Can solutions to mathematical equations be sought under the RTI Act?
12 Feb, 2012Background
The appellant sought information regarding the solution of three mathematical equations as given below:
(a) Fifty percent of 15600 plus 6600 is equal to
(b) 50% of Rs. 15600 + Rs. 6600 = Rs.
(c) 50% of Rs. 37400 + Rs. l0000 = Rs.
The PIO gave a reply that:
(a) Fifty percent of 15600 plus 6600 = Rs. 11,100/-
(b) 50% of Rs. 15600 + Rs.6600 = Rs. 11,100/-
(c) 50% of Rs. 37,400 + Rs. 10000 = Rs. 23,700/-
On appeal, the First Appellate Authority (FAA) stated that the variation as per the operation of BODMAS in solution (a) above occurred earlier is because of the ambiguity in the equation concerned.
View of CIC
The Appellant has used RTI to test the knowledge in mathematics of the PIO which is not information as per the RTI Act. Though the reply provided by the PIO is not covered under Right to information, the Commission noticed that the answers do not appear to be mathematically correct.
Comments
RTI Act does not involve seeking answers to mathematical equations. Applications such as these are a waste of the time and energy of the public authorities.
Citation: Mr. Prabhat Kr. Saxena v. Department of Atomic Energy in file no. CIC/DS/A/2011/000998/SG
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/65
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission