Disclosure of the purpose and details of tour done for Doordarshan Maintenance Centre under RTI

Background

The appellant sought the details and the purpose of all tours done for Doordarshan Maintenance Centre (DMC), Kanpur by the Center Engineer, DMC and the details of the officers who undertook tours and the reasons for the said tours. The Public Information Officer (PIO) did not furnish the information stating that the name of the accountant is not mentioned in the postal order and asked the applicant to send the postal order in favour of DDO, DMC, Kanpur.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) observed that the appellant had followed provision-3 of the Central Rules of the RTI Act which states, “A request for obtaining information under section 6(1) application shall be accompanied by an application fee of Rs. 10/- by way of cash against proper receipt or by demand draft or bankers cheque payable to the Accounts Officer of the Public authority.” The Commission held that PIO erred in not accepting the IPO made as per the rules framed by the Government and filed in providing the information. Holding that it is for the government officers to understand the rules in existence and understand and treat them properly, the Commission granted a compensation of Rs. 1000/- to the applicant under section 19(8) (b), for the loss and detriment suffered by him. The Commission directed to provide the information.

Citation:  Mr. Bimal Kumar Khemani v. Prasar Bharti Broadcasting Corporation of India in Decision No. CIC/SG/A/2011/003722/18047