Details of person who signed the documents enclosed with the reply to RTI application

Background

The appellant sought the name and designation of person whose initials appear in several documents enclosed with the replies to previous RTI applications of the applicant. The Public Information Officer (PIO) denied the information under section 8(1)(e) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information; Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information; and 8(1)(g) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes; of the RTI Act. During the hearing, the PIO confirmed that the initials that appear below the name and designation of the officer who has signed the letters on previous dates, all of which are addressed to the appellant appear in the original letters / office copies of the letters.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) held that PIO has not been able to justify the application of section 8(1)(e) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information; Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information; and section 8(1)(g) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes; in denying disclosure of information to the appellant. The Commission directed to PIO to provide information to the appellant.

Citation: Mr. N. Saini v. LIC of India in Appeal: No. CIC/DS/A/2011/002881