RTI Corner

The Appellant sought information regarding the decision of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in a particular case wherein a direction for issuing detailed set of instructions in consultation with CBEC regarding the detention of imported goods was made. In the light of the unpreparedness exhibited by the Respondent present at the hearing, the Commission was compelled to postpone the hearing by four weeks. The CIC directed to issue notice to the CPIO Import. Further, the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Delhi Zone was instructed to revisit the provisions of the RTI Act in his jurisdiction and issue directives to all the concerned officials to sincerely look at the preamble of the RTI Act 2005 and its various provisions for the ease and convenience of the information seekers. The Commission also instructs the Respondent Public Authority to convene periodic conferences/seminars to sensitize, familiarize and educate the concerned officials about the relevant provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 for effective discharge of its duties and responsibilities.
Comments
In view of a large number of appeals coming up for hearing where the PIO has failed to perform his duty or seems unaware of the provisions of Act, the CIC has passed strictures and has directed to convene trainings for the officers.
Citation: : Mr. R.K. Jain v. The Commissioner of Customs, New Delhi in Appeal No.:-CIC/CCCDZ/A/2017/101575-BJ-Interim, Date of Decision: 07.03.2018
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is the co-author of the books: RIGHT TO INFORMATION – LAW AND PRACTICand PIO’s guide to RTI. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at - http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/

The appellant sought details of the municipal laws enacted/ amendments of acts done, both central & state on the basis of international treaties & conventions ratified by the Government of India. The PIO informed the CIC that such details are not held exclusively by any public authority and the statutory enactments are already in public domain.
Comments
Under the RTI Act, the PIO is expected to provide the information as available to him. He is not expected to categorize the statutory enactments on the basis of requirements of appellant as per a given parameter.
Citation: : Govardhan G. Bhasme v. MHA in F. No.CIC/MHOME/A/2017/133556 CIC/MHOME/A/2017/154208, Date of Decision: 27.03.2018
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is the co-author of the books: RIGHT TO INFORMATION – LAW AND PRACTICand PIO’s guide to RTI. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at - http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/