Can PIO respond to RTI application without giving any enclosures?
18 May, 2013Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Delhi Police seeking information pertaining to a particular FIR in which five people were listed as accused. The appellant wanted to know who among the accused were released on anticipatory bail and the names of persons who executed the bail-bonds. The Public Information Officer (PIO) provided some information to the appellant.
Proceedings
During the hearing the before Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant submitted that the PIO has replied without providing any enclosures. He has not provided information on whether the aforementioned accused persons named in the FIR were granted anticipatory bail nor have they provided the name of persons who executed the bail bonds. The respondent stated that as per record, one person was arrested and released on bail. He also provided the name of the person who had given the surety of accused person. The respondent also stated that the investigation of the case is complete and challan has been filed in the Court and the complete case file is in the Women Court for judicial trial.
View of CIC
The Commission observed that the PIO has sent his reply without the enclosure, this action has caused delay in providing information to the appellant. The Commission cautioned the PIO to be more careful while dealing with the RTI matters. The CIC also directed the PIO to provide complete status regarding bail to the accused of the case.
Citation: Ms. Babita Gautam v. Delhi Police in Case No. CIC/SS/A/2012/002246
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/1283
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission