RTI disclosure of termination file notings cannot be refused merely because a service dispute is pending before a tribunal.

The Right to Information law does not create a general exemption for matters merely because they are pending before a tribunal. Disclosure may be withheld only where a court or tribunal has expressly prohibited it, or where release would amount to contempt. As the request related to the appellant's own termination file, the pendency of the service dispute was not a valid ground to refuse the file notings. The CPIO was directed to obtain the records from the regional office and supply them, and disclosure was ordered.

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Issues: Whether pendency of the appellant's termination dispute before the Tribunal justified denial of file notings sought under the Right to Information law.

Analysis: The order held that the Right to Information law does not create a general exemption for matters that are sub judice. It noted that the only relevant restriction is where disclosure has been expressly forbidden by a court or tribunal or where disclosure may amount to contempt. Since the request concerned the appellant's own termination file, the pendency of the service dispute was not treated as a valid basis to refuse the information.

Conclusion: The information could not be denied on the ground that the termination matter was pending before the Tribunal, and the CPIO was directed to supply the file notings after obtaining them from the regional office.

Final Conclusion: The appeal succeeded and disclosure was ordered.

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