Details of sexual harassment complaints at BHU was sought under RTI
24 May, 2013
Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) seeking some information relating to details of sexual harassment complaints. The Public Information Officer (PIO) informed that information in respect of some queries would be provided by Deputy Registrar (RAC) and Member Secretary, Complaints Committee Cell. The PIO also asked the appellant to deposit Rs. 2 /- as photocopying charges for rest of the information. On directions of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), the Deputy Registrar provided a response to the appellant.
Proceedings
During the hearing the before Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant submitted that no response has been provided to some of the queries. The Deputy Register submitted that they have not provided the information as it involved disclosure of names of girl students and names of persons against whom complaints have been filed and also quoted CIC decision in this connection.
View of CIC
The Commission concurred with the submissions of the Deputy Register regarding non-disclosure of names of girl students and names of persons against whom complaints have been filed. The Commission however, directed the PIO to provide statistical data and guidelines of the University regarding such complaints.
Citation: Mr. Jitendra Sarin v. BHU in File No. CIC/RM/A/2012/000645
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/1313
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission