Disclosure in larger public interest
The Appellant sought information regarding certified copy of the complete file of compliance pertaining to complaint filed against an Appraising Officer of Customs, certified copy of factual report on findings of a certain inquiry, certified copies of IPR filed by certain officers and issues related thereto. The FAA denied disclosure of information as per Section 8 (1) (j) of the RTI Act stating that a mere suspicion could not constitute the basis of public interest. It was further stated that consent of the four officers about whom the Appellant had sought details was sought who had objected to the same under Section-11 of the RTI Act, 2005. The CIC upheld the denial of information.
Comments
The passport details, copies of birth certificate and copies of records of educational qualification are personal information, the disclosure of which would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy of individuals unless there was an overbearing public interest in favour of disclosure. Only when the public interest outweighs the need for protection of personal information, the concerned authority is expected to disclose the information.
Citation: Mr. Bandhagit Nadaf v. Central Excise & Customs in Appeal No.:-CIC/SB/A/2016/001225-BJ; Date of Decision: 23.05.2017
Comments
The passport details, copies of birth certificate and copies of records of educational qualification are personal information, the disclosure of which would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy of individuals unless there was an overbearing public interest in favour of disclosure. Only when the public interest outweighs the need for protection of personal information, the concerned authority is expected to disclose the information.
Citation: Mr. Bandhagit Nadaf v. Central Excise & Customs in Appeal No.:-CIC/SB/A/2016/001225-BJ; Date of Decision: 23.05.2017
