Concept of Rtu Sandhi(Seasonal junctions)

Everything in the nature has a systematic change, which is generally gentle. So, the seasonal changes too. Though we represent these changes annually based on some incidence like rainfall, snowfall, shedding of leaves and so on, it’s not just a momentary shift in the climate but a gradual transformation. There exists a time period in which both the consecutive season intermingle and interact. This duration is of great importance since it’s the gap junction for people to prepare themselves for the upcoming season by letting go with the preceding seasonal regimes. In Ayurveda, this time frame is called as Rtu sandhi. ( Rtu- season, Sandhi- Joint).

Ashtangahrudhaya sutrasthana, explains the concept of Rtu sandhi in a special chapter dedicated to seasonal regimes. It’s also mentioned about the significance of Rtu sandhis. “ The last seven days of a season and the first seven days of the next season is considered to be of period of climatic transition. In this period, one should taper the regimes of previous Rtu and practice those of the next rtu in a gradual phased manner. Immediate abandoning and adoption of regimens will cause various diseases due to improper adaptation.”

 Significance of Rtu sandhi between Sarat and Hemanta.

With the arrival of autumn, we begin to notice the beauty in the shifting leaves outside and the crisp chill that signifies the end of summer. But, as we shift from shorts and swimsuits to sweaters and scarves, it is important to recognize the ways in which our bodies adjust to the seasons internally. Bare branches and orange leaves scattered about the grass make the changes in our external environment obvious, but our physical response to the shift in seasons is often much more subtle.

The most common response to these seasons is drier skin. This can be attributed to the decrease in temperature and humidity in the atmosphere, which forces the skin to work harder to maintain hydration. This means that every seasonal change in weather acts like a shock to the system, disrupting the typical chemical balance of our skin and causing dryness and sometimes severe acne. . If we analyze these seasons in Ayurvedic perspective, the aggravated Pitta during Sarat rtu will come back to its normalcy during the course of Hemanta Rtu (Early winter). Vata dosha will back to its normalcy during Sarat and on the other hand Kapha dosha starts accumulating in the Hemanta(Early winter). When these twists and turns in the Doshic status occur, the Rtu sandhi between Sarat and Hemanta is greatly important.

Like many other mammals, humans are known to store fat during the winter months. In Ayurvedic aspect also both Hemantha and Sisira seasons are considered as the period for accumulation of Kapha. The body does this kind of metabolic effort to preserve body heat and to counter the aggressive agni not to cause further depletion of Dhatus(Body tissue).

At Psychological level.

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, can cause major depressive episodes, usually beginning in late autumn and early winter.(Rtu sandhi) The journal Archives of General Psychiatry found that SAD causes individuals to secrete the hormone melatonin for longer periods during winter nights than during summer nights. This implies that SAD drives people to sleep more during the winter even when their bodies are fully rested. Similarly, the Journal of Psychosomatic Research published a study in which participants slept nearly three hours more each day in October than any other time of year. They linked the results of this study to the fact that hypersomnia, the medical term for excessive daytime sleepiness, sometimes occurs when the air starts to crisp up as it does in the Autumn. So, during the transition period of Autumn(Sarat) and Hemanta( Early winter) , its quite challenging for the body to cop up with these change.

As the Sarat – Hemanta transition is represented as the interplay between decrease of aggravated Pitta on one hand and accumulation of Kapha on the other hand , this kapha will increase the Tamoguna properties that will make people more gloomy and depressed though the Pitta will try to make the digestive fire comparatively active.

The way of seasonal improvisations.

Intake of sweet substances is equally recommended in both Sarat and Hemanta Rtu. So, Rtu sandhi regimes no need to be altered in this regard. But, Taking Tikta(Bitter), and Kashaya(Astringent ) tastes has to be reduced by incorporating more Amla( Sour) and Lavana(Salty) tastes in the diet. Taking food items with Ruksha(dry) properties and are laghu(light) like Rice, Green gram, Gooseberry, snake gourd, Honey, and meat of animals living in arid land, are to be reduced. And Simultaneously, intake of more Snigha(Oily) substances has to be increased. People should start taking meat soups, Alcoholic beverages without getting addicted, blackgrams, sugarcane juice, Milk products, sesame oil etc judiciously. These food regimes mentioned in authentic texts may not be available in our daily diet plan. So, we have to understand the idea behind these sayings and to apply it suitably with respect to the Rasas (Tastes) mentioned. Tastes in this context is not just a palatable sensation. But it’s an ayurvedic way of expressing a substance based on its physiological impact in the body.

The application of oils and gentle body massage can be started during the time of this Rtu sandhi. Otherwise, subjecting oneself to high pressure body massages and exercises as a part of Hemanta rtu charya will lead to aggravation of Vata and that will cause further depletion of dhatus. Use of Hot water for toiletry purpose is also to be considered as a lifestyle modification during this period. People have to be prepared with thick cloths and other attires inorder to welcome the winter.

The concept of Rtu sandhi is a logical approach. The idea is in fact a safety valve to systematically incorporate the seasonal regimes without getting inflicted by the wrath of any season. As the global climate is getting more extreme year after year, its high time that we should follow the seasonal regimes properly in order to keep ourselves healthy.

Ayurvedic Recommendations for Early winter season.

World climate is so diverse. Its influenced not just by the distance from the sun but also by other regional factors like wind speed, distance from the sea, ocean currents, shape of the land, distance from the equator and many geographical phenomena.. These diversities result on changes in culture, food habit, clothing, types of shelter and other lifestyles. So, it is necessary to interpreted Ayurvedic concepts of Rtu charya(Seasonal regimes) in accordance with climatic region on which its about to apply..

Ayurveda enumerate six seasons namely Sisira (Extreme winter), Vasanta (Spring), Greeshma ( Summer) Varsha (Rainy ), Sarath ( Autumn), Hemanta (Early winter). Each one of these six season has direct impact on three doshas, either by increasing or decreasing each doshas. This disbalance can be corrected with proper Dinacharya ( daily routine ) and Rtucharya ( Seasonal regimes).

One of the most crucial season for people who are in northern temperate region is winter. Ayurveda considers Hemanta as early winter and Sisira as extreme winter. In hemanta, cold atmosphere increases Agni (the digestive power) and in the absence of adequate food, it break down body tissues. Inorder to prevent this depletion, it is advisable to consume Madhura(sweet), Amla( Sour) and Lavana(Salty) rasas. These rasas will increase Kapha and decrease Vata.

Daily routines.

During Hemanta, people who may sleep earlier as the night falls soon, will feel hungry in the early morning itself. After doing their morning routine, they have to do Abhyanga ( oil massage), Murdhataila ( oil application on head), with vata pacifying preparations. High pressure massages with feet is also mentioned in this context by the name Padaghata. After these exercises, the ideal shower should be with water added with drug powders that are kashaya rasas ( Astringent ). The logic behind using kashaya rasas is to remove oils after the massage properly. These kashaya rasa substances are generally Ruksha( Dry) in property that can wipe out the snigda ( oily) in the body. One can use barks of Panchavalkala( group of 5 types of banyan tree) to prepare the water for bathing. If not so available, can use any toiletries that can remove the oil from the body properly. Ayurvedic texts also advice the people to apply paste of saffron and musk on the body and fumigate with agar. Although its not very practical in today’s lifestyles, people can take steam bath without such external applications as well. New year resolutions of youth to start going to Gym, is also supported by Ayurveda with respect to the seasonal regimes it mentions. Its also helps people to keep the body warm enough.

The Diet.

The Ashtanga Hridaya text tells us that the 3 primary tastes we must eat in Hemanta Ritu are Madhura (sweet) Amla (sour) & Lavana (salty).Meats and meat soups prepared with oils/fats, salty and sour juices of healthy aquatic and marshy animals are specifically recommended. In this season, we should regularly eat preparations of cow’s milk, sugarcane juice, fats, oils (like sesame oil), beverages made with molasses & rice flour, pastries made with wheat or rice flour or black gram, new rice (from fresh paddy). We should also regularly drink warm water throughout the day in winter inorder to assure proper digestion. Its better to avoid taking raw vegetables in this season. Though we have a strong digestive fire, there is a chance of getting indigestion after eating raw vegetables as the atmosphere is comparatively cold.

Lifestyle adaptations.

Ayurveda suggests thick clothing in this season. Usage of blankets, hot water for toiletry purposes, thick shoes and Fomentation therapies are highly recommended. It is also said that the one who stays underground, warmed with burning charcoal at the hearth will never be affected with intense cold. The intention of these lifestyle changes is to keep the body warm without being subjected to hypothermia. Ayurveda also says, Hemanta season is very suitable for having sex though the popular social media campaign NNN stands in contrary to it during the month of November.

To sum up, Hemanta season is a period of increased Agni. Our digestive capability will be more in thus season so that we have to consume heavy foods to satisfy the biofire. Lifestyle modifications to keep out the cold is to be practiced based on the situation at which one lives. Exercises are also recommended to develop the physique and also to maintain the body temperature. By following such principles, one can get the best out of this season without any if its negative impacts so that the lifespan of the individual will be increased.

New age Yoga, a Corporate media creativity

 Did you see a beautiful lady with popularly idealistic body measurements pausing for a provocative posture in pictures..? Yes That's how the new age yoga works.Let us examine how the word 'Yoga' plays its art of misinformation and disinformation in today's health concious population. Let us also critically analyse whether there is any need to celebrate Yoga this much..

Scientific or spiritual is the better way of advertisements??

You can consider Yoga in whatever way that suits you. If you are a medical professional, you can choose it as a way of treatment. If you are a counselor / therapist, you can consider it as a meditation tool. But the problem is, what it can assure more than a regular exercise? If you want to make your body flexible, there are routine exercises other than Yoga, that can have better guaranteed results. But why people prefer Yoga now a days?? The reason is the way its portrayed in the media with the help of some hyper flexible yoga practitioners, predominantly women. If you simply do an image search of the word Yoga, you will not see any men doing Yoga.People will get amazed on such pictures and aspires to try with some level of curiosity, attraction and hope. Yes,the success of 'Yoga' is just the success of its advertisements that suitably mixed up with beauty consciousness and health consciousness in a culturally, traditionally, medically and spiritually plastered outfit. This is what makes Yoga different. The bogus claims made by some Yoga practitioners are more mythical than scientific.

Yoga vs poverty and casteism.

Can you imagine a poor man doing yoga except in a street circus.?? Yes, may be a saint. That's what am trying to say.. Yoga is considered as a divine way of life, almost similar to vegan diets promoted by some people to establish their purity of life. Yoga has become a part of life mostly to the elite class of indian population. Its now been deemed as a lifestyle routine of the people live in better social and economic condition. Definitely, there will be a tendency to adapt to the way of celebrity lifestyle and there may be people who tries to do so inorder to gain a sense of superiority, atleast to themselves. There is nothing wrong to live the life as a person wish to, within the legal limits, but establishing one form of lifestyle as ideal and other as bad to earn popularity to the former, that suits only to a particular section of the society is wrong and discriminative. There exists a brahminical sensibility in it if you analyse it carefully..

Yoga and Corporate agenda.

There are lots of MNCs that provide Yoga sessions to its employees to reduce their mental stress on workplace. People think that its a great thing. It is. But, why the company don't hire more employees to reduce the stress of its existing workforce.?? Why the company is not reducing working hours?? They wont, instead of that, they will give free Yoga sessions. Likewise, Yoga has become a safety valve for labour exploitation. In corporate world, we can see the trend of Yoga for lifestyle diseases. Its also a try out to avoid body-shaming and racist jokes in office room. Its more like a cosmetic attempt than a medical treatment. I am not saying Yoga doesn't have any healing effects. I am simply questioning whether is it overrated or not..?

Yoga and mental health..

Can you to tell an anxious farmer to go and do yoga before or after his hectic work?? But for an office goer with a decent salary can be a suitable customer of Yoga. Why is that..? Its because of the time availability. Its good to have a Me-Time to everyone to assure their mental health. But, Yoga can be a meditation tool regularly when you have enough time to spend for your own happiness. Look at those people who says they are happy after doing yoga. May be they can be happy after the session, but if they are having a life that allow them to find time for themselves regularly, then what's the point in saying that they are mentally stressed..? One can argue that the stress level of an individual is incomparable. But i think, if a person is happy after doing yoga, which means that person was already happy before Yoga.

So... New age yoga is more of a media creativity with lots of toxic and dangerous elements on it. Health hazards induced after doing Yoga is also a reality. Yoga may or will have some benefits, but what you see as Yoga may not be what you are actually looking for.

Basic structure doctrine vs Parliamentary Democracy

Honourable vice president of India Mr. Jagdeep Dankar's remarks on Indian judiciary once again created a controversy and dragged the concept of Basic structure doctrine into discussion. This article examines the validity of basic structure in a constitutional democracy by balancing the mandate of the people and the Constitution by which they are governed.

The concept of Basic structure of Indian Constitution is actually a judiciary creativity that makes Supreme Court of India literally supreme. It’s the fundamental values of our constitution that have to be protected to uphold the spirit of Justice. As it’s an ill defined area that give unchecked scope for judiciary to overpower the democratic spirit of the parliament, it has gone through a long way of criticism from different corners of the Indian society. 

Starting from the landmark judgment of Kesavanantha bharathi vs state of Kerala, 1973 to the recent judicial review that declared NJAC unconstitutional, basic structure doctrine played an important role in Indian polity. In any democracy, there is an idealistic argument that, mandate of the people should be the ultimate. So, the question is, what if the mandate of the people went wrong or manipulated to an extend that bypass the Justice.?? Should we uphold the Justice or Democracy..? 

 Why we can’t define basic structure?

Indian constitution is a living document. It incorporate all the moral values of different sections of the people of this country. So, when the ‘law’ fights on the basis of principles, we cant make an objective approach to look into it. Since we can define the validity of a moral value on the basis of circumstances, defining the basic structure of our Constitution will be a self limiting exercise. As the society changes, values changes, circumstances changes and the suitability of law changes, Basic structure have to change in such a way that it can uphold the Justice. In order to find it’s application in such a broadly diversified society, a definite basic structure can not be fruitful. To uphold these constitutional principles, these has to be vague enough for the judiciary to interpret in a multi pronged way. 

Inception of basic structure doctrine.

The article points out the landmark judgments through which the judiciary hinted what are the basic structures of our constitution. Then the natural question is why it’s not mentioned in the original constitution? The answer is again simple. Circumstance. While the constitution makers were drafting this document, they debated about all these issues and arrived at a conclusion that’s resulted in couple of articles that are in support of something called judicial review.

 Article 372 (1) establishes the judicial review of the pre-constitution legislation. Article 13 declares that any law which contravenes any of the provisions of the part of Funda­mental Rights shall be void. Articles 32 and 226 entrusts the roles of the protector and guarantor of fundamental rights to the Supreme and High Courts. Article 245 states that the powers of both Parliament and State legislatures are subject to the provisions of the constitution. Article 137 gives a special power to the Supreme Court to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it. An order passed in a criminal case can be reviewed and set aside only if there are errors apparent on the record.These provisions from the Constitution explicitly talks about the concept of Judicial review that is a base for evolution of basic structure doctrine. Especially during Indhira Gandhi Era, she amended the constitution up to a critical extend of rewriting it by editing it to suit her parliamentary authority over anything, like a dictator. 

Theory of checks and balances.

When democracy takes a wrong turn to dictatorship, the justice can only prevail by encompassing constitutional values to curtail the power of authoritarianism using basic structure doctrine. Following the Indira Gandhi era, the judiciary opined some key principles like judiciary review, federalism, fair and free election, Right to life, separation of powers, sovereignty and integrity of India, secularism etc as the basic structure of the Indian constitution through various judgments. Any democratically elected government can bypass the social justice through authoritarianism that parliamentary democracy can easily justify. But the true spirit of democracy in it's ethical sense can be effective only when the aspirations of the minorities too find a place. Since the parliament as an institutions collectively reflects the party politics and it's worst forms of democratic exercises, there must be someone else to question the same as the opposition may fail in the temple of democracy. There comes the relevance of the balancing act that is to be assured by the judiciary to provide complete justice.

Judiciary activism.

The article also highlites the criticism of basic structure doctrine in the backdrop of democratic principles. It quotes former finance minister Arun jaitley who says "it's the tyranny of unelected". Basically , Courts are not meant to uphold will of the people. Though it often comes up with populist verdicts considering the public opinion, it doesn't actually have to stands for it. Public opinion may be manipulated, and most often befriended with emotional aspect of an issue that courts can't completely rely. It's ultimate aim is to uphold justice that may or may not be satisfied with public reaction as it doesn't work on the mandate of the people. So, structurally formed as undemocratic institution, the courts shall not bound to pronounce verdicts that pleases the masses.

Basic structure doctrine vs Parliamentary democracy.

So many of the politicians criticise Basic structure doctrine by saying it as a judiciary over reach. As our constitution upholds separation of Powers between Executive and the judiciary, basic structure doctrine is one way self contradictory. One can also argues that a reform passed in the Parliament thats supposed to be a reflection of the decision of the people can not be scrutinized on the basis of some vague principles. People of this opinion says, Judiciary itself is becoming a dictator by identifying themselves as the protector of fundamental rights of our citizens. When a house of mostly elected members from all parts of this country passes a bill and if judiciary qaushes it in the name of justice, its clearly an act of devalueing the citizens of this country. Such an opinion of the public can't be declared unconstitutional by a non elected body in the opinion of few judges who were not much subjected to public reactions. If Parliament turns into a majoritarian regime, atleast there can be an advocacy with respect to the spirit of democracy. But if the courts do the same without any botheration of the needs and aspirations of the people, it does more damages to the foundational principles of our constitution. When it comes to Right and wrong in a larger social perspective, true justice should seek and address the aggrieved. But judiciary activism defenestrates all such moral and ethical values when they overpowers the Parliamentary decisions. If such an act by the judiciary becomes rampant, the only option infront of the Parliament is to amend the constitution. But, if the amendment itself is declared unconstitutional by the judiciary, then Parliament is absolutely at the dead end without any other options to proceed further. This kind of situation is more an ethical dilemma than a legal tussle. Those who argues against the basic structure doctrine questions such a dictatorship of the judiciary, is also a valid argument.

The ethical solution.

Majoritarianism in the Parliament and the unhindered judiciary overreach are equally dangerous to the society. Since the people of this country respects both of these institutions and still have faith in both. That faith is what ultimate democracy means. So, Judiciary and the Parliament should act simultaneously as a checks and balance of each other to restrict themselves from going to an authoritarian or autocratic regime. So, its fine to have a conflict between judiciary and the executive or else both can be dangerous. As the Parliament have justification in the name of democracy, judiciary can also have their Basic structure doctrine. 

Porn addiction

 Pornography is a highly strengthened industry especially after the internet revolution. It's estimated that 35% of the online traffic is of such adult content and thus making a return of above 100 US Dollars every year. This Shows an increasing trend after the pandemic because of the lockdown isolation, joblessness and frustrations. Its scientifically argued that men are more prone to such content since it's significant that sexual arousal mechanism in males are very much associated with visual stimulations. It doesn't mean, the woman are not addicted to pornography .The data shows its wide circulation among women as well.

Causes.

 Anything that compels you to consume again and again is what we call addiction. It's the dopamine trap to which the person falls when they feel getting momentary pleasure or high. It can make the same a habit and then into addiction. Increased smartphone usage, Cheaper data plans, price drop in high- end smart phones, High degree of internet penetration are the main contributing factors behind porn addictions. The adventurism among youth to experience momentary pleasures and their crave towards fantasy is also a reason behind this. As we know, youth is the most productive as well as dynamic phase of anyones life. Physically and mentally youth population is very vibrant and ready to explore everything. During such a highly receptive period, the above said factors are driving these minds to the dopamine trap and then makes them addicted to pornography very easily. Targeted ads of VPNs are also another reason for stimulating one's sexual ecstasy.

Impact.

Unlike other addictions, Porn addiction is very difficult to understand. People may find lot of excuses and pseudo scientific explanations to advocate pornography. Ofcorse, pornography have an artistic freedom and creativity in it, its addictive tendency is very harmful. It will effect one's physical efficiency not just sexual but of other activities too. Some people will have a wrong perception that masturbation when considered as an exercise will develop their sexual prowess and make them more masculine. This is totally wrong. Frequent masturbation will derail ones physical strength and make them more lean.

Effect of Porn addiction is very personal or subjective. Most of the people who are succumbed to such content get impaired on their cognitive abilities. They may loose interest in academics and any other productive tasks. Short term memory loss, and depression are its bad prognosis. They will face attention deficit and sometimes fails to build friendly relationship with the opposite sex. Watching excessively disturbing contents like object penetrations, BDSMs, Group sex, swinging, child pornography, etc may cause sexual perversions and often incite people into violent sexual practices and sadistic behaviour.

Pornography is an exaggerated version of sexual practice. Highly skilled physically attractive actors who perform such things that are well scripted to suits ones fantasy and imaginations that are not at all real. Youth, by their age, if start imitating such insane acts and expecting the same kind of falsified sexual experience may feel highly disappointed in coping up with real life sex and sometimes results in sexual abuses and crimes. Porn addiction also hampers ones arousal and orgasm. There exist a powerful racket for human trafficking and there are amble data to suggest that 80% of the porns generated are with immorally trafficked women. So, if a person addictive to porns is in principle promoting human trafficking too.

Solutions.

As the youth population is the most vulnerable age group in this issue, proper sex education is a solution to prevent misinformation of reality.

Limiting the use of smart phones and filtering out adult only websites will restrict ones accessibility and thus will gradually reduce addiction. The best way to escape from this dopamine loop is to reward your brain with any other positive thoughts like finding a hobby or practicing any art forms or engaging in sports. If a person is an addict, he might have saved a particular time to watch porns and to masturbate, as its a habit. It may be an isolated hour in one's daily life routine. Substituting these timing for other activities will help to divert the urge for porns. Finally, accepting one's addiction and seeking help from experts and counseling will also contribute alot for deaddiction. Awareness about legal actions and its consequences will definitely work as a deterrent.

Porn addiction , even though we usually find lot of excuses to normalise it as a natural instinct, always be clear that sex and porns are not taboos but addiction is.

Superstition is not at all super.

Every religion has lots of influence in so many aspects of indian society. Indian form of secularism that's enshrined in its constitution, not just permits one's religious rights but also assures equal promotions to such affairs. When religions completely mask one's scientific temper, people are becoming blind to basic science. The beliefs of such an unstable mind are easily subjected to get infused with unscientific assurances and promises from witchcrafts. Though Falling prey to such exploitations is a very dangerous trend, that has no place in a modern world,  people still follow such practices in secret, with lots of inhuman, immoral and unscientific activities for experiencing miraculous changes in their life. Be it some drop of water to heal an inoperable cancer and these are sometimes reach upto the level of human sacrifices.

As per 2021 report of National Crime Record Beuro( NCRB), 68 killings were occured as a part of witchcraft in 2021. And 6 deaths were happened purely as a human sacrifice. In 2020 also, 88 deaths were reported and 11 lives have sacrificed. The maximum number of cases were from Chattisgarh(20), Madhyapradesh(18), and Telangana(11). 

When we look at the legal remedies for these, section 302 can be taken against the culprits of human sacrifice as punishment for murder. Section 295(A) can also come into play if there is misuse of ones religious feeling in such superstitious practices. Article 51(A) of Indian constitution also Highlites the need for developing scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform, as a fundamental duty of an indian citizen. Drug and magical remedies act, 1954 stand against superstition when it comes in conflict with any scientifically established medical practices. 

Although there are provisions to punish the culprits of these kind of practices, peoples drive towards such things are still remain irresistible. States like Bihar( in 1999), Jharkhand( 2001) Chattisgarh (2008), Odisha (2013), Maharashtra (2013), Rajasthan (2015), Assam (2018) and Karnataka (2020) have enacted separate laws to prevent witchcrafts, we don't have enough central laws in this regard.

So, it's time to enact a comprehensive central laws with very lucid provisions. There should be awareness programs to facilitate scientific temper among the people. As most of such practices are circulated through social media platforms, regulating such contents is the need of hour. Mental health awareness is also to be incorporated in this mission to bring back the people from their frustration and to give them more mental health support.

Democracy is meaningless if you didnt get the answer to your questions.

The right to information is a basic right that's in line with the principles and spirit of Democracy. India, being the largest democracy in the world enacted this wonderful piece of Legislation in 2005. It's intended for ensuring accountability and transparency of a Govt office, or such offices that are substantially funded by the Govt Exchequer. RTI being the worlds mostly used legislation, has made a tremendous impact on Governance as it often referred to as a Damocles sword hanging above the rulers. But, the recent trend of stockpiling the RTI applications is an alarming reflection of the weakening democracy.

It's noticed that there are 3,14,323 RTI applications are now pending in India at different levels. As it have four layers starting from Central Assistant Public information officer, Appellate Division, State public information officer, and then Central public information officer, in a bottom- up fashion, delay in reply from any of these layers(30 days+ further 15days) is smockscreening on transparency and accountability. The most number of pending cases are reported from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal. There is a shocking estimate that the information commission will take another 24 years to clear the pending cases under RTI in West Bengal. With respect to the RTI act, 2005, the authorities are bound to pay penalties if they fail to provide the information unless that are not considered with confidentiality. But in case of 95% pending applications, there is no penalty imposed by the state so far.

Another reason for stockpiling of RTI, is the lack of Human Resources. In the state of Jharkhand and Tripura, the state information commission was defunct for 29 months and 15 months respectively. In Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal, and Anthrapradesh there is no Cheif public information commission. In total, one fourth of the posts comes under information commission remain vacant. There is only 5% women in the entire workforce, so women are also not adequately represented.

As we all once cherished for RTI, now these trends show the picture of RTI as a toothless tiger. The Govt, despite the intentions of incumbency, should act immediately to uphold the power of RTI and the principles of democracy. The vacant posts need to be filled immediately and the backlogged cases should be disposed by launching some special interventions. Without the right to question and the Right to receive answers, 'Democracy' is a meaningless word.