Using RTI to obtain the details of text and picture messages received from a mobile number
4 Jun, 2013Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) seeking details of text and picture messages received from a particular number to his mobile. The Public Information Officer (PIO) provided a response to the appellant.
Proceedings
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the respondent stated that technically it is not possible to extract any information relating to text and picture messages from the system. He further clarified that even CDR relating to the above period cannot be provided as the preservation period for such information is only one year. The appellant wanted to know whether there is any exemption from disclosure of such information under the RTI Act. The respondent submitted that there is no bar in disclosing the information, if available in the system.
View of CIC
The Commission rejected the appeal stating that the information requested by the appellant is not available in the records.
Citation: Mr. Kandarp R. Purani v. BSNL in File No. CIC/BS/A/2012/000580/2459
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/1332
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission