Ministry ordered to disclose info in RTI request on protests against Additional Solicitor General

The Central Information Commission directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide information sought in an RTI application regarding protests against the Additional Solicitor General. The Commission emphasized the fundamental right to access information and the strict interpretation of exemptions under the RTI Act. The respondent was instructed to disclose the requested information, except for one query not falling under the Act's definition of "information." Failure to comply within two weeks would constitute non-compliance with the Commission's order, highlighting the importance of adhering to directives in response to RTI applications.

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Issues:
1. Interpretation of RTI application queries related to Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
2. Claim of exemption from disclosure under RTI Act.
3. Compliance with directions of Central Information Commission.

Analysis:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application seeking information related to alleged protests by the Union Petroleum Ministry against the Additional Solicitor General appearing in a court case. The queries included requests for detailed information, correspondence, and documents regarding the protests. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas had initially refused to disclose the information, citing confidentiality and sensitivity. However, the Commission noted that the respondent did not claim any exemption under the RTI Act and failed to justify how disclosure would attract any exemption. As per the decision in Bhagat Singh v. Chief Information Commissioner, the right to access information is fundamental, and exemptions must be strictly construed. Therefore, the Commission directed the respondent to provide information on specific points of the RTI application, except for one query that did not fall under the definition of "information" as per the Act.

2. The Commission emphasized that a public authority can only claim exemption from disclosure as per Section 8(1) of the RTI Act. In this case, the respondent did not provide any valid grounds for withholding the information sought by the appellant. The Commission's decision was based on the principle that exemptions under Section 8 should not overshadow the fundamental right to access information. By not claiming any exemption and failing to demonstrate how disclosure would meet any exemption criteria, the respondent was directed to comply with the request for information within two weeks from the receipt of the order.

3. The Commission's order required the respondent to provide the requested information within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with the directions within two weeks would result in non-compliance with the Commission's order. The appeal was disposed of accordingly, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the directives issued by the Central Information Commission in response to RTI applications.

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