In the absence of particulars required to trace the information no reply was given by PIO - Appellant: compensation should be awarded as PIO failed to give any reply - CIC: RTI Act can’t be used for raising roving query; compensation Rs. 250/- awarded
26 Jun, 2015ORDER
Information sought:-
The appellant has sought the information in relation to the amount deposited by Ravishankar Kumar since 2007 to 2009 under one year scheme, if deposited then provide the date of maturity of the said amount and how much money was withdrawn and on which date.
Grounds for the Second Appeal: The CPIO has not provided the desired information.
Relevant Facts emerging during Hearing: The following were present
Appellant: Mr. Ravishankar Kumar through VC
Respondent: Mr. Kapil Dev Yadav CPIO’s representative through VC
The appellant stated that he has not received any reply to his RTI application dated 01/03/2014. The CPIO’s representative stated that from a plain reading of the RTI application it is apparent that the appellant has asked for information of roving nature without providing any clue whatsoever like the account number etc. and in the absence of minimum particulars it is not possible to trace the information from the voluminous records of the post office. The appellant pleaded that some compensation should be awarded as the CPIO has failed to give any reply.
Decision notice:
The CPIO’s representative has submitted that the appellant has not provided the slightest clue for tracing the information. The provisions of the RTI Act cannot be used for raising query of roving nature asking the CPIO to locate the information from the voluminous records of the post office. However, since no reply was given to the applicant he deserves to be compensated. Therefore, in exercise of the powers vested in the CIC under section 19(8)(b) In its decision, the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission, as the case may be, has the power to require the public authority to compensate the complainant for any loss or other detriment suffered; of the RTI Act, we direct the department to compensate him by an amount of Rs.250/- for the inconvenience caused to him. Accordingly, the CPIO should ensure that this amount is remitted to the appellant by demand draft/pay order within 30 days from the date of receipt of this order. The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
BASANT SETH
Information Commissioner
Citation: Mr. Ravishankar Kumar v. Department of Posts in File No. CIC/BS/A/2014/000946/7401