Can directions be issued to Police under RTI to take certain action?

Background        

The appellant sought information regarding the Green Coconut Sellers such as the hawker license issued to them, the procedure for the certification of their identity by local police, the sanctioned size of the knife used for cutting the coconuts and whether any action was taken for using the bigger knives than the sanctioned one. The Public Information Officer (PIO) informed the appellant that the queries do not pertain to the Health Department. On the directions of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), the PIO provided some information.

Proceedings

During the hearing before Central Information Commission (CIC), the respondent submitted that the PIO has given the information available as per records. It was pointed that the appellant was trying to highlight the issue of coconut vendors using very large sized knives, which was a matter connected with the Police Department and the PIO has appropriately transferred the RTI application to the Police Department. The Police Department has informed the appellant that carrying large knives is illegal. The appellant submitted that the Commission should intervene in the matter and ask the Police to take action against coconut venders who are using large knives. 

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) noted that the Commission do not have jurisdiction in the matter. The Commission dismissed the appeal observing that the information available on the records has been provided to the appellant.

Citation: Mr. Ram Das Ailawadi v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi Health Department in Decision No. CIC/SG/A/2012/000869/18929