Digvijay says RSS behind Ramdev's agitation

 

NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh on Friday sharpened his attack on Baba Ramdev, alleging that RSS was behind the yoga guru's indefinite fast beginning on Saturday.

Ignoring the party's "gag order", Singh said it has been crystal clear that RSS volunteers were behind the Baba's protest action. "Right from putting up the pandal to organising the meetings, everywhere there is RSS," Singh told reporters.

The AICC general secretary agreed with a question from reporters that Ramdev was playing politics. "If you want to teach yoga, I have no problem, but if you want to do politics, then join the fray," he said as reported by agencies.

Singh also took a dig at K N Govindacharya for choosing Ramdev to launch the anti-corruption campaign saying that this was not expected from the RSS ideologue.

It was not a one-off outburst. Singh, who has consistently been outspoken, appeared on different TV talk shows to take swipes at Ramdev. He said the anti-graft agitation was just a ruse to turn attention away from the disclosures about RSS's alleged involvement in terrorism.

The Congress general secretary also said sources of Baba's funds were dubious and demanded a full disclosure of who all had contributed to the agitation. "He has got contributions from people who are engaged in betting," Singh said.

The attack, though clearly at odds with the party's stress on restraint, is likely to go down well with "secularists" within the party and outside it -- a constituency Singh seems to be cultivating meticulously by taking anti-RSS positions.

The Congress leader also sought to find faults with the method of yoga teaching by Ramdev saying several yoga experts had expressed reservations about it.

Singh, however, said his party was in consultation with Ramdev and he should "respect" the fact that so many senior ministers were involved in hammering out a solution to the issues raised by him.

Digvijay says RSS behind Ramdev's agitation

 

NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh on Friday sharpened his attack on Baba Ramdev, alleging that RSS was behind the yoga guru's indefinite fast beginning on Saturday.

Ignoring the party's "gag order", Singh said it has been crystal clear that RSS volunteers were behind the Baba's protest action. "Right from putting up the pandal to organising the meetings, everywhere there is RSS," Singh told reporters.

The AICC general secretary agreed with a question from reporters that Ramdev was playing politics. "If you want to teach yoga, I have no problem, but if you want to do politics, then join the fray," he said as reported by agencies.

Singh also took a dig at K N Govindacharya for choosing Ramdev to launch the anti-corruption campaign saying that this was not expected from the RSS ideologue.

It was not a one-off outburst. Singh, who has consistently been outspoken, appeared on different TV talk shows to take swipes at Ramdev. He said the anti-graft agitation was just a ruse to turn attention away from the disclosures about RSS's alleged involvement in terrorism.

The Congress general secretary also said sources of Baba's funds were dubious and demanded a full disclosure of who all had contributed to the agitation. "He has got contributions from people who are engaged in betting," Singh said.

The attack, though clearly at odds with the party's stress on restraint, is likely to go down well with "secularists" within the party and outside it -- a constituency Singh seems to be cultivating meticulously by taking anti-RSS positions.

The Congress leader also sought to find faults with the method of yoga teaching by Ramdev saying several yoga experts had expressed reservations about it.

Singh, however, said his party was in consultation with Ramdev and he should "respect" the fact that so many senior ministers were involved in hammering out a solution to the issues raised by him.

Hurriyat heir apparent sour about Pakistan

 

SRINAGAR: For some months now, Srinagar is curious about one man: Dr Naeem Geelani, son of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the man Hurriyat insiders say is tipped to take over from his father.

Naeem spent 10 years in Pakistan, and he now says, "My Pakistani friends are brutalised by what's going on there. They are scared for their lives. There's no justice or accountability. It's a land of big men. If you have power you are insulated from everything."

Naeem left the Valley in 2000, first for a few months to the UK and then to Pakistan. "I worked as a doctor in the health department in J&K, but things were tough. I faced constant harassment from the Ikhwanis. There was threat to my safety, so it was decided I should leave," he said.

Along with the timing ^ Naeem returned after last summer's unrest, in December 2010 ^ it's also the manner of his comeback that was noted. Naeem's Indian passport had expired in 2005, but in 2010 the Indian embassy in Islamabad quickly issued him a fresh one. Nor did he face any trouble once back. No arrest or debriefing. "It's strange, it's as if he spent the last 10 years in Bombay," says a Srinagar-based journalist.

Naeem is calm, almost diffident, in sharp contrast to his father. But when he begins to speak, it's clear why he, and not his scientist brother Naseem, is the heir apparent.

His 10 years in Pakistan ^ he got his MD in surgery from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences ^ seem to have left their mark. For a man who grew up in a house where `Kashmir banega Pakistan' was gospel, the time spent there has cooled his ardour for that country.

Endless sectarian strife and collapsing economy penetrated the bubble in Islamabad where he lived. "There is no Islam there. I used to imagine that Pakistan would be more Islamic. Life would be more in accordance with the tenets of Islam, but it's not like that."

Is there anything he likes about Pakistan? "The ardour of Ramzan, more women wear veils, and unlike in Kashmir it's not considered backward. If you use public transport, men and women sit separately," says the Pakistan-trained surgeon. He adds, "People pay zakat or 2.5% of their earnings to help the poor. In the hospital I worked, there were so many poor patients whose treatment was funded through zakat."

About Kashmir he says, "People here are suffocated. They should get a chance to decide their own future. Why Pakistan, when as a Kashmiri if I go to Delhi, I feel free. There's no tension." So despite the violence, poverty and lack of democracy in Pakistan, India still doesn't appeal to Naeem. "Yes, India is peaceful, is one of world leaders. But a man needs much more than economic progress."

It's the same as far a militant violence goes. While the spiral in Pakistan worries him, in Kashmir he isn't about to denounce the gun. "We were pushed to the wall. A desperate man will do anything. You say Lashkar doesn't care about Kashmir. But who made Kashmir turn to Lashkar? Why doesn't the Indian government talk to Syed Sallahuddin? He is a Kashmiri, he is Kashmir centric, he doesn't want to break up India." Insiders say Naeem shares close friendship with the Hizbul chief and his return had his blessings.

Naeem is keeping a low profile, at pains to rule out all talk of him succeeding his father. "I am a common man. It isn't easy to fill such a big man's shoes." Has he met other young politicians like Omar Abdullah, Sajjad Lone, Mirwaiz Omar or the other eloquent English-speaking leader from his father's party, Masrat Alam?

"These are leaders. Why should they meet me? I am a common Kashmiri and if that sounds like a politician's answer, then I'd say that after 60 years of all this, all Kashmiris are politicians."

Hurriyat heir apparent sour about Pakistan

 

SRINAGAR: For some months now, Srinagar is curious about one man: Dr Naeem Geelani, son of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the man Hurriyat insiders say is tipped to take over from his father.

Naeem spent 10 years in Pakistan, and he now says, "My Pakistani friends are brutalised by what's going on there. They are scared for their lives. There's no justice or accountability. It's a land of big men. If you have power you are insulated from everything."

Naeem left the Valley in 2000, first for a few months to the UK and then to Pakistan. "I worked as a doctor in the health department in J&K, but things were tough. I faced constant harassment from the Ikhwanis. There was threat to my safety, so it was decided I should leave," he said.

Along with the timing ^ Naeem returned after last summer's unrest, in December 2010 ^ it's also the manner of his comeback that was noted. Naeem's Indian passport had expired in 2005, but in 2010 the Indian embassy in Islamabad quickly issued him a fresh one. Nor did he face any trouble once back. No arrest or debriefing. "It's strange, it's as if he spent the last 10 years in Bombay," says a Srinagar-based journalist.

Naeem is calm, almost diffident, in sharp contrast to his father. But when he begins to speak, it's clear why he, and not his scientist brother Naseem, is the heir apparent.

His 10 years in Pakistan ^ he got his MD in surgery from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences ^ seem to have left their mark. For a man who grew up in a house where `Kashmir banega Pakistan' was gospel, the time spent there has cooled his ardour for that country.

Endless sectarian strife and collapsing economy penetrated the bubble in Islamabad where he lived. "There is no Islam there. I used to imagine that Pakistan would be more Islamic. Life would be more in accordance with the tenets of Islam, but it's not like that."

Is there anything he likes about Pakistan? "The ardour of Ramzan, more women wear veils, and unlike in Kashmir it's not considered backward. If you use public transport, men and women sit separately," says the Pakistan-trained surgeon. He adds, "People pay zakat or 2.5% of their earnings to help the poor. In the hospital I worked, there were so many poor patients whose treatment was funded through zakat."

About Kashmir he says, "People here are suffocated. They should get a chance to decide their own future. Why Pakistan, when as a Kashmiri if I go to Delhi, I feel free. There's no tension." So despite the violence, poverty and lack of democracy in Pakistan, India still doesn't appeal to Naeem. "Yes, India is peaceful, is one of world leaders. But a man needs much more than economic progress."

It's the same as far a militant violence goes. While the spiral in Pakistan worries him, in Kashmir he isn't about to denounce the gun. "We were pushed to the wall. A desperate man will do anything. You say Lashkar doesn't care about Kashmir. But who made Kashmir turn to Lashkar? Why doesn't the Indian government talk to Syed Sallahuddin? He is a Kashmiri, he is Kashmir centric, he doesn't want to break up India." Insiders say Naeem shares close friendship with the Hizbul chief and his return had his blessings.

Naeem is keeping a low profile, at pains to rule out all talk of him succeeding his father. "I am a common man. It isn't easy to fill such a big man's shoes." Has he met other young politicians like Omar Abdullah, Sajjad Lone, Mirwaiz Omar or the other eloquent English-speaking leader from his father's party, Masrat Alam?

"These are leaders. Why should they meet me? I am a common Kashmiri and if that sounds like a politician's answer, then I'd say that after 60 years of all this, all Kashmiris are politicians."

Killer of Sopore sisters gunned down

 

SRINAGAR: Three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including the alleged killer of the Sopore sisters, were gunned down by troops during an encounter in north Kashmir on Friday.

LeT terrorist Abdullah Babar, suspected to be involved in the killing of teenaged sisters Kulsum and Yasmin Akthar in Sopore in January, was found dead after a night-long gunfight in Sopore.

"Based on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists at Seer Bypass area in Sopore, a joint operation was launched by the Army and the police on Thursday. During the operation, which concluded early Friday morning, three terrorists were killed," defence spokesman J S Brar said.

Other two terrorists were identified by cops as Faisal Gazzali and Gulam Nabi Dar.

Killer of Sopore sisters gunned down

 

SRINAGAR: Three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including the alleged killer of the Sopore sisters, were gunned down by troops during an encounter in north Kashmir on Friday.

LeT terrorist Abdullah Babar, suspected to be involved in the killing of teenaged sisters Kulsum and Yasmin Akthar in Sopore in January, was found dead after a night-long gunfight in Sopore.

"Based on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists at Seer Bypass area in Sopore, a joint operation was launched by the Army and the police on Thursday. During the operation, which concluded early Friday morning, three terrorists were killed," defence spokesman J S Brar said.

Other two terrorists were identified by cops as Faisal Gazzali and Gulam Nabi Dar.

Rana trial: Nuance lost in translation

 

CHICAGO: There was renewed optimism in the defence team of Tahawwur Rana at a federal court in Chicago with the coming onboard of Charles Swift. Charles is no stranger to high profile cases, terrorism suspects, and above all is a crusader for human rights. Neither does he shy away from international scrutiny or government pressure.

Charles won the historic Hamdan vs United States case that became a landmark for human rights violations of the Guantanamo Bay detainees against the United States government. The client in question was Abdul Hamdan, driver of Osama bin Laden, in whose favour there was a historic ruling by the US Supreme Court. The rights to that story is believed to have been bought for a George Clooney production in the making.

Taking a cue, writers, filmmakers and journalists have been lining up outside the court for a view of the trial, and defendant Rana. Although relatively little is understood by a courtroom in the United States about the language of South Asian hospitality.

Headley in his suave, smooth South Asian accent, with a British school inflection, said, ''Doctor sahib,'' referring to Rana as if he were respectfully addressing his childhood friend and not the man he was implicating in a terrorism trial. The inherent contradiction in his language was not apparent to the court. On a larger level, Rana's boyhood friendship with Headley, who unwittingly provided him cover for some of his operations, could be interpreted in the South Asian context as loyalty and commitment, not complicity..

The trial is rife with double entendres, and unintended puns, where in an email conversation with Major Iqbal, Rana is accused of talking about a plot, where in reality there was an actual plot in Karachi that Headley and Iqbal were trying to get Rana to invest in. And later in a conversation with his assistant Saad Mirza, he jokes about himself, being a terror (khaufnak) in Urdu, which in the context is completely different from terrorism.

In a trial where the pivotal testimony is that of a childhood friend, little is understood about the nuances and the backdrop of a culture of innate hospitality, albeit a hospitality that has eventually come back to bite Rana.

Rana trial: Nuance lost in translation

 

CHICAGO: There was renewed optimism in the defence team of Tahawwur Rana at a federal court in Chicago with the coming onboard of Charles Swift. Charles is no stranger to high profile cases, terrorism suspects, and above all is a crusader for human rights. Neither does he shy away from international scrutiny or government pressure.

Charles won the historic Hamdan vs United States case that became a landmark for human rights violations of the Guantanamo Bay detainees against the United States government. The client in question was Abdul Hamdan, driver of Osama bin Laden, in whose favour there was a historic ruling by the US Supreme Court. The rights to that story is believed to have been bought for a George Clooney production in the making.

Taking a cue, writers, filmmakers and journalists have been lining up outside the court for a view of the trial, and defendant Rana. Although relatively little is understood by a courtroom in the United States about the language of South Asian hospitality.

Headley in his suave, smooth South Asian accent, with a British school inflection, said, ''Doctor sahib,'' referring to Rana as if he were respectfully addressing his childhood friend and not the man he was implicating in a terrorism trial. The inherent contradiction in his language was not apparent to the court. On a larger level, Rana's boyhood friendship with Headley, who unwittingly provided him cover for some of his operations, could be interpreted in the South Asian context as loyalty and commitment, not complicity..

The trial is rife with double entendres, and unintended puns, where in an email conversation with Major Iqbal, Rana is accused of talking about a plot, where in reality there was an actual plot in Karachi that Headley and Iqbal were trying to get Rana to invest in. And later in a conversation with his assistant Saad Mirza, he jokes about himself, being a terror (khaufnak) in Urdu, which in the context is completely different from terrorism.

In a trial where the pivotal testimony is that of a childhood friend, little is understood about the nuances and the backdrop of a culture of innate hospitality, albeit a hospitality that has eventually come back to bite Rana.

Fight against graft should begin at school: CBI director

 

NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of nationwide demand for a comprehensive Lokpal bill to tackle graft, CBI director A P Singh on Friday said the fight against corruption should ideally begin at school.

Speaking at the 12th D P Kohli Memorial Lecture, Singh said the agency is investigating very high-profile corruption cases where action has been taken against prominent personalities and the probe is still on. Former Commissioner of Scotland Yard Lord Ian Blair was the chief guest at the function.

"We also have a number of high-profile campaigns against corruption that are underway for a comprehensive Lokpal bill. It would be an autonomous body to tackle corruption at the highest level. The fight against corruption should ideally start at school as children are influenced by teachers," Singh said.

He cited the anti-cracker drive launched about a decade ago, which helped in bringing down the sale of crackers that were being manufactured using child labour in hazardous conditions. Police legitimacy in counter-terror actions was also discussed.

The CBI director said legitimacy of special legislations to deal with crimes committed by terrorists, however, has been questioned since they could be abused.

"The CBI has investigated a number of cases that challenge legitimacy of police action against alleged terrorists. Plea taken by police officers that they merely executed the orders of the superiors could not absolve them of the crime," he said. He added police legitimacy exists only when terror is countered within the rule of law. "There cannot be two schools of thought on this," he added.

Minister of state for Personnel V Narayanasamy said terrorism has to be countered, while adhering to relevant provisions of law and human rights. He said the fight against terrorism should use righteous means that are in conformity with Constitution, law and international obligations.

Lord Ian Blair said liberal democratic states are struggling with tension between civil liberties and "the first duty of any state — that of protecting its citizens from death and serious harm". He said in Britain a debate is raging between the champions of fundamental freedoms and their opponents.

"I am aware the position is similar in India. I gather that Acts of Parliament concerned with terrorism here like TADA, POTA have come and gone in recent times, as the significance of civil liberties or concerns for security gains the upper hand," he said.

Narayanasamy conferred police medals on 39 police officials at the programme.

Fight against graft should begin at school: CBI director

 

NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of nationwide demand for a comprehensive Lokpal bill to tackle graft, CBI director A P Singh on Friday said the fight against corruption should ideally begin at school.

Speaking at the 12th D P Kohli Memorial Lecture, Singh said the agency is investigating very high-profile corruption cases where action has been taken against prominent personalities and the probe is still on. Former Commissioner of Scotland Yard Lord Ian Blair was the chief guest at the function.

"We also have a number of high-profile campaigns against corruption that are underway for a comprehensive Lokpal bill. It would be an autonomous body to tackle corruption at the highest level. The fight against corruption should ideally start at school as children are influenced by teachers," Singh said.

He cited the anti-cracker drive launched about a decade ago, which helped in bringing down the sale of crackers that were being manufactured using child labour in hazardous conditions. Police legitimacy in counter-terror actions was also discussed.

The CBI director said legitimacy of special legislations to deal with crimes committed by terrorists, however, has been questioned since they could be abused.

"The CBI has investigated a number of cases that challenge legitimacy of police action against alleged terrorists. Plea taken by police officers that they merely executed the orders of the superiors could not absolve them of the crime," he said. He added police legitimacy exists only when terror is countered within the rule of law. "There cannot be two schools of thought on this," he added.

Minister of state for Personnel V Narayanasamy said terrorism has to be countered, while adhering to relevant provisions of law and human rights. He said the fight against terrorism should use righteous means that are in conformity with Constitution, law and international obligations.

Lord Ian Blair said liberal democratic states are struggling with tension between civil liberties and "the first duty of any state — that of protecting its citizens from death and serious harm". He said in Britain a debate is raging between the champions of fundamental freedoms and their opponents.

"I am aware the position is similar in India. I gather that Acts of Parliament concerned with terrorism here like TADA, POTA have come and gone in recent times, as the significance of civil liberties or concerns for security gains the upper hand," he said.

Narayanasamy conferred police medals on 39 police officials at the programme.

Right to privacy may become fundamental right

 

NEW DELHI: The law ministry is working on a proposal to make right to privacy a fundamental right in the Indian Constitution.

Corporate lobbyist Niira Radia's phone tapping row and new-age surveillance techniques being extensively used to crack down on economic offences are the trigger behind the move.

"We are working on making right to privacy a fundamental right. It is likely to be tabled in the monsoon session of Parliament. However, it's difficult to commit the timeframe," law minister Veerappa Moily said.

The right to privacy would include the right to confidentiality of communication, confidentiality of private or family life, protection of his honour and good name, protection from search, detention or exposure of lawful communication between individuals, privacy from surveillance, confidentiality of banking, financial, medical and legal information, protection from identity theft of various kinds, protection of use of a person's photographs, fingerprints, DNA samples and other samples taken at police stations and other places and protection of data relating to individual.

"Many of these are already observed at a practical level. For example, it's a part of professional ethics of a lawyer or a doctor not to reveal details about clients or patients. The same applies for the banking sector. Apart from strengthening norms for interception of communication, the proposed Act will guarantee an individual's right to privacy. It's similar in the way the Constitution guarantees existing fundamental rights like right to equality, right to freedom of expression etc," explained a senior law ministry official.

The fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution include right to equality, right to freedom of speech and expression, right to property, right to education, right to conserving own culture, language and script, right to religion and right against exploitation.

If the legislation is passed, it would address several concerns expressed by some sections of the civil society. For instance, there has been outrage over the `compromise' of an individual's privacy in a project like UID, where all personal data will be available at the click of a mouse.

Right to privacy may become fundamental right

 

NEW DELHI: The law ministry is working on a proposal to make right to privacy a fundamental right in the Indian Constitution.

Corporate lobbyist Niira Radia's phone tapping row and new-age surveillance techniques being extensively used to crack down on economic offences are the trigger behind the move.

"We are working on making right to privacy a fundamental right. It is likely to be tabled in the monsoon session of Parliament. However, it's difficult to commit the timeframe," law minister Veerappa Moily said.

The right to privacy would include the right to confidentiality of communication, confidentiality of private or family life, protection of his honour and good name, protection from search, detention or exposure of lawful communication between individuals, privacy from surveillance, confidentiality of banking, financial, medical and legal information, protection from identity theft of various kinds, protection of use of a person's photographs, fingerprints, DNA samples and other samples taken at police stations and other places and protection of data relating to individual.

"Many of these are already observed at a practical level. For example, it's a part of professional ethics of a lawyer or a doctor not to reveal details about clients or patients. The same applies for the banking sector. Apart from strengthening norms for interception of communication, the proposed Act will guarantee an individual's right to privacy. It's similar in the way the Constitution guarantees existing fundamental rights like right to equality, right to freedom of expression etc," explained a senior law ministry official.

The fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution include right to equality, right to freedom of speech and expression, right to property, right to education, right to conserving own culture, language and script, right to religion and right against exploitation.

If the legislation is passed, it would address several concerns expressed by some sections of the civil society. For instance, there has been outrage over the `compromise' of an individual's privacy in a project like UID, where all personal data will be available at the click of a mouse.

JPC to probe Maran's role in spectrum scam

JPC to probe Maran's role in spectrum scam

THRISSUR: Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2G spectrum scam P C Chacko on Friday said the panel would probe charges against Union minister Dayanidhi Maran.

"The JPC has already called for the details of the spectrum deals entered into during Maran's tenure, from the Department of Telecom. We had listed him and other former telecom ministers as witnesses even before the latest allegations against him surfaced," Chacko told TOI here.

"It is for the Prime Minister to take a call on the demand for Maran's resignation," he said.

He said the next sitting of the JPC is scheduled to be held on May 7 and 8. "The CBI director has been asked to appear before the panel on May 7. The panel will seek an update on the probe being conducted by the CBI on the spectrum scam, including its findings on the involvement of various individuals and institutions. The officials of the various wings of the finance ministry, including that of the Enforcement Directorate will appear before the JPC on May 8," Chacko said.

JPC to probe Maran's role in spectrum scam

JPC to probe Maran's role in spectrum scam

THRISSUR: Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2G spectrum scam P C Chacko on Friday said the panel would probe charges against Union minister Dayanidhi Maran.

"The JPC has already called for the details of the spectrum deals entered into during Maran's tenure, from the Department of Telecom. We had listed him and other former telecom ministers as witnesses even before the latest allegations against him surfaced," Chacko told TOI here.

"It is for the Prime Minister to take a call on the demand for Maran's resignation," he said.

He said the next sitting of the JPC is scheduled to be held on May 7 and 8. "The CBI director has been asked to appear before the panel on May 7. The panel will seek an update on the probe being conducted by the CBI on the spectrum scam, including its findings on the involvement of various individuals and institutions. The officials of the various wings of the finance ministry, including that of the Enforcement Directorate will appear before the JPC on May 8," Chacko said.

Exemptions for airlines to end

 

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to end all dispensations given to airlines — mostly exemption on the maximum time pilots and cabin crew can fly on long flights. While this facility helped carriers save loads of money earlier, it came at the cost of passenger safety.

The aviation regulator's chief Bharat Bhushan decided to end this practice after an Indian carrier approached the DGCA to be allowed to operate aircraft on the India-London route with only a commander and a co-pilot instead of two sets.

Their logic: Two other Indian carriers that fly this route do so with one set of pilots. "Under the flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms, a flight of this duration (almost nine to 10 hours) has to be operated with two sets of pilots, that is two commanders and two co-pilots," sources said.

Instead of acceding to the airline's request, Bhushan decided to review all such dispensations given to airlines, as they potentially affect flight safety. The idea of FDTL norms, which are set to be revised this month, is to have pilots and crew operate for only as long as they can without fatigue and to respond adequately to an emergency situation.

Bhushan said, "We are going to come out with new FDTL norms very soon and then all the dispensations given till now will become invalid. Dispensations will be given in emergency situations. For example, if a flight is not able to land at its destination and is diverted to some other airport, then the same set of pilots and crew can be allowed to fly the plane to the original destination if a replacement is not available at the diversion airport. But this can't be a norm."

The director general has sought a list of dispensations — like the one indicated by Bhushan — given to airlines over the years. But given the extent to which aviation officials and airlines have been hand in glove for decades, no comprehensive list exists. The reason: Airlines gave letters of their request for dispensation about making crew fly for longer than FDTL norms or carrying less cabin crew than required as per the number of doors in an aircraft. The nod was given on the letter itself and taken away by airlines.