2013 (1) TMI 1043 - Commission - Indian Laws

Commission orders free inspection of files up to 100 pages; cautions against indiscriminate RTI requests.

Mr. H.K. Bansal Versus CPIO & GM (OP) MTNL

The Commission directed the CPIO to allow the appellant to inspect relevant files/records and make copies free of charge up to 100 pages, with a fee ... - Issues involved: Appellant's claim of incomplete information under RTI application, CPIO's contention of providing information and appellant's extensive RTI applications causing strain on resources.Incomplete Information Claim:The appellant alleged that he did not receive the complete information requested in his RTI application dated 08/02/2010. However, the CPIO argued that the information has been provided through various letters mentioned by the appellant himself in his RTI appeal dated 21/01/2011. The CPIO further stated that the appellant had been allowed to inspect records on multiple occasions and provided around 175 pages of documents identified by him during inspections at no cost. It was suggested that if further details were needed, relevant files could be made available for inspection at the CPIO's office. The appellant agreed to inspect the records on 25/02/2013 at 11.00 a.m.Resource Strain due to Extensive RTI Applications:The CPIO informed the Commission that the appellant, a retired employee, had filed over 44 RTI applications seeking substantial and voluminous information from various CPIOs. This extensive data compilation was causing a strain on the resources of the public authority and incurring significant costs to the exchequer. The CPIO highlighted that the appellant's current RTI application alone contained a request for extensive information spanning 64 paragraphs. Additionally, it was pointed out that the appellant's actions seemed to be aimed at pressurizing the public authority to address his service-related grievance by contesting the department's actions for alleged non-compliance with rules.Commission's Decision:The Commission directed the CPIO, Corporate Office, to allow the appellant to inspect the relevant files/records on 25/02/2013 at 11.00 a.m. The appellant was also permitted to take photocopies or extracts from the records, free of charge for up to 100 pages, and thereafter on payment of the prescribed fee. The Commission acknowledged the strain caused by the appellant's multiple RTI applications on the public authority's resources and cited a Supreme Court ruling to caution against indiscriminate demands for information that could hinder administrative efficiency. It emphasized that the RTI Act should not be misused or abused to obstruct national development or intimidate officials, and that there are other appropriate forums for addressing grievances and disputes, not solely relying on RTI applications. The appellant was advised to consider these observations and refrain from misusing the provisions of the RTI Act.