Are the ex-PM and ex-CM given the status of VIP/VVIP? - PIO: there is no formal definition of VIP /VVIP & the terms have come into usage out of convenience - CIC: provide any available information regarding the basis for referring to a citizen as VIP/VVIP
20 Jan, 2014O R D E R
Facts:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application on 27122012 on the subject of identifying VIP/VVIP.
2. The CPIO responded on 2022013, informing the appellant that this unit of MHA was not aware of any rule whereby an individual could be categorized as a VVIP/VIP. A copy of this RTI application was sent to the CPIO, RTI Cell, MHA for further action. The appellant filed an appeal with the first appellate authority (FAA) on 2722013. The FAA responded on 842013. The appellant approached the Commission on 752013 in a second appeal.
Hearing:
3. The appellant referred to his RTI application of 27122012 and stated that he is getting vague responses from the respondent which seems to be avoiding the issues. The appellant stated that he wants to get a proper response to his RTI application because he had specific questions, such as, whether the exPrime Ministers and ex Chief Ministers are given the status of VIP/VVIP. Appellant drew particular attention to points 8, 9 and 10 of his RTI application. The appellant also stated that he wants to know whether any special fund existed with the MHA to manage VIP/VVIP matters.
4. The respondent stated that there is no formal definition of VIPs and VVIPs and that these are terms which have come into usage as terms of convenience. The respondent said that in respect of the question raised by the appellant about liabilities are concerned, the respondent stated that the appellant should spell out which liability he is referring to. The respondent reiterated that there is no formal definition of VIPs and VVIPs. The respondent stated that the MHA responsibility is essentially about providing adequate security based on threat perception.
5. The appellant stated that the crux of the RTI application essentially is this what is the basis for referring to a citizen of India as VIP or VVIP.
Decision:
6. The respondent is directed to provide to the appellant, within 30 days of this order, any available information with regard to para 6 above in context of the RTI application. Appeal is disposed of. Copy of this order be given free of cost to the parties.
(Vijai Sharma)
Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri Prasanta Basu Ray v. Ministry of Home Affairs in Decision No. CIC/SS/A/2013/001445/VS/05828