Using RTI for addressing the issue of delivery of an opened parcel
7 Mar, 2013Background
The appellant’s son had sent a gift parcel containing 03 readymade pants valued at about US$150. The Pattam Palace Post Office, Trivandrum informed the appellant to come and take the parcel. The appellant was told by the postal department to open the parcel in-front-of them but when he received the parcel, he found it was already opened and contained items other than what his son had sent. Hence, he refused to take the parcel. The appellant filed a written complaint to the Chief Post Master General but no response was received. Later, he filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Department of Posts requesting for a compensation of US $200 for loss of article and to inquire the matter and take disciplinary action against the guilty person.
Proceedings
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant stated that he is aggrieved as a parcel sent by his son from USA was received in a completely damaged condition. The respondent stated that the complaint was enquired into but they could not ascertain where the damage has taken place and the appellant has now lodged a claim for compensation which is being processed. The appellant requested that the respondent may be directed to process his claim expeditiously. The respondent assured that he will do the needful.
View of CIC
The Central Information Commission observed that the RTI Act is not the proper law for redressal of grievances and there are other appropriate forum(s) for resolving such matters. However, the Commission stated that the appellant’s claim for compensation may be processed expeditiously as per extant guidelines.
Citation: Mr. Isaac Winfred v Department of Posts in File No. CIC/BS/A/2012/000036/1926
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/1101
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission