Whispers Forum

The Complainant pleaded that as the reply was delayed, the photocopying charges are not applicable. The PIO submitted that on 29.02.2020, the complainant was given all the required information free of cost who submitted an undertaking that he is satisfied with the information. The Complainant submitted before the CIC that he was forced to sign the undertaking stating his satisfaction. The CIC held that there is no ground to accept that the undertaking was signed under pressure. However, the PIO was issued a warning for not providing the documents free of cost on time and claiming charges despite the delay in replying.
Comments
As per Section 7 (6) of the RTI Act, the person making request for the information shall be provided the information free of charge where a public authority fails to comply with the prescribed time limits. A PIO must ensure timely disbursal of information
Citation: Raashed Ashraf Rather v. Military Engineer Services in File no.: CIC/UTOJK/C/2020/114700/IAIRF, Date of Decision: 03/11/2021
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

DEBATE(1)
People have started talking about plus points of having bachelor chief Ministers. What about bachelor babus - - particularly at higher level? But then we should keep in mind the fact that being bachelor does not always mean being single.
A K
Roads not affected by flood waters from any overflowing water body
Even in city, roads not affected by flood waters from any overflowing water body. The flooding occurs for 2 reasons : 1)the Storm water drain ports are blocked by residents while making Ramps in front of their gates. This again is due to raising the ground level of their house well above road level due to the constant fear of road level increasing over the years due to the repeated black topping by GCC w/o SCRAPPING the old road surface. & 2)Many house owners have No RWH (rain water harvesting) & the runaway rain water from their terraces floods the road.
Ashok Kumar

Daughter of Late Lakshmi Kanta Bhakta and Sumati Rani Bhakta sought to know on what ground her mother got employment in the life time of her father. The applicant submitted that her father was mentally not well and therefore her mother was given employment and there is a dispute regarding landed property among the legal heirs. Therefore, she is entitled to receive the information. The information with regard to appointment of Smt. Sumati Rani Bhakta was denied u/s 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The CIC held that the appellant failed to demonstrate any larger public interest, the reply of the CPIO is accepted and no further action is called for.
Comments
It is not uncommon to see RTI applications being filed to settle scores in cases of personal animosity. However, irrespective of the purpose, personal information cannot be provided unless there is a larger public interest..
Citation: Shikha Paul v. Metal & Steel Factory in File no.: - CIC/DODFP/A/2020/113465, Date of Decision: 03/11/2021
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

DEBATE (1)
They are successful because they are free from family pressure. They do not compromise with certain things.
Girja Shankar
Everything in GoI be transparent
I agree with Subhash Sirivastava. In 16 years India is struggling with the fact that which organization falls under RTI which not, this is intentional. Best would be if everything in GoI including NGOs trusts, political parties be transparent. Everything should be clearly depicted on their official websites. Even private sector too should follow the same.
Harish Kumar

DEBATE(1)
Bachelor Chief Ministers can be available round the clock for the public welfare. Bachelors can give more time than married.
Suresh Kapse
CIC giving orders contradictory to their own previous orders
The CIC has been giving a host of orders which are contradictory to their own previous orders or to the orders of other benches. The rationale of the order is not clear in many cases. If public money is used in the establishment of an organisation or the running of an organisation, it is a Public Authority under section 2(h) of the RTI Act. Surprisingly, the authorities responsible for implementing the RTI Act are taking a twisted interpretation, depending upon who the individual is who is seeking the information. Sometimes, it depends on which is the organisation answerable for the RTI Application. Even after 16 years of RTI Act being in force, we are still fighting about whether an organisation is covered under the ambit of the RTI Act. God help RTI
Subhash Shrivastava