Delhi BJP today kept its cards close to chest on its future strategy, saying a decision to form the government in the national capital will be taken only after a formal invitation is received from the LG.
The reaction from the party came after Centre today told the Supreme Court that President Pranab Mukherjee has given his consent to Lt Governor Najeeb Jung’s proposal to invite BJP to form the government in the national capital.
“We will take a decision at an appropriate time once LG invites us to form the government,” Delhi BJP Chief Satish Upadhyay told reporters here today.
The state unit chief refused to divulge much on the issue and merely said that their stand has not changed and remains what it has been for the last three months.
The BJP has been officially maintaining that it will take a decision on government formation in Delhi after getting an invite from the Lt Governor.
Upadhyay also said that the BJP has sent a legal notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over his allegations that the BJP was planning to create 5000 fake votes in each Delhi Assembly constituency.
“On one hand there is politics of development, on another some are doing politics of allegations, putting out false tweets because their support base is dwindling. We have sent a notice to Mr Kejriwal because whatever he says is unsubstantiated,” he said.
He also accused Kejriwal of doing “divisive politics” over the issue of the Trilokpuri violence.
Jung last month had sent a report to the President seeking permission to invite BJP to form government in Delhi.
In the report submitted last month, Jung gave a detailed analysis of the political situation and underlined the need to have an elected government in the city which is under President’s Rule since February 17 following resignation of the Aam Aadmi Party government which was in power for 49 days.
The Election Commission on Saturday had announced bypoll to three assembly constituencies on November 25 but if the Lt Governor dissolves the assembly then the bypolls will not take place.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued 70 crore Aadhaar numbers to residents across the country as of now.
Nine states, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, have crossed 90 per cent Aadhaar coverage, while 16 states have over 70 per cent coverage, a press statement by UIDAI said.
Aadhaar enrolments in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh are going on at a fast pace.
These four states with a combined population of about 34 crore were added earlier this year to UIDAI’s mandate by the government. As on date, Aadhaar numbers have been issued to 8.93 crore residents in these states, which is 26 per cent of the target population.
Over 25,000 Aadhaar enrolment kits are operational across the country as on date, including both camp mode and Permanent Enrolment Centres, with a total output of approximately 10 lakh enrolments per day.
UIDAI has already geared up its processing capabilities to achieve the targets and has the capacity to process around 15 lakh enrolment packets every day. Enrolments are expected to pick up further once the festival season is over.
In the recent months, government has provided fresh impetus to the UIDAI by linking Aadhaar to various schemes and initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), MGNREGS, Pensions, Scholarships, DBTL, UAN (EPFO), PDS, Passports, Attendance system in government offices etc.
Aadhaar facilitates “anytime, anywhere” online authentication of a resident through universal verification of one’s identity based on the demographic and biometric information of an individual, eliminating any chances of duplication or fraud.
Aadhaar is now the world’s largest biometric database.

Music will create magic at the hallowed walls of Purana Qila when several rock bands from SAARC region will perform at 8th edition of South Asian Bands Festival which is scheduled to be held from 7th – 9th November 2014. 

The 3-day music festival is presented by Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Seher. The Festival will feature 14 popular rock bands from eight countries which are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) -Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Observer country – France and host India.

The popular rock bands from across SAARC region are all set to perform on a common stage at the 8th edition of the South Asian Bands Festival (SABF) at the Purana Quila, Delhi.

Music has no boundaries, with the same ideology this festival aims to bring together Asian countries. It also provides a rare opportunity for the Indian audience to enjoy and appreciate the music created across the subcontinent.  “Started in 2007, the festival has become one of Delhi’s most eagerly awaited cultural extravaganzas and year after year people of all ages look forward to the best bands from the South Asian region to be showcased at the festival. Coming together of some of the most talented musicians on one platform at the magnificent Purana Qila is the best and truest representation of regional integration through Culture.

This platform brings together the finest acts from the SAARC countries.  This year the festival features performance by Alobo Naga and The Band (ANB) from Dimapur, Nagaland formed in 2010, they won the Best Indian Act at a European music awards ceremony in 2012. 

Pakistani singing sensation Zebunissa Bangash popularly known as Zeb, who recently made her foray into Bollywood with her hit tracks in films like Madras Café and Highway.  She gained popularity though her collaboration with Indian musician in Coke Studio is going to mesmerise the audience through her rich and textured soundscapes and melodies.

The festival will also feature a band from France – ‘Success’ as a Guest Country Band, which is also the Observer to SAARC. The electro-rock band from France consists of vocalist Yann Chéhu, guitarists Julien Richer, Dan Voisin on the Electronic keyboard and drummer Joel Daventry, are known for their unique style of contemporary rock performance combined with traditional heavy metal, rock n’ roll and electro rock.

Apart from them, the audience will be enthralled by the electronic-rock band formed by popular Bombay film composer Vishal Dadlani “Pentagram”. The band’s music has evolved over the years from what used to be described as Alternative to what is now Progressive Alternative Pop.

Schedule 7-9th November 2014

6.00pm onwards Friday, 7th November 2014

Kabul & Rock veda (India), 

Chirkutt (Bangladesh),

Nemesis (Sri Lanka), 

Mrigya (India) 

And

Zebunissa Bangash (Pakistan)

6.00pm onwards Saturday, 8th November 2014

The Forsaken (Bhutan),

Alobo Naga and the Band (India),

The Ska Vengers (India) 

And

Pentagram (India)

 6.00pm onwards Sunday, 9th November 2014

 Band (Afghanistan),

 The Kinetic Operations (Maldives)

 Donn Bhat+ Passenger Revelator (India)

 Mukti & Rivival (Nepal)

 and

 Success (France)

About the Participating bands

Day 1

Kabul & Rock Veda (India)

 This India based Progressive Fusion Band, presents a deep-rooted mix of Classical, Sufi and Ghazal in their music. Kabul & Rock Veda connects with the youth by stylishly blending the traditional Ragas, Thumris, Bandish and their own compositions with much preferred rock and contemporary music. Their performances have always been well received by the audience as they dance to their tunes, irrespective of the age group, be it their own composition, a Bollywood number or a classical bandish with a special Rock Veda twist.

 In the past, this band has created magic through their music at prestigious festivals like Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2014-Mumbai, Storm Festival 2014-Bangalore, Jaipur Literature Festival, World Sufi Spirit Festival-Jodhpur, JT PAC- Kochi and Spring Fever Festival-New Delhi.

Chirkutt (Bangladesh)

Formed in 2002, Chirkutt gained popularity in the last 3 years with their energetic live performances and powerful lyrics. Chirkutt’s eclectic compositions defy genre or classification, and they have eventually come to be described as an ‘Epic Fusion’ band, one that has brought radical changes to the modern music industry of Bangladesh. The band member consists of Pavelareen on Drums, Percussion & Sound producer, Emon Chowdhury on Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin & Ukulele, Sharmin Sultana Sumi on Vocals, Lyrics & Tune, Pintu Ghosh on Vocals, Violin & Flute, Didar on Bass and Tamal on Rhythm Guitar.

Chirkutt’s fame has transcended the borders of Bangladesh and reached foreign shores, thanks to their performances at various reputed international music festivals, such as the India Music Week-2012 and the Jaffna Music Festival-2013, Sri Lanka, where they have represented new dimensions of Bangladeshi band music to critical acclaim. And later during the end of 2013, Chirkutt embarked on a grand tour ofNorway with Norwegian rockers Casa Murilo. Both the bands toured through 6 cities – Oslo, Bergen, Molde, Trondheim, Bodo, Salvaer.

Nemesis (Sri Lanka)

Nemesis, which was formed in the year 2005, is one of the few Sri Lankan rock bands to be successful in the Srilankan Rock music arena. With the likes of Tharindu Mathew, Loshaarn Bastian, Mihindu Ariyarathne, and Sithija Dilshan, Nemesis boasts of consisting some of the most brilliant musicians in the island performing under its name. Since the inception, Nemesis has strived tirelessly to promote and improve the standards of rock music in Sri Lanka.

Their first album “Chakithaya” brought Nemesis in to the mainstream music scene. Nemesis became the first Rock/Metal act in Sri Lankan history to be featured on MTV desi and MTV Iggy. The video of “Chakithaya” was nominated for several awards in the Derana Music Awards 2010, including the nomination for the Best Rock Video in 2010.

Mrigya (India)

Mrigya is one of India’s most premier and prodigious World-Fusion bands, hailing from New Delhi. Formed in 1999, the band has blossomed into a fascinating contemporary world music band venturing to stretch the boundaries of Indian classical music becoming the harbinger of a unique fusion band offering a rich blend of Blues, Funk, Folk, Latin, Indian Classical and Jazz. The Band member includes Sharat Chandra Srivastava on Violin, Sachin Kapoor on Keys, Indraneel Hariharan on Bass & Vocal, Karan Sharma on Guitars, Rajat Kakkar on Drums and Gyan Singh on Tabla & Percussion.

Mrigya aims to evolve, share the cultural nuances, and promote the Indian ethos through its music in a global way – drawing attention and inviting one to explore the Indian heritage. The band has toured extensively around the globe winning accolades and representing India at various international festivals.

Zebunnisa Humayun Bangash (Pakistan)

Zebunissa Bangash is one of the most loved vocalists in Pakistan and has been singing since she was eight-year old. She has been trained under some of the eminent musician of the country, currently Ustad Naseer Uddin Saami is helping her develop the semi classical Thumri to further enrich her musical repertoire. As an artist with a truly global sensibility, Zeb has the talent to learn and draw from music from all over the world. In particular she feels an affinity with music from the Central Asian and ‘Indus Valley’ regions. She is working closely with musicians from these areas. She is especially interested in exploring Pakistan’s forgotten rich cultural heritage and it’s linkages through music and song.

Day 2

The Forsaken (Bhutan)

Forsaken or officially known as The Forsaken (Bhutan), is a Bhutanese Heavy Metal band from Thimphu Bhutan. Originally formed temporarily for one fest on May 2013, and after winning the “Battle of Bands” in 1st position the band decided to continue. Each member of the band is from various origin bands, namely The Low Profile Sunday (Punk/Hard core), Demon Nomad (Thrash Metal), Sanctum (Metal core) and Axis 6 (Heavy Metal). At present the band is working on their upcoming EP (Extra Play – Broken Delusion) and so far the band has completed their originals. Although the band mostly plays cover songs of well known rock bands and fewer times their original, the band is best known for their presence, interaction and showmen ship onstage. And As of now, the band is under process in releasing official lyrical video of their debut Single “In His Name” from the EP.

Alobo Naga and The Band (India)

Winner of 2012 Best Indian Act at MTV Europe Music Awards – Alobo Naga & The Band (ANTB) is an Indian rock outfit from Dimapur, Nagaland, formed in 2010. Since 2010, the band has consisted of members Alobo Naga(lead vocals, songwriter, and keyboards), Lima (lead guitar, backing vocal), Fung Walling (bass guitar, backing vocals), Sumika Yepothomi (Turntables) and Theja (Drums). The band rose to fame in 2011 with their video single ‘Painted Dreams’ which was an instant hit; it was premiered in August 2011 at VH1. The popularity of the video also helped the band to earn themselves MTV Europe Music Awards 2012 nominations under Best Indian Act/Worldwide Act.

To date, Alobo Naga & The Band have released one four song extended play– Painted Dreams (2010), hit video single ‘Painted Dreams’ in 2010 and extended dub step version of ‘Painted Dreams’ ft DJ Ina in 2012. The band long play or full-length studio effort will be released by January 2015.

Alobo Naga & The Band’s music has been associated mostly with progressive rock because all the five members like different genres and their music reflects the progression of influence from all genres. Their lyrics are mostly based on youth, society and love.

The Ska Vengers (India)

The Ska Vengers is a new Delhi based band who blend ‘ska’ rhythms with elements of dub, punk, jazz and rap to come up with a form of music that is refreshingly different, energetic and highly danceable. Keys man, Stefan Kaye rounded up a few of his musician friends to form the band in the fall of 2009. The band was put together since there was a lack of energetic, harder edged dance based live music in India.

All members are highly experienced performers in their own right. Nikhil, Stefan and Tony also play in both post rock/disco group Emperor Minge and theatrical jazz outfit The Jass B’stards . They are regular performers on India’s first touring cabaret show ‘The Stiff Kittens’ Medicine Show’. Samara is also an actor and equally well known as a TV presenter on NDTV Good Times. Delhi Sultanate has garnered much praise for his highly skilled, socially conscious rap with drum ‘n’ bass team BASSFoundation and also his own project Word, Sound, Power. Raghav is also known as selecta with DJ collective ‘Reggae Rajahs’.

Pentagram (India)

Few Indian artists have been as crucial to the change in India’s musical landscape as Pentagram. Fewer have been able to represent it better. Easily India’s biggest and most popular act, Pentagram has defined an almost cultural transformation – a metamorphosis, if you may, of a community and an art that’s as vital to India as cricket and movies. Pioneers and protagonists of a scene desperately seeking its own heroes, Pentagram has, since its formation in 1994, been the champion of an important movement; an underground that they’ve carried into our nation’s collective consciousness.

Fronted by the inimitable Vishal Dadlani, the band is a collaboration of some incredibly talented musicians. Randolph Correia, one of the most prolific guitarists in the country, is at the steering wheel of this monster truck, breaking boundaries and conceptions of genres on a path that several have tried to follow. Bassist Papal Mane lays the foundation of this measured assault while Shiraz Bhattacharya, stoic behind the drum kit, is the backbone of this power packed high energy electro rock act.

The band’s debut album We Are Not Listening (1996) was as much a statement in title, as it was in impact – listed by legendary Mumbai music store Rhythm House as India’s fastest selling rock album. The band went on to win every single major competition in India. Their sophomore effort Up (2002) saw the band’s sound evolve to a deliberate, definitive electro rock; a digital progression well ahead of their peers and their time. The album sold over 15,000 copies and signalled the acceptance of a sound that wasn’t derivative of an international trend or a fleeting, one-hit-wonder-esque series of singles. With the release of its third album It’s OK, It’s All Good (2007), Pentagram soared into stratospheric heights previously occupied solely by movie stars and cricketers. Having toured around the country and the world (the band was the first Indian act to perform at the Glastonbury festival in England), the band firmly established itself as India’s premier rock act.

Day 3

Sunday, 9th November 2014

Band (Afghanistan),

The Kinetic Operations (Maldives)

Started as the Sifainge Music Group 20 years ago, the band changed its name to SMG The KOPS and later as The Kops Band. Since 2013, the band has been rebranded to Kinetic Operaations, K-OPS Band. The band has been performing for generations representing as the official band of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). The Kops Band regularly performs for all official delegates and at official functions of the Government upon request.  The band is also in to forefront of all public and Charity Shows.

In addition to these official performances the Kops Band have performed with major leading artists of this nation on their events including Fasy Live, Easa, Unoosha, Zara, Kayano, Mishy Athif, Ammadey, Ritte to name a few.

Kops Band has also performed in Mr. MNDF Show in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In One Nation Raajje Tour, the band has performed in Fuahmulak, Male’ City, H Dh. Hanimaadhoo. The band also performs in official events of MNDF and in Banquets during visits of Head of Foreign Countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. For the last four years, the band performed in the reception to celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day of USA. They also perform in Chinese New Year Celebrations in Maldives. In addition, they performed in many official dinners of High-ranked Army Officers of many Asian countries.

Donn Bhat+ Passenger Revelator (India)

Mukti & Rivival (Nepal)

During early 80s Kathmandu was still going through hangover of hippie era, it had a strong western music influence in the air. A local who grew up near the hippies’ hang out popularly known as freak streets was not spared. Mukti Shakya picked up guitar, joined one of the most popular bands “Redium” as guitarist and a singer. Mukti was soon regarded as an inspiration to the up coming musician and idol to many musicians of the valley. His fans belong to different age groups from teenagers to old folks still singing his tunes and swinging to his rhythms all over the world. In mid 80’s Mukti went to Spain with his wife, where he played and toured with different other bands.

Mukti came back to Kathmandu in early 90’s. Noticing the change in the scene he decided that he needs to revive the old musical charm. Thus, he collected his old friends and started the Revival. He’s been able to sway many music lovers with his tune. From performing for a crowd of 15000 at Kathmandu Durbar Square to 100’s at small bars and venues, Mukti and Revival’s music has never failed to mesmerize the crowd.

Having performed all over America, Europe, Australia, Canada and Asia, With 4 albums and numerous hits and awards under their belt, Mukti & Revival holds a prominent space in Nepali Rock Music Scenario.

Success (France)

This rock and electronic music band known for its absolute crazy performances gained popularity with their hit number “Girl from New Orleans” that was spotted by RCA / Colombia in the UK underground music of Manchester. Then came the second hit “Hard to come back” which appears on the Box Office next to Mozart and Metallica.

• Samantha Cameron dazzled in a royal blue sari with a detailed gold trim
• The Camerons were attending Diwali party put on by Tories in Westminster
• Five-day Hindu festival of lights is celebrated in autumn each year 

• It is known as the Festival of lights – so Samantha Cameron made sure she dazzled.
• The Prime Minister’s wife arrived at a Diwali party in London last night wearing a beautiful flowing royal blue sari with a detailed gold
• The 43-year-old’s colourful attire certainly stood out against her husband David Cameron’s rather more austere blue suit
• The couple were attending a bash put on by the Conservative party in Westminster to celebrate Diwali, the five-day Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year.
• The couple lit a candle to begin the celebrations, before David Cameron gave a speech on the contribution that the eight million Hindus in the UK had made to the country.
• Attendees said he told the audience that the Conservatives would be the first political party to have a British Asian Prime Minister, before quipping ‘but not immediately’.
• At the event, Mr Cameron also launched the new Encyclopaedia of Hinduism, an 11-volume project about the religion involving 1000 contributors.
• For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important events in the year, with fireworks and lamps used to create a riot of colour to celebrate the victory of good over evil, sweets are traded and new clothes bought.
• Lamps are lit and kept on during the night and families come together to carry out traditional tasks such as cleaning the house to honour the goddess Lakshmi.
• The Prime Minister also hosted an annual Diwali party at Downing Street last Friday.

Refugees and human rights organizations react with anger as minister says saving people encourages others to risk voyage Rescued migrant: ‘I feel for those who were with me. They got asylum in the sea’ Britain will not support any future search and rescue operations to prevent migrants and refugees drowning in the Mediterranean, claiming they simply encourage more people to attempt the dangerous sea crossing, Foreign Office ministers have quietly announced. Refugee and human rights organizations reacted with anger to the official British refusal to support a sustained European search and rescue operation to prevent further mass migrant drownings, saying it would contribute to more people dying needlessly on Europe’s doorstep. The British refusal comes as the official Italian sea and rescue operation, Mare Nostrum, is due to end this week after contributing over the past 12 months to the rescue of an estimated 150,000 people since the Lampedusa tragedies in which 500 migrants died in October 2013. The Italian operation will now end without a similar European search and rescue operation to replace it. The Italian authorities have said their operation, which involves a significant part of the Italian navy, is unsustainable. Despite its best efforts, more than 2,500 people are known to have drowned or gone missing in the Mediterranean since the start of the year. Instead of the Italian operation, a limited joint EU “border protection” operation, codenamed Triton and managed by Frontex, the European border agency, is to be launched on 1 November. Crucially, it will not include search and rescue operations across the Mediterranean, just patrols within 30 miles of the Italian coast. Human rights organisations have raised fears that more migrants and refugees will die in their attempt to reach Europe from the north African coast. The hard-pressed Italian navy will be left to mount what search and rescue operations it can. The new European operation will have only a third of the resources of the Italian operation that is being phased out. British policy was quietly spelled out in a recent House of Lords written answer by the new Foreign Office minister, Lady Anelay: “We do not support planned search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean,” she said, adding that the government believed there was “an unintended ‘pull factor’, encouraging more migrants to attempt the dangerous sea crossing and thereby leading to more tragic and unnecessary deaths”. Anelay said: “The government believes the most effective way to prevent refugees and migrants attempting this dangerous crossing is to focus our attention on countries of origin and transit, as well as taking steps to fight the people smugglers who wilfully put lives at risk by packing migrants into unseaworthy boats.” The Home Office told the Guardian the government was not taking part in Operation Triton at present beyond providing one “debriefer” – a single immigration officer – to gather intelligence about the migrants who continue to make the dangerous journey to Italy. Other EU countries have responded to the call for help with two fixed-wing aircraft and three patrol vessels. It is understood that Britain does not rule out providing further support later for an operation it says will be limited to “border management”. As it does not involve search and rescue missions it will not be covered by British government policy which regards the rescue of desperate migrants as only encouraging others to make the hazardous journey. The home secretary, Theresa May, was among justice and home affairs ministers who agreed earlier this month to the ending of the Italian search and rescue operation and to deploying Operation Triton without delay in order to “reinforce border surveillance in the waters close to the Italian shores”. European interior ministers acknowledged that the situation in the Mediterranean was of the greatest concern “as there are indications that the current trend will continue and the situation even risks deteriorating further”. As well as deploying “Task Force Mediterranean”, which includes two fixed-wing surveillance aircraft and three patrol vessels in Operation Triton, ministers agreed a series of North African measures including finding ways of curtailing the supply of vessels from Tunisia and Egypt used by people smugglers. May told the Commons the meeting had agreed “the prompt withdrawal of the Mare Nostrum operation … and for all member states to comply fully with their obligations under EU migration and asylum [policies].” Admiral Filippo Maria Foffi, the commander in charge of the Italian naval squadron involved in Mare Nostrum, is expected to spell out on Tuesday the impact of its cancellation. The British Refugee Council chief executive, Maurice Wren, responding to the Foreign Office refusal to take part in future search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean said: “The British government seems oblivious to the fact that the world is in the grip of the greatest refugee crisis since the second world war. “People fleeing atrocities will not stop coming if we stop throwing them life-rings; boarding a rickety boat in Libya will remain a seemingly rational decision if you’re running for your life and your country is in flames. The only outcome of withdrawing help will be to witness more people needlessly and shamefully dying on Europe’s doorstep. “The answer isn’t to build the walls of fortress Europe higher, it’s to provide more safe and legal channels for people to access protection.” Tony Bunyan, director of Statewatch, which documents European justice and home affairs policies, added: “The government’s justification for not participating in Triton is cynical and an abdication of responsibility by saying that not helping to rescue people fleeing from war, persecution and poverty who are likely to perish is an acceptable way to discourage immigration.” Amnesty International wrote to the home secretary last month criticising the woeful response from European countries to the unacceptable scale of the loss of life from the influx of refugees and migrants on boats across the Mediterranean.

The government on Monday disclosed before the Supreme Court eight more names including that of Pradip Burman, one of Dabur India promoters, a bullion trader and Goa miners against whom it has started prosecution for allegedly stashing blackmoney in foreign banks.

Rajkot-based bullion trader Pankaj Chimanlal Lodhya and Goa-based mining company Timblo Private Limited and its five directors were among the names that figured in the list which was filed in the Supreme Court by the government.

The affidavit, filed days after the government came under attack from political rivals that it was chary of revealing names, said that these names have been received from French authorities and other countries.

Promising to disclose more names of black money holders who have come under its scanner, the government said that all foreign bank accounts cannot be termed as “illegal”.

The additional affidavit on the black money issue was filed on Sunday in furtherance of its affidavit recently when it had said that names of account holders in foreign banks cannot be disclosed till there is evidence of tax evasion against them and prosecution is launched in India.

While Burman’s name was received from French authorities the names of Lodhia and others have been received from “other countries”.

The list names Timblo Private Limited and its directors Radha Satish Timblo, Chetan S Timblo, Rohan S Timblo, Anna C Timblo and Mallika R Timblo. It was not clear whether the account holder is the company or its directors.

Shortly after the disclosure in the Supreme Court, Dabur India promoter family, Burmans said the account complied with all legal requirements.

“We wish to state that this account was opened when he (Pradip) was an non-resident Indian, and was legally allowed to open this account,” a Dabur spokesperson said in a statement.

“We have followed all the laws and the complete details regarding the account have been voluntarily, and as per law, filed with the Income Tax department and appropriate taxes paid, wherever applicable,” he added.

Lodhiya denied having a Swiss bank account. “We have already declared in the income tax and there is nothing…we don’t have any Swiss account that is the only thing which I can say,” he said.

Radha Timbo declined to comment on her name being mentioned in the affidavit, saying she has to first study it before commenting.

The government in its 10-page affidavit submitted that it cannot disclose all the information and names of account holders in overseas banks, received from foreign countries, unless there is a “prima facie” evidence of wrongdoing for launching prosecution for tax evasion.

“The government is committed to disclose names of persons holding illegal money abroad. However, every account held by an Indian in a foreign country may not be illegal and the fundamental right of citizens to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be ignored and has been recognised by this court,” it said, adding the names and information/documents cannot be disclosed even under proceedings under Article 32(1) of the Constitution.

It submitted the apex court to clarify its earlier order directing it to reveal even the names of foreign bank account holders against whom no evidence was found for stashing black money saying the government would have a problem entering into tax agreements with other countries.

“There is absolutely no intention on the part of the government to withhold information, including names of persons who have stashed black money abroad, but only to seek certain clarification that will enable the government to enter into agreements with other countries under which information relating to unaccounted money lying abroad can be obtained,” it said.

“The information received under these tax treaties and agreements will be disclosed after following the due process of law, in all cases where evasion of tax is established. The intention of the present government is clear and unambiguous. The government is keen to unearth black money held abroad and for that purpose it will use all diplomatic and legal means and also all investigating agencies to obtain information that can assist in such unearthing,” the affidavit said.

Swiss authority willing to disclose information

The Centre also told the Supreme Court that the Swiss government has indicated its willingness to provide information on “stolen data” containing names of Indians who had allegedly stashed black money in banks there.

The government said the “development” is very significant as the Swiss government had refused to provide any information regarding it. “Switzerland has indicated willingness to provide information in respect of cases where investigations have been carried out by the IT Department independently from what Swiss government considers as stolen data. This development is very significant because there are several cases of account holders which were investigated by the department independently.”

The government said the Swiss Federal Tax Administration has agreed that their counterpart authority would assist India in obtaining confirmation of genuineness of bank accounts.