Disclosure of Form F of the ultrasound done by a diagnostic centre under RTI

Background

The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) act with the Directorate of Health GNCT of Delhi seeking information related to a diagnostic centre such as the copies of documents submitted for renewal of registration of the centre, copy of registration certificate issued by the authority, details of ultrasound reports in which form A is included and also the copies of Rule 9(8) and Form F of all the ultrasound tests done. He also wanted information in respect of sealing of the said centre. The Public Information Officer (PIO) denied the information stating that it belongs to third party.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) perused the relevant sections of Pre-Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 and noted that the disclosure of information is extremely important in public interest as it relates to the evil practice of female foeticide in India. The Commission directed that the Form F which relates to maintenance of records in respect of pregnant woman by Genetic Clinic/Ultrasound clinic may be provided to the appellant only after severing all the information under section 10(1) Where a request for access to information is rejected on the ground that it is in relation to information which is exempt from disclosure, then, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, access may be provided to that part of the record which does not contain any information which is exempt from disclosure under this Act and which can reasonably be severed from any part that contains exempt information. of the RTI Act that discloses the identity of the mother (including name address and other such details) as its disclosure would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual concerned under section 8(1)(j). The Commission also ruled that information against other points may also be provided to the appellant.

Citation: Mr. Dharamavir v. Directorate of Health GNCT of Delhi & O/o the Chief Medical Officer in File No: CIC/AD/A/2012/000979