Can DGCA obtain information from the private foreign airline for a RTI applicant?

Background        

The appellant sought information regarding the missing passenger bag and payment of compensation by British Airways at New Delhi. The Public Information Officer (PIO) informed the appellant, that M/s British Airways does not fall within the purview of Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 as it is a foreign airline. As the DGCA has no document in this case, no information can be provided in the matter.

Proceedings

During the hearing the respondent submitted that information regarding loss of passenger bag and payment of compensation is entirely a matter between the passenger and the concerned airline and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is only a security regulatory authority and has no role in the matter. The respondent further submitted that there is no provision for the DGCA under any law to seek the required information from the private foreign airline.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) accepted the respondent’s plea and rejected the appeal.

Citation: Mr. Harbans Singh Longia v. Directorate General of Civil Aviation, in Case No. CIC/SS/A/2012/000318