The Cuttack Division of LIC had selected 200 doctors for different branches to examine the health, habits & other facts of the policyholders whenever necessary – The list of doctors was denied u/s 8(1) (e) and (j) of the RTI Act – CIC: Provide the list
17 Oct, 2015ORDER
1. The appellant Shri Biraja Prasad Mohanty, submitted RTI application dated 24.12.2014 before the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), Life Insurance Corporation of India, Cuttack seeking information of all LIC doctors’ list who were authorized by LIC Divisional Office, Cuttack since 1.1.2004 to 28.8.2014.
2. The CPIO vide letter dated 08.01.2015 denied the information under the provisions of Section 8(1) (e) and (j) of the RTI Act. Dissatisfied with the reply of the CPIO, the appellant filed an appeal on 22.01.2015 before the first appellate authority (FAA). The FAA vide order dated 18.02.2015 concurred with the decision of the CPIO.
3. Thereafter the appellant filed the present appeal before the Commission.
4. The matter was heard by the Commission. The appellant stated that he sought doctors list authorized by LIC of India, Cuttack Divisional Office, which was denied by the respondents. The respondents stated that the appellant is working as an Agent at Bhubaneswar under the jurisdiction of Bhubaneswar Division. He is also acting as a visiting agent by which he can give new business at different branches. The Cuttack Division of LIC of India selected 200 doctors for different branches to examine the health, habits and other relevant facts of the policyholders whenever necessary. However, the information is available with the LIC of India, Cuttack Division in fiduciary relationship and disclosure of the same would affect the interest of the Corporation. The information also contains the personal information of third party. The appellant had not established any larger public interest to support the disclosure of such information. Moreover, being a visiting agent, the appellant can get the name of a particular doctor from the branch authority during his visit to the branch.
5. Having considered the submissions of the parties, the Commission directs the CPIO to provide the list of doctors selected by LIC of India, Cuttack Division and working for the last five years to the appellant within one week of receipt of this order. The appeal is disposed of.
(Manjula Prasher)
Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri Biraja Prasad Mohanty v. Life Insurance Corporation of India in Appeal: No. CIC/MP/A/2015/000763