Using RTI to deal with the issue of excess fare charged on the train
15 May, 2013Background
The appellant claimed that he was charged with excess fare on from Delhi to Jaipur while travelling in train, although he was only traveling till Rewari. He also alleged that the TTE had demanded Rs.500/- and when the same was refused by him, the TTE issued the excess fare ticket. Later, he filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Ministry of Railways seeking copy of the relevant rule that allows the charging of such excess fare. The Public Information Officer (PIO) requested the applicant to send the IPO in favour of Pay and Account Officer, Railway Board. The applicant then filed an appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) stating that no information has been received despite paying the fee through correct IPO. Vide his second appeal, the appellant submitted that the Railway Board had informed him that the RTI application was sent to North West Railway, but the North West Railway had informed him that the letter was received by them without the RTI application. The Advisor (Freight Marketing) again informed the appellant that the copy of the RTI application is once again being sent to NWR for furnishing requisite information.
Proceedings
During the hearing the before Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant submitted that he had been informed that a memo has been issued to the TTE but a copy of the memo has not been supplied to him. He also argued that the information was supplied late. The respondent submitted that the letter did not contain the RTI application and that the same was received later on. Accordingly, the reply was furnished to the appellant within one month of receiving the RTI application.
View of CIC
The Commission directed the PIO, North West Railway to provide the copy of the memo to the appellant along with the information on any further action taken against the TTE. Regarding the delay in furnishing of information, the Commission held that they are not in a position to take a decision on the matter since the PIO, North West Railway received only the covering letter and that the RTI application was not enclosed along with the covering letter.
Comments
It is not understood who would deal with the issue of delay if the CIC expresses helplessness.
Citation: Mr. Kuldeep Yadav v. Ministry of Railways, Railway Board in File No: CIC/AD/A/2012/002782
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/1286
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission