Providing third-party information which is exempt from disclosure

9 pages of information was provided in response to a request for mark sheets of a third party and related information. On perusal of the contents of the case, the CIC observed that the Respondent has wrongly provided third party information which is exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, to the Appellant. The CIC held that such lackadaisical conduct of the Respondent is not in accordance with the extant provisions of the RTI Act. The CIC strictly admonished the concerned Respondent, for providing the same to the Appellant, without application of mind and sternly cautioned them to acquaint themselves well with the provisions of RTI Act.

Comments

A PIO must be well versed with the provisions of the RTI Act to comply with the duties enshrined under the Act. The third-party can claim damages for the loss of personal information.

Citation: Jitendra Bhatt v. Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwadidyalaya, Sagar in Second Appeal No. CIC/DHGVV/A/2021/104888, Date of Decision: 17.06.2022

Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is an expert on RTI matters and has co-authored the books RIGHT TO INFORMATION - LAW AND PRACTICE and PIO’s guide to RTI. Apart from her weekly article here, her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link: www.rtifoundationofindia.com