Some information regarding mediation proceedings was provided - Appellant: the response is not based on correct facts - PIO: response is based on the records which were available - CIC: provide inspection of the relevant files to the appellant
11 Feb, 2014O R D E R
Facts:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application on 2182012 seeking information in respect of certain mediation proceedings on 2132011 and related issues.
2. The CPIO responded on 1292012, informing the appellant that no information was available. In so far as point 7 of the RTI application was concerned, the RTI application had been transferred to the CPIO Outer Distt, Delhi for action. The appellant filed an appeal with the first appellate authority (FAA) 2792012. The FAA responded on 17102012 and directed the CPIO to provide the relevant information to the appellant. The CPIO responded on 8112012. The appellant approached the Commission on 5112012 in a second appeal.
Hearing:
3. The appellant referred to his RTI application of 2182012 and stated that while he has received a response from the CPIO, but the response is not based on correct facts. The appellant stated that he had sought certain factual information, and that the information revolved on the fact whether the person named in the RTI application had visited the mediation centre of the concerned police station and in this context there was certain followup questions which were also factual in nature. The appellant stated that on points 1 to 6, the respondent has simply said ‘no’ but the factual position was ‘yes’.
4. The respondent stated that the information provided to the appellant is regarding a mediation centre which helps out in family disputes and seeks to also promote conciliation in matters of marriages or dowry complaints, and that any record could only be maintained by those who use the facility of mediation or the mediators themselves. The respondent stated that their response is based on the records which were available.
5. The respondent stated that the meditation centre is a separate entity from the police station though they could be in the same building. The respondent stated that the mediators come to the police station when they are appointed. Each district has a meditation centre. The respondent stated that this case is registered with Prashant Vihar police station.
6. It would be appropriate for the respondent to facilitate the appellant to have a look at the available records.
Decision:
7. The respondent is directed to enable inspection of the relevant files by the appellant and provide photocopies of the pertinent documents to the appellant within 30 days of this order. Appeal is disposed of. Copy of this order be given free of cost to the parties.
(Vijai Sharma)
Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri S.K. Virmani v. Delhi Police in Decision No. CIC/SS/A/2013/000128/VS/05877