Can the HRA details of third party be disclosed under RTI ACT?

Background

The appellant sought information related to the HR allowance being given to a person for the last five years by the Delhi Jal Board. On the directions of the First Appellate authority (FAA), the Public Information Officer (PIO) provided the information for a period of three years and informed the applicant that prior to this period the person was working in another place in Delhi Jal Board from where information is being collected and will be provided as and when it is received.

Proceeding

During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the respondent pointed out that the appellant’s grievance against the Public Authority is that the PIO had mentioned that there are two houses wherein the said person was residing. The respondent refuted this contention by stating that the information furnished by the PIO is absolutely correct since it is based on the information as available in the service book of the third party. The respondent also produced before the Commission the said service book.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) verified the facts from the service book and held the information as available in the service book has been provided to the appellant. The Commission however directed the PIO to provide an attested copy of the relevant page of the service book so that the appellant is satisfied that the information provided is as per information available on record.

Citation: Ms. Nida & Savita v. Delhi Jal Board GNCT of Delhi, in File No: CIC/AD/A/2012/001211