear that the viral claim is false, as he could not make a statement on the Asia Cup 2023 final match, which happened in 2023.
To sum up, statements on the final of the Asia Cup 2023 cricket match are falsely attributed to the late Andrew Symonds.

created: September 19, 2023


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Conviction rate of Sec 498-A cases is among the lowest of all IPC Crimes
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 15, 2018
Sec 498-A of IPC has been one of the fiercely debated IPC sections, especially after multiple decisions of the Supreme Court. Between 2006 & 2016, the conviction rate for cases under this section is among the lowest conviction rates of all IPC crimes.
Further to the Supreme Court’s decision in 2014 ruling out automatic arrests in Sec 498-A cases,  the Supreme Court had issued important directions  in dealing with cases registered under Sec 498-A of the IPC. The Supreme Court had also directed in 2017 that family welfare committees be constituted by the District Legal Services Authority. The committee will look into all such cases filed under Sec 498-A and submit a report within one month. A three judge bench of the Supreme Court has now modified the 2017 judgment holding that the family welfare committees were an extra judicial authority and they cannot exercise statutory function. The bench however, upheld other directions given in the 2017 judgment. As different courts have in the recent past acknowledged the misuse of Sec 498-A, we look at the number of cases registered under this section and the corresponding conviction rate.
What is Section 498A?
Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code deals with domestic violence and cruelty towards women by the Husband or his family. It reads
Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty.—Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, “cruelty” means—
(a) any wilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman; or
(b) harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view to coercing her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security or is on account of failure by her or any person related to her to meet such demand.
What happened to these cases in the last 11 years?
The National Crime Records Bureau releases ‘All India Crime data’ every year. The report titled ‘Crime in India’ has detailed information on every type of crime registered. This report also has data on number of cases registered under the important IPC sections and their disposal by courts including Sec 498-A.
In the last 11 years between 2006 & 2016, the number of cases being filed under Sec 498-A of IPC is on the rise and there is more than 10% increase on average, in the number of pending cases each year. The number of pending cases at the end of 2016 is more than twice the number of pending cases at the end of 2006. At the end of 2006, 2.06 lakh cases were pending and this number increased to 5.15 lakh by the end of 2016, an increase of more than 150% in 11 years.
Acquittals increase while Convictions decrease
While the number of convictions was between 5000 and 8000 in each of these 11 years, the number of acquittals increased consistently. From 24404 acquittals in 2006, this number went up to 39248 in 2016, an increase of more than 60%. From the year 2012, the number of cases withdrawn has overtaken the number of convictions in each year. The number of convictions under Sec 498-A, in the year 2016, was the lowest in 11 years. In the last 11 years, for every case that resulted in conviction, five other cases resulted in an acquittal and one case was withdrawn with the net result being that only one out of every seven cases resulted in a conviction.
Conviction Rate of crimes under Sec 498-A Vs other IPC Crimes
While the number of cases registered under Sec 498-A is increasing each year, the conviction rate in these cases is falling. This could be because of false cases or the failure of the prosecution to prove that the accused were guilty of the offense. The conviction rate of cases under Sec 498-A was 21.9% in 2006 and dropped to 12.2% in 2016 while the average conviction rate in other IPC crimes remained at around 40% in these 11 years. In fact, the conviction rate of all IPC crimes has increased in the last two years where as the conviction rate of Sec 498-A cases was at its lowest 2016. The conviction rate of cases under 498-A was almost 1/4th the conviction rate for all other IPC crimes in the year 2016.
Conviction rate of Sec 498-A cases is among the lowest of all IPC crimes
The NCRB’s ‘Crime in India’ report categorizes crimes under various heads of the IPC. Till the year 2013, crimes were grouped into 23 categories. In 2014 & 2015, all IPC crimes were grouped into 34 different categories. In the year 2016, they were grouped into 32 categories. If one looks at the respective conviction rates of all the categories, cases registered under Sec 498-A (Cruelty by Husband & Relatives) have one of the lowest conviction rates. In 10 out of these 11 years between 2006 & 2016, the conviction rate of Sec 498-A cases was in the bottom three while it was in the bottom four in each of the 11 years. In 4 of the 11 years, this category had the lowest conviction rate of all IPC crimes. It also has to be noted that this category consistently figures in the top 10 in the number of cases registered.
Are False Cases on the rise?
There is no conclusive evidence apart from the falling conviction rate to prove that the false cases are on the rise. But the continuous fall in the conviction rate in itself is very alarming and will need a deeper analysis to understand the underlying causes.
Inputs by Prudhvi

created: September 15, 2018


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Conviction rate of Sec 498-A cases is among the lowest of all IPC Crimes
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 29, 2017
Sec 498-A of IPC has been one of the fiercely debated IPC sections, especially after multiple decisions of the Supreme Court. Between 2006 & 2015, the conviction rate for cases under this section has fallen continuously and is among the lowest conviction rates of all IPC crimes.
Further the Supreme Court’s decision in 2014 ruling out automatic arrests in Sec 498-A cases,  the Supreme Court has once again issued important directions in dealing with cases registered under Sec 498-A of the IPC. The Supreme Court has now directed that family welfare committees be constituted by the District Legal Services Authority. The committee will look into all such cases filed under Sec 498-A and submit a report within one month. The court also ruled that no arrests should be made before the committee submits its report. The court added that these rules will not apply to offences involving physical injuries or death. As different courts have in the recent past acknowledged the misuse of Sec 498-A, we look at the number of cases registered under this section and the corresponding conviction rate.
What is Section 498A?
Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code deals with domestic violence and cruelty towards women by the Husband or his family. It reads
Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty.—Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, “cruelty” means—
(a) any wilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman; or
(b) harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view to coercing her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security or is on account of failure by her or any person related to her to meet such demand.  What happened to these cases in the last 10 years?
The National Crime Records Bureau releases All India Crime data every year. The report titled ‘Crime in India’ has detailed information on every type of crime registered. This report also has data on number of cases registered under the important IPC sections and their disposal by courts.
In the last 10 years between 2006 & 2015, the number of cases being filed under Sec 498-A of IPC is on the rise and there is roughly a 10% rise in the number of pending cases each year. The number of pending cases at the end of 2015 is more than twice the number of pending cases at the end of 2006. At the end of 2006, 2.06 lakh cases were pending and this number increased to 4.77 lakh by the end of 2015, an increase of more than 130% in 10 years.
Acquittals increase while Convictions decrease
While the number of convictions was between 6000 and 8000 in each of these 10 years, the number of acquittals increased consistently. From 24404 acquittals in 2006, this number went up to 39658 in 2015, an increase of more than 60%. Since 2012, the number of withdrawn cases has been more than the number of convictions in each year. For every case that is resulting in conviction, 5 other cases are resulting in an acquittal and one case is withdrawn The net result is that only one out of every seven cases is resulting in conviction.
Conviction Rate of crimes under Sec 498A Vs other IPC Crimes
While the number of cases registered under Sec 498-A is increasing each year, the conviction rate in these cases is falling. This could be because of false cases or the failure of the prosecution to prove that the accused were guilty of the offense. The conviction rate of cases under Sec 498-A was 21.9% in 2006 and dropped to 14.2% in 2015 while the average conviction rate in other IPC crimes remained more or less at 40% each year and has in fact increased in the last two years. The conviction rate of cases under 498-A was less than 1/3rd of the conviction rate for all other IPC crimes.
Conviction rate of Sec 498-A cases is among the lowest of all IPC crimes
The NCRB’s ‘Crime in India’ report categorizes crimes various heads of the IPC. Till the year 2013, crimes were grouped into 23 categories. Since 2014, all IPC crimes are now grouped into 34 different categories. If one looks at the respective conviction rates of all the categories, cases registered under Sec 498-A (Cruelty by Husband & Relatives) have one of the lowest conviction rates. In 9 out of these 10 years, the conviction rate of Sec 498-A cases was in the bottom three while it was in the bottom four in each of the 10 years. In 3 of the 10 years, this category had the lowest conviction rate of all. It also has to be noted that this category consistently figures in the top 10 in the number of cases registered.
Are False Cases on the rise?
There is no conclusive evidence to prove that the false cases are on the rise. But the continuous fall in the conviction rate is alarming and will need a deeper analysis to understand the underlying causes.
Inputs by Prudhvi


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Copper Utensils, not gold coins, were unearthed from a farmer's land in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
December 14, 2022
A viral article on the internet, accompanied by a video, claims that a man named Hom Singh, who belongs to Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor, found 146 coins from the Harappan Civilization, which would be worth crores of rupees. Let’s fact-check this claim through this article.
Claim: Coins from the Harappan civilization era unearthed in a farmer’s field in UP’s Bijnor.
Fact: In 2016, a farmer in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, found a container filled with copper utensils which, according o the Archaeological Survey of India, most likely to belong to the Harappan Era. Major news outlets reported this incident but nowhere was it mentioned that 146 coins worth crores of rupees were found on the farmer’s land. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
We looked on the internet for news reports regarding the alleged unearthing of 146 coins in a farmer’s field in U.P’s Bijnor. The search led us to news reports (here and here) from 2016 about a similar story, but the only difference is that there was no mention of finding 146 coins. In July 2016, a farmer reportedly discovered copper utensils while digging a trench in his field in UP’s Bijnor.
The news of the farmer discovering these artefacts spread like wildfire back then in the local village. People started reaching the fields digging them in search of gold coins.
The viral article falsely claims these rumours that the farmer discovered gold in his fields as a true story. Few more news reports related to the unearthing of copper utensils can be read here and here. Except for this, there are no other news reports on the internet about a farmer discovering 146 coins in his field in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor.
To sum up, copper utensils, not gold coins, were unearthed from a farmer’s land in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor in 2016.

created: December 14, 2022


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‘Coronavirus’ mentioned on Dettol is previous strains of Coronavirus, not 2019-nCoV. - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
February 5, 2020
A photo of a Dettol bottle, manufactured in October 2019, is being shared widely on social media with a claim that Dettol can kill Coronavirus, as ‘Coronavirus’ is mentioned on the bottle. Also, social media users were questioning about how Dettol company knew about the Coronavirus back in October 2019 (novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first reported from Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019). Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
Dettol kills Coronavirus. The company knew about the Coronavirus back in October 2019.
Fact: The ‘Coronavirus’ mentioned on  Dettol bottle is the previous strains of Coronavirus, not the 2019 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Also, Dettol manufacturer (‘RB’) has clarified that they do not yet have more details of the new virus and are not yet in a position to confirm levels of effectiveness against the new strain. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
When searched about the news on Google, it was found that RB (Reckitt Benckiser), the manufacturer of Dettol, has given a clarification on the viral pictures claiming that Dettol can kill ‘2019-nCoV’ virus. In the Livemint article, it can be read that the company said, ‘As this is an emerging outbreak, RB, like all manufacturers, doesn’t yet have access to the new virus (2019-nCoV) for testing and, as a result, are not yet in a position to confirm levels of effectiveness against the new strain’.
On the WHO website, it can be read that ‘a novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. The new, or “novel” coronavirus, now called 2019-nCoV, had not previously detected before the outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.’. The ‘Coronavirus’ mentioned on the Dettol bottle is regarding some of the previous strains of Coronavirus, not about the 2019 novel Coronavirus. More information about the previous strains of Coronavirus and the 2019-nCoV can be seen here.
To sum it up, ‘Coronavirus’ mentioned on Dettol was about some previous strains of Coronavirus, not 2019-nCoV.
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created: February 5, 2020


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Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) can be stable on some surfaces (like plastic and stainless steel) for up to 72 hours (3 days) - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 21, 2020
A message is being shared widely on social media as being the logic behind ‘Janata curfew’ proposed by PM Modi. The message reads, ‘As carona virus life at one place is 12 hrs and Janta curfew is for 14 hrs so the places or points of public areas where carona may have survived will not be touched for 14 hrs and this will break the chain. What we get after 14 hrs will be a safer country’. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
Coronavirus can live only up to 12 hours on any surface.
Fact: According to a scientific study, Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was stable on some surfaces (like plastic and stainless steel) for up to 72 hours (3 days). Also, on the WHO website, it can be read that virus ‘may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days’. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
When searched about the survival period of Coronavirus on different surfaces, an article regarding a study conducted by scientists from the National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University was found on the ‘The New England Journal of Medicine’ website. The study evaluated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) (previously called ‘HCoV-19’) and SARS-CoV-1 (which infected more than 8,000 people in 2002 and 2003) in aerosols and on various surfaces and estimated their decay rates. (‘For surfaces, viruses were applied on copper, cardboard, steel and plastic maintained at 21-23°C and 40% RH over seven days.’)
In the study, it can be read that ‘SARS-CoV-2 was more stable on plastic and stainless steel than on copper and cardboard, and viable virus was detected up to 72 hours after application to these surfaces’. According to the study conducted by the scientists, the time period for which the virus remained infectious on some surfaces can be seen in the picture below:
On the WHO website, it can be read that ‘it is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days’. An analysis of earlier studies on similar coronaviruses can be read here.
Some prominent news agencies have also published articles, quoting the same study, that SARS-CoV-2 virus can be stable on some surfaces up to 72 hours, which can be read here and here. A study has found that ‘the arrival of summer (high temperature) and rainy season (high humidity) in the northern hemisphere may be able to reduce the transmission of the COVID-19’.
To sum it up, Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) can be stable on some surfaces (like plastic and stainless steel) for up to 72 hours (3 days).
Update: Press Information Bureau (PIB) has clarified that ‘There is no evidence to prove that the life of Coronavirus is of 12 hours’.
There is NO EVIDENCE to prove that #Coronavirus survives only for 12 hours.
Everyone is advised to follow #socialdistancing even after #JantaCurfew pic.twitter.com/oHnn70HLtO
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Coronaviruses were known to humans decades ago. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is just a new type of Coronavirus - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 27, 2020
A lot of posts with images and videos are being shared on Facebook with a claim that humans knew about COVID-19 much before its outbreak in 2020. While some have posted the video clip of a Netflix series (‘My Secret Terrius’) as a proof, others have posted an image of Ramesh Gupta’s Zoology textbook claiming that it contains the medicine for COVID-19. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
COVID-19 was known to humans before its outbreak in 2020.
Fact: The new SAR-CoV-2 virus (which cause COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019. All the old images and videos being shared on social media refer to the virus as Coronavirus, not as SAR-CoV-2 (or COVID-19). Coronaviruses were known to human decades ago. All the references made on social media were about the Coronaviruses, a general term for various viruses which cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Hence the claims made in the posts areMISLEADING.
On looking at both the image and video, it can be observed that both just refer to the term ‘Coronavirus’. On the WHO website, it can be read that ‘Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.’ So, just a reference to ‘Coronavirus’, in the image and video, cannot directly link them to the SAR-CoV-2 virus (a type of Coronavirus which causes COVID-19).
In the ‘Virology’ magazine published in 2012, it can be read that ‘coronavirus disease was first described in 1931, with the first coronavirus (HCoV-229E) isolated from humans in 1965’. Before COVID-19, two other disease outbreaks (SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS‐CoV in 2012) were also caused in humans by Coronaviruses. More information about the previous strains of Coronavirus and the SARS-CoV-2 (previously called as 2019-nCoV) can be seen here and types of Human Coronaviruses can be found be here.
In the Zoology textbook, it was given that ‘common cold is caused by various kinds of viruses. In 75 percent of cases, it is due to Rhinovirus and in remaining cases, it is due to Coronavirus’. It does not mention about SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. The medicines suggested in the book were for the treatment of common cold, not for COVID-19. On the WHO website, it can be read that, ‘to date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019’. Also, the Press Information Bureau has clarified that the viral message is ‘fake’.
कोरोना वायरस पर उपचार के भ्रामक संदेशो  से  सावधान  रहें  | #coronavirus infection  पर हमेशा  सटीक जानकारी के  लिए  स्वास्थ्य एवं  परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के  दिशानिर्देशों को  पढ़े | pic.twitter.com/h34a6AygeC
Coming to the video clip of Netflix series (‘My Secret Terrius’), it also just refers to the term ‘Coronavirus’ and says that the mortality rate of the new mutant virus is almost 90 percent. But, the overall mortality rate of COVID-19 was reported to be just around 5 percent. While the virus mentioned in the video clip affects a human in just 5 minutes, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has an incubation period of 1- 14 days. So, just a reference to ‘Coronavirus’ excited the social media users to share the video in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Previously, a photo of a Dettol bottle, manufactured in October 2019, was also shared with a claim that Dettol can kill the new coronavirus, as ‘Coronavirus’ was mentioned on the bottle. FACTLY has debunked the claim and wrote a fact-check article, which can be read here.
To sum it up, Coronaviruses were known to humans decades ago. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is just a new type of Coronavirus.
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Corporate Tax was not increased by Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2019-20 Budget - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 23, 2019
A post is being shared widely on social media with a claim that the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has increased the Corporate Tax in the Annual Budget 2019-20 and decreased it now. Amid the growing concerns over the economic slowdown, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman,  on 20th September 2019 announced a slew of tax exemptions. In this context the following post is being shared widely. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
Nirmala Sitharaman has increased the Corporate Tax in the Annual Budget 2019-20.
Fact: The Corporate Tax was not increased in the Annual Budget 2019-20. The lower rate of 25% Corporate Tax was extended to include all companies having an annual turnover up to Rs. 400 crores by the Finance Minister in the budget. Hence the claim made in the post is Misleading
In the 2019-20 budget speech of Nirmala Sitharaman, it can be found that the lower ‘Corporate Tax of 25%’ was extended to include all companies having an annual turnover up to Rs. 400 crores (previously the limit was Rs. 250 crores). She also said that this measure will cover 99.3% of the companies. The same can be also found in newspaper articles. Also, the Corporate Tax was not increased for the remaining companies.
To sum it up, the Corporate Tax was not increased by Nirmala Sitharaman in the Budget 2019-20.
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created: September 23, 2019


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Corporate tax was reduced to 22%, not Income Tax - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 24, 2019
A post is being shared widely on social media with a claim that a common man pays 30 per cent tax whereas Mukesh Ambani pays only 22 per cent tax. This comparison was posted in the context of the recently announced Corporate Tax rate reduction in India. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
While a common man is paying 30% tax, Mukesh Ambani is paying only 22% tax.
Fact: The Corporate Tax was reduced to 22%, not Income Tax. So Reliance Industries Limited would now have to pay a corporate tax of 22% on its profits. Mukesh Ambani as an individual would still be paying income tax as per his income bracket. Hence the claim made in the post is Misleading.
The new Corporate Tax rates announced recently by the Finance Minister can be found in an infographic tweeted by a Union Minister.
Government under Prime Minister @narendramodi ji has taken several measures to stimulate #economy and boost local manufacturing. Domestic companies including those incorporated after 1/10/2019 now have to pay lower #CorporateTax.@PMOIndia@FinMinIndia @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/rr0bwfOtoS
It can be seen that the new Corporate Tax rate (without exemption) for Domestic Companies is 22%. The new Effective Tax Rate including surcharge and cess would be 25.17%. These new tax rates would apply to the Corporate tax paid by the companies in which Mukesh Ambani is a major shareholder but not to his personal income. The Income Tax rates and slabs were not changed in the recent measures to boost the economy. According to the existing income tax slabs and rates, Mukesh Ambani would be paying more than 30% tax, depending on his income. The amount of taxes, cess and surcharges to be paid by an individual, based on his income, can be found in the ‘Economic Times’ article.
To sum it up, Corporate tax was reduced to 22%, not Income Tax. Mukesh Ambani would still pay more than 30% as Income tax if his income is more than Rs. 10 lakh.
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created: September 24, 2019


text:
Corrections Policy
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
May 24, 2024


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Council of Europe approves guidelines for civil participation in political decision making
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
October 5, 2017
Council of Europe has approved new guidelines for civil participation in political decision making. While some of the provisions in these guidelines are already contained of the Indian RTI act and other policies, the implementation is found wanting.
Participatory democracy is about the people participating in most aspects of legislative & government decision making. Though initiatives like participatory budgeting have been tried at various places across the world including Porto Alegre in Brazil and few other cities in the USA, the real essence of participatory democracy is yet to be witnessed. It is in this context that the Council of Europe’s approval to the guidelines for civil participation in political decision making assumes importance.
What is Council of Europe?
The Council of Europe (CoE) is an international organisation with 47 member states and was setup to promote democracy and protect human rights and the rule of law in Europe. This is different from the European Union. Its decisions act as guidelines for member states to come up with specific laws in certain areas. The Committee of Ministers is CoE’s statutory decision-making body and comprises the foreign ministers of all member states. It is this Committee of Ministers that approved the guidelines in its most recent meeting.
What do these guidelines say?
The introductory note of these guidelines mention participation of citizens to be at the heart of the idea of democracy. It goes onto say that participatory democracy, based on the right to seek to determine or to influence the exercise of a public authority’s powers and responsibilities, contributes to representative and direct democracy and also that the right to civil participation in political decision-making should be secured to individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society at large.
There are 4 main types of civil participation outlined in these guidelines
Provision of information:  At all stages of decision making, all appropriate information should be presented in clear and easily understandable language and in an appropriate and accessible format, without undue administrative obstacles and, in principle, free of charge, in accordance with open data principles. Public authorities should provide the widest possible access, both offline and online, to key documents and information without restrictions on analysis and re-use of such information.
Consultation: Views on policy should be collated as a part of official procedure from individuals, NGOs etc. through various tools, such as meetings, public hearings, focus groups, surveys, questionnaires and digital tools.  Public authorities should provide publicly available feedback on the outcome of consultations, particularly information giving reasons for any decisions finally taken.
Dialogue:  Dialogue is a structured, long-lasting and results-oriented process which is based on mutual interest in the exchange of opinions between public authorities, individuals, NGOs and civil society at large. Public authorities, NGOs and civil society at large may consider establishing different platforms as a permanent space for dialogue and participation. Such platforms may include regular public hearings, public forums, advisory councils or similar structures.
Active involvement: Active involvement refers to opportunities for civil participation in decision-making processes provided by public authorities to individuals, NGOs and civil society at large that extend beyond the provision of information, consultation or dialogue. It may include working groups or committees for the co-development of documents with transparent criteria and processes for the representation of individuals and NGOs.
The CoE has asked member states to adapt rules that can enable the public authorities to make use of these guidelines. It has also asked the member states to widely disseminate these guidelines and help in assessing the implementation of these guidelines.
What about India?
The Indian Right to Information Act (RTI), widely considered as one of the best in the world already has some provisions outlined in these guidelines. Section 4 of the act has provisions for publishing all the relevant facts while formulating important policies and also provides for disclosure of reasons for administrative & quasi-judicial decisions to the affected persons. It also provides for dissemination of such information in the most easily accessible formats.  But in practice, these provisions are rarely implemented. Information on projects, policies in an easily understandable manner is rarely made available by governments.
In February 2014,  the then UPA government came up with a pre-legislative consultation policy. The policy talks about making the draft legislations/policies available on the internet including justification, essential elements, financial implication etc.  and seeking opinion of various stake holders including affected groups.
These days, it is largely being done through the internet where opinion/feedback is sought through the MyGov portal. While this is  a welcome development, there is a need for sharing relevant information in greater detail, multiple formats so that the process does not exclude those who do not use the internet. Central & State Governments should also work towards providing multiple platforms/forums for consultation & dialogue beyond the internet and make the findings & submissions of such consultations public.

created: October 5, 2017


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Countries that extend Visa on Arrival to Indians & the Number of Political Parties
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
August 10, 2015
This week, we look at the list of countries that extended visa-on-arrival or require no visa or extended-visa facility to Indian Passport Holders. We also look at the number of political parties in the country. This number is sure to surprise you. The Union Government in its endeavour to simplify administrative procedures has asked various central ministries & state governments to adopt self certification as a valid policy and do away with affidavits/attestation in a time bound manner.
Countries that extend Visa on Arrival to Indians
As per information available with the Ministry of External Affairs, the following countries have either extended the facility of visa-on-arrival or require no visa or have extended e-Visa facility to Indian passport holders.
Bahrain, Bhutan, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Cote d”Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Macau, Madagascar, Malaysia (visa on arrival under certain condition), Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Palau, Reunion Island, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka (Electronic Travel Authorization), Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Similarly, Indian e-Tourist Visa is available for the passport holders of the following countries.
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Vietnam.
Number of Political Parties in India
While the number of political parties in India is way higher than other countries with the myriad regional & local parties, the actual count is bound to surprise one and all. As of July 2015, there are a total of 1866 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India. Out of these, only 56 political parties are recognised (National/State) political parties and the remaining are un-recognised registered political parties.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha Election, only 464 political parties set up candidates. To control this proliferation of political parties, The Law Commission in its 255th Report has recommended for the de-registration of a political party for failure to contest Parliamentary or State elections for ten consecutive years. The recommendations made in the Report are under consideration of the Government.
Self Certification Vs Attestation
The process of attestation of certificates by a Notary or a Gazetted Government officer has over time, become an unnecessary burden on the citizens. The Union Government has gone ahead with the abolition of affidavits and adoption of self-certification. All the Central Ministries/Departments have been requested to do away with the provision of affidavits and attestation wherever possible. State/UT Governments have also been requested to explore the possibility of abolishing them in a phased and time bound manner.
Subsequently, Central Ministries/Departments and States/UTs are being requested to review the requirement and to replace it with self-certification. The services in which this requirement has been abolished largely relate to birth and death certificates, admissions, Government jobs, caste and SC/ST Certificates, etc. Till date, 27 State/UTs and 50 Central Ministries/Departments have taken action in this regard. The West Bengal Government has issued a detailed order in this regard.


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Despite simplification of guidelines, In-Country Adoption on the decline in India. Down 40% in 7 years
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 3, 2018
While the adoption rules in India have been simplified over the years, the In-Country adoption numbers have decreased substantially (by over 40%) in the last 7 years. Most In-Country adoptions are from Maharashtra while USA is the destination of most Inter-Country adoptions.
To simplify the process of adoption of orphaned or abandoned children and bring in greater transparency in the process, the Government of India has issued the ‘Adoption Regulations 2017’, improving on the 2015 guidelines. These new regulations came into force from 16th January 2017.  While one of the stated goals of the new guidelines is to expand the adoption base and streamline the adoption process, the same is yet to be realized.  The number of ‘In-Country’ adoptions have gone down by over 40% in the last 7 years as per government data.
Among other things, the new regulations include
What is the eligibility criteria for Prospective Adoptive Parents?
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the designated nodal agency to co-ordinate the entire adoption process. CARA is also the designated Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003.
The new guidelines lay down the clear eligibility criteria for Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP).  The eligibility criteria include
Psychological Assessment now mandatory for Inter-Country adoptions
After the infamous Sherin Mathews case, the government has now made Psychological Assessment  mandatory for all registered Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) including NRIs/OCIs/Foreign parents. The rules have since been modified to make the assessment mandatory even for relative adoption.
In country adoptions down by more than 40% in 7 years
As per data available on the CARA website and other data shared by the government in parliament, the In-Country adoption number has come down from 5693 in 2010 to 3276 in 2017-18. The Inter-Country adoptions have been going up and down in these 7 years. The worrying aspect is that the number of In-Country adoptions haven’t increased despite simplification of guidelines.
More female children are adopted than male
As per data with CARA, more female children are being adopted compared to the male children in each of the last 4 years as far as In-Country adoption is concerned.  While 5770 male children were adopted between 2013-14 and 2016-17, 8363 female children were adopted during the same period.
The trend is more or less similar even in Inter-Country adoption. While 615 male children were adopted between 2013-14 and 2016-17, 1433 female children were adopted during the same period.
Maharashtra leads in In-Country adoptions
Among the various states, Maharashtra leads with more than 20% of the total adoptions in the country in each of the last 5 years. Eleven (11) different states have seen more than 100 adoptions in each of the last five years. Almost all the southern states are in the top ten in terms of adoption numbers.
USA, Italy & Spain account for more than half of all the Inter-Country adoptions
Individuals from the three countries of USA, Italy & Spain have accounted for at least 50% of the Inter-Country adoptions in each of the last 5 years. In fact, most of the countries in the top-half in the list of Inter-Country adoptions are from Europe. Only Canada & USA from the Americas and UAE from the Middle East are also part of this list. USA has consistently accounted for close to 1/3rd of all the Inter-Country adoptions. In the last 4 years, individuals from 35 different countries have adopted children from India.
More than 19000 Parents waiting for In-Country adoption
As per data shared by the government in the Rajya Sabha, more than 19000  Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) were waiting for In-Country adoption as of March 2018 while 838 PAPs were waiting for Inter-Country adoption. At the current rate, it might take many years before the list is cleared.

created: September 3, 2018


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Courts issue important directions about importance of Anganwadi centres
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 19, 2021
In this edition of the roundup of important court judgments, we look at cases where the courts issue important directions about the importance of Anganwadi centres, discharge of untreated effluents into rivers, right to privacy of inter-faith couples, and advertisements propagating sale of items claiming supernatural/miraculous powers.
SC directs reopening of Anganwadi centres outside containment zones
In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) titled Dipika Jagatram Sahani vs. Union of India and others, the Supreme Court directed the reopening of Anganwadi Centres (outside the containment zones), which were closed due to pandemic.
The court held that the provision of food grains, as per the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013 is a statutory obligation on the State. In accordance with the statutory requirements of the Act, Anganwadi centres provide nutritional support to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The pandemic has caused severe strain on the employment and means of livelihood of a large sections of the society especially marginal sections. Inadequate supply of nutritious food to the citizens, more particularly to the children and the women shall affect their health. Therefore, the court held that the same shall be in violation of their fundamental right to health/right to live with dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The judgement highlights that the Government of India by its guidance note permitted all the States and Union Territories to open Anganwadi Centres. Hence, it is the obligation of the States/Union Territories to take decision for opening of these centres. Several States/Union Territories have already started running the centres.
The judgment also mentions that in the month of September 2020, the National Human Rights Commission issued an advisory on Right to food security and nutrition in context of COVID-19, stating that all ICDS centres should be recognised as essential services and reopened with adequate safety protocols.
In conclusion, the bench of Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice Subhash Reddy and Justice M.R. Shah was of the view that unless there are any specific reasons for not opening of Anganwadi Centres, all Anganwadi Centres beyond the containment zones should be made functional by all the States/Union Territories at an early date. The judgement also clarified that centres situated in the containment zone shall not be opened till the containment continues.
The court also asserted that the decision for not opening Anganwadi centres in any State/Union Territories or any part of State/Union Territory shall be taken only under the direction of the State Disaster Management Authority.
It further directed all States/Union Territories to issue necessary orders regarding monitoring and supervision of Anganwadi Centres to ensure that the benefit reaches the beneficiaries and a Complaint Redressal Mechanism be put in place in each district.
SC takes Suo Moto Cognizance on the issue of “remediation of polluted rivers”
While hearing a petition filed by Delhi Jal Board seeking urgent directions on the Haryana Government to stop the discharge of untreated effluents resulting in a rise of ammonia levels in Yamuna river, the court took suo moto action on the issue of contamination of rivers by sewage effluents and directed that the mandate is implemented by municipalities as far as the discharge of sewage into rivers is concerned.
The bench of Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde, Justice A.S. Bopanna, and Justice V. Ramasubramanian observed that non treated/ partially treated municipal waste and effluents are one of the major causes of water pollution.
The judgement expressed that deterioration of the quality of freshwater has a direct correlation with the quality of public health. The court observed that it has become necessary, to compare the costs of prevention and control of water pollution against its effects on human health including treatment, indirect economic costs, and damage to flora and fauna.
The bench also referred to the judgement in Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India, (2000) and held that the right to a clean environment and further, pollution-free water has been protected under the broad rubric of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21.
It highlighted that over the years, there have been many legislative and executive actions to ensure this basic right of pollution-free water. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was enacted with an objective to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water. The Act prohibits the use of any stream or well for disposal of polluted matter.
The court notes that although the mandate of law is clear as far as setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and stoppage of sewage effluents in surface water are concerned, it is often found as highlighted by the Delhi Jal Board petition that either the sewage is not treated through a plant before being discharged or the treatment plants are not functional or incapacitated.
In conclusion, the court directed for taking up a suo moto action on the issue of remediation of polluted rivers. The court issued notices to the State of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh along with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Central Board of Pollution Control.
The SC also directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a report identifying municipalities along the river Yamuna, which have not installed total treatment plants for sewage as per the requirement or have gaps in ensuring that the sewage is not discharged untreated into the river and to also submit a priority-wise list of Municipalities, the river stretches adjacent to which have been found to be most polluted.
Allahabad HC: Mandatory publication of notice under the Special Marriage Act 1954 (SMA) violate Right to Liberty and Privacy
In the case of Safiya Sultana vs. State of Uttar Pradesh, the high court held that the requirement of publication of notice of intended marriage under Section 6 and inviting/entertaining objections under Section 7 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 is not mandatory.
The court was hearing the plea filed by an inter-faith couple who expressed that they could have solemnized their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 but the said Act requires a 30 days’ notice to be published and objections to be invited from the public at large. They expressed that any such notice would be an invasion of their privacy and would have definitely caused unnecessary social pressure/interference in their free choice with regard to their marriage. They further stated that such a challenge is being faced by a large number of similarly situated persons who desire to build a life with a partner of their own choice.
In view of Sections 6 & 7 and more specifically in view of the punitive consequences under Section 46, the publication of notice under Section 6 and inviting objections and decision thereupon under Section 7 is treated as mandatory under this act. Thus, the Officers have always published a notice of intended marriage and invited objections. Marriages under the Act of 1954 are only solemnized after a period of thirty days of notice or after the decision on the objections, in the case filed.
The judgement cites the 59th, 212nd, 242nd Report of the Law Commission of India, which proposed amendments in the Act of 1954 as well as in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Among a host of recommendations, one was to simplify the procedure under the Act and remove the requirement for publication of notice of intended marriage. However, the Bills proposed by the Law Commission in its reports No. 212 (2008) and 242 (2012) are still pending consideration.
The judgment also takes note of previous cases of inter-faith or inter-caste marriages where people approached the court upon suffering from unnecessary objection to their intended marriage or violence at the hands of family members, relatives, or other non-state actors. It also takes note of the fact that marriages in India can be performed either under personal laws or under the Act of 1954. The marriages under personal laws do not require publication of any notice or calling for objections regarding such a marriage.
In conclusion, the high court held that on their simplistic reading, sections 6 and 7 of the Special Marriages Act 1954 are mandatory and hence they violate the fundamental rights of liberty and privacy, including within its sphere freedom to choose for marriage without interference from state and non-state actors, of the persons concerned. The judgement directed that such publication of notice and the further procedure can only be read as a directory in nature, to be given effect only on request of parties to the intended marriage and not otherwise. In case they do not make such a request for publication of notice in writing while giving notice under Section 5 of the Act, the Marriage Officer shall not publish any such notice or entertain objections to the intended marriage and proceed with the solemnization of the marriage.
Bombay HC: Bans propagation for sales if item claiming miraculous or supernatural powers via a television advertisement
In the case Rajendra v. UOI and others, the high court was hearing a petition filed to prevent the advertisement made on TV channels by which there is the promotion of the sale of articles like Hanuman Chalisa Yantra claiming that it possesses special, miraculous, and supernatural properties/ qualities. In the advertisement, there was a claim that by using aforesaid Yantra, the businessmen who were making losses had started making huge profits, the persons who were not having employment had got employment, the persons who had lost hope to make career had made career in service, the students had improved their performance, sick persons had recovered from illness and the persons who were not having any prospects of marriage had got married. Celebrities like Manoj Kumar (the then renowned film producer, writer, director, actor), Anuradha Paudwal (singer), and Anup Jalota (singer) were shown in the advertisement and their experiences were quoted. The plea stated this was false propaganda made to exploit persons who are superstitious by nature.
A bench of Justice Tanaji Nalawade and Justice Mukund Sewlikar held that the propagation for sale by the advertisement of any article with representation that these articles have special, miraculous, and supernatural properties/qualities are illegal and such propagation, advertisement falls under Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
The judgement also highlights the “Programme Code” of the Television Networks Act 1995 which lays down ethics for advertisements on TV channels.
Therefore, the court held that the TV channel, which is telecasting such advertisement, is also liable under the provisions of the Maharashtra act banning black magic.
The bench directed the state government to see that the telecast of such advertisement on TV channels is immediately stopped in coordination with the authority created by the Central Government under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. It also directed the State to register crimes by giving reports against the persons, who are making such advertisement and who are selling such articles.
Featured Image: Review of court decisions

created: January 19, 2021


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COVAX agreement between 190 countries is misconstrued as that for the vaccine being developed in India - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 6, 2021
A post claiming that 190 countries have pre-booked the Bharat Biotech COVID-19 vaccine, which is being developed in India is being shared on social media. This is being touted as the Modi government’s success. Through this article let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: 190 countries have pre-booked the Bharat Biotech COVID-19 vaccine that India has developed.
Fact: Covaxin which is being developed by Bharat Biotech is the only indigenous vaccine that is approved for emergency use. It is not currently distributed among other countries as Bharat Biotech is not among the signatories under the COVAX Facility. The COVAX agreement is to facilitate vaccine distribution to the 190 participating countries in which Serum Institute is a signatory. This is being misconstrued as 190 countries have pre-booked the Bharat Biotech COVID-19 vaccine developed in India. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
COVAX:
In order to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 and to ensure everyone in the world has access to the vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Access to COVID-19 tools (ACT) Accelerator in April 2020, which facilitates global collaboration on equitable access to tests, treatments, and vaccines against COVID-19. Further, the ACT-Accelerator is divided into four pillars of work – diagnostics, treatment, vaccines and strengthening health systems.
COVAX, one of the pillars under the ACT which deals with vaccine research, development, and manufacturing of a wide range of COVID-19 vaccine candidates and negotiate their pricing was launched by WHO, European Commission and France in response to this pandemic. COVAX is expected to achieve this with the Coordination of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. The initial aim is to have 2 billion doses available by the end of 2021. COVAX is the only global initiative that is working with multiple governments and manufacturers to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are available worldwide to both higher-income and lower-income countries.
Within the COVAX pillar, Gavi which deals with the procurement and delivery of vaccine for COVAX has created a COVAX Facility which acts like a pooled procurement mechanism. This is to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines which is not based on countries’ relative wealth. The facility is reinforced by the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), which provides funding for vaccines for lower-income countries who have engaged in the COVAX Facility. On the other hand, CEPI deals with vaccine research and development portfolio for COVAX. Until now CEPI has invested in 10 vaccine candidates. Of these, 9 are still in development and 7 are in clinical trials.
COVAX has agreements in place with 190 participating and eligible economies to access nearly 2 billion doses of vaccine candidates in the first half of 2021. Gavi aims to facilitate at least 1.3 billion doses to 92 eligible economies under Gavi COVAX AMC.
Bharat Biotech’s Vaccine being developed in India:
India’s Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on 02 January 2021 has announced the formal approval for restricted use in emergency situations of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech. Serum Institute of India (SII) has signed an agreement with Gavi and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation under COVAX facility to manufacture 200 million doses of the vaccine developed by the Oxford-AstraZeneca. Under this agreement, vaccine doses will be supplied to all the 190 participating countries. From this, it is evident that SII is a manufacturing partner for Oxford-AstraZeneca under the COVAX agreement.
Covaxin which is being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR and National Institute of Virology (NIV) is the only indigenous vaccine that has been approved for emergency use. However, this has not been featured in any of the lists of agreements by COVAX and CEPI, which means the vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech may not be distributed to other countries part of this agreement. The COVAX agreement to facilitate vaccine distribution between the 190 participating countries in which SII is a signatory is misconstrued as 190 countries having pre-booked the Bharat Biotech vaccine developed in India.
To sum it up, the COVAX agreement to facilitate vaccine distribution between the 190 participating countries in which SII is a signatory is misconstrued as 190 countries having pre-booked the Bharat Biotech vaccine developed in India.

created: January 6, 2021


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COVID-19 2nd Wave: What do numbers look like in UP, Delhi,AP
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
May 6, 2021
In continuation of our previous story on the 2nd wave of COVID and the broad trends in Maharashtra, Karnataka & Kerala, we look at the states of UP, Delhi, AP, Tamil Nadu and others in this story. Each state is reporting a different trend on various parameters. Here are the details.
After reporting more than 4 lakh new COVID-19 cases in a single day on 30 April 2021, the number of daily news has been less than 4 lakh in the last few days.  As highlighted in the previous story analyzing the trends in few of the states, this slight decrease can be attributed to an extent to the fall in number of cases in Maharashtra. The state continues to report a downward trend and is expected to further improve with specific lockdown measures in continuation of the earlier lockdown initiated based on the prevailing situations in different cities & districts.
Meanwhile, the lockdown measures initiated in Karnataka starting 27 April 2021, have not yet shown a discernible impact on the COVID-19 case numbers, with the state reporting second-ever highest single day COVID-19 positive cases on 04 May 2021. As for Kerala, the trend highlighted in the earlier story continues, with around 37 thousand cases reported on 04 May after lower numbers were reported over the weekend.
Apart from these states, there are other states that are reporting relatively higher numbers on a daily basis. In this second part of the story, we take a look at few of these states.
In UP, the number of new daily cases shows a decline, but deaths are increasing
The most populated state in the country, Uttar Pradesh (UP) currently has the fourth-highest number of COVID-19 cases with around 13.68 lakh cases reported so far. When compared to the first wave, the number of new daily cases being reported in the state is more prominent among the states.
The state reported a 7-day average of around 1.3 thousand cases by the beginning of April 2021, which increased by nearly 10 times by mid-April. By the end of April 2021, around 34 thousand cases per day were being reported. In fact, the highest number of cases in UP were reported on 29 April 2021 when more than 35 thousand new cases were reported.
Since then, the number of new cases has seen a declining trend with around 25 thousand cases reported on 04 May 2021.
It has to be noted that these trends are based on the information furnished by the official government sources. However, there are news reports of under-reporting in UP as is the case many other states.  The official available data for UP indicates that the state may be in early phases of recovery akin to the trend observed in Maharashtra.
Delhi shows early signs of flattening with fewer cases and increased recoveries
One of the states which has been always in the news during the second wave of COVID-19 is Delhi. Being the National Capital Region, the situation in Delhi has received prominent national & international media coverage.
This does reflect in the numbers being reported by the official sources. The state started reporting around 10 thousand daily cases by 10 April 2021. It has to be noted that only around one thousand new daily cases were being reported during the last week of March 2021. By the last week of April, the 7-day average for the number of new daily cases was around 25 thousand i.e., an increase of 25 times within a month.  Currently the average is around 22 thousand cases in a day.
A.P & Tamil Nadu still reporting an increasing trend of new COVID-19 cases
Apart from Karnataka, which is yet to reach its peak, two other southern states i.e., Andhra Pradesh (AP) & Tamil Nadu (TN) are also reporting an increasing trend of COVID-19 cases.
Despite the similarity in the broad trends, variances do exist between the two states on various other indicators.
Andhra Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
Based on the trends for both AP & TN, it can be said that the states are yet to reach their peak.  The recent State election activity in Tamil Nadu could be a contributing factor for the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
Tamil Nadu has recently come-up with new lockdown rules, so is the case with Andhra Pradesh which has come up with more stringent lockdown measures. It remains to be seen if these lockdown measures would eventually ensure reduction in the case numbers.
W.B & Chhattisgarh show higher recoveries in proportion to the new cases, while the number of tests in Telangana has reduced
Apart from these states, here is a snapshot of other prominent and larger states that have reported higher COVID-19 numbers:
This is a snapshot of a few of the states reporting higher numbers. While lower numbers are being reported in the last few days, it remains to be seen if the trend holds in the coming weeks.
With few of the major states starting to peak, we could witness an increase in cases in the coming few days to weeks.  However, concerns remain about under-reporting & reduced testing in states.
Featured Image: COVID-19 2nd Wave