Application seeking information regarding payment of compensation to the relatives of Nirbhaya after her gang rape was repeatedly transferred - CIC: inform the relationship of the person who received the compensation with Nirbhaya; show cause for delay
9 Nov, 2014Application seeking information regarding payment of compensation to the relatives of Nirbhaya after her gang rape was repeatedly transferred - CIC: inform only the relationship of the person who received the compensation with Nirbhaya and not the name; show cause for delay
Facts
Heard on 3.9.14. Appellant present. Respondent is represented by none.
2. The Appellant filed an RTI application dt.4.2.13 with the PIO, Chief Minister’s Office seeking information against five points with regard to payment of compensation to the parents or nearest relative of Nirbhaya after her gang rape. The PIO vide his letter dt.7.2.13 transferred the RTI application to the Finance and Revenue Departments of GNCTD. The PIO, Finance Department vide letter dt.12.2.13 transferred the RTI application to Revenue Dept., GNCTD. The PIO/SDMI (HQ) vide letters. Dt.14.2.13 and 28.2.13 transferred the RTI Application to SDM (HQI), Relief Branch and SDM (HQ), District:South West respectively. Upon receipt of the RTI application from SDM1 (HQ), Relief Branch, the SDM (Dwaraka) replied on 12.4.13 stating that information sought does not pertain to his office. He also transferred the RTI application to Tehsildar (Dwarka) vide letter dt.12.3.13. On not receiving any reply, the Appellant filed an appeal dt.30.4.13 with the Appellate Authority. On not receiving any reply, Appellant filed a second appeal dt.1.8.13 before CIC.
3. The Commission on perusal of the document on record directs the PIO to inform the Appellant the person to whom the compensation has been paid. The PIO shall inform only the relationship of the person who received the compensation with Ms. Nirbhaya and shall not furnish the name of the person who had received the compensation. This information shall be furnished within three weeks of receipt of this order.
4. The Commission directs the then Tehsildar (Dwarka) (from 12.3.13 to 30.4.13) to show cause as to why penalty u/s 20 of the RTI Act should not be imposed upon him for not responding to the RTI application within the stipulated time as prescribed under the RTI Act. He is directed to submit his written explanation so as to reach the Commission within three weeks of receipt of this order. The PIO is directed to forward a copy of this order to the then Tehsildar (Dwarka) for compliance.
5. The Commission ordered accordingly.
(M. Sridhar Acharyulu)
Information Commissioner
Citation: R.C.Gupta v. Revenue Dept., GNCTD in Case No. CIC/DS/A/2013/001521SA