Information regarding unauthorised construction of an ATM was sought - FAA: the matter had been taken up with the Slum Clearance Board for obtaining the necessary approval - CIC: facilitate an inspection of all the records concerning the ATM
11 Jun, 2015ORDER
1. These files contain appeals in respect of the RTI application dated 18.7.2013 filed by the Appellant, seeking information on four points. Not satisfied with the response of the Respondents, he filed an appeal to the CIC, which was registered on the above mentioned files.
2. No one was present on behalf of the Respondents in spite of a written notice having been sent to them. The Appellant submitted that the Respondents started the construction of an ATM without proper authorization from the concerned authorities and he had sought information in the above context. On perusing the records, we note that the CPIO responded pointwise to the RTI application on 13.8.2013. In his order, disposing of the first appeal of the Appellant, the FAA mentioned that the Slum Clearance Board had permitted the bank to construct the ATM. However, the Corporation authorities stopped the work, stating that the construction was unauthorized. It was further stated by the FAA that the matter had been taken up with the Slum Clearance Board for obtaining the necessary approval and the bank was confident of getting the approval. The Appellant stated that the bank has not received the approval.
3. We have considered the records and the submissions made by the Appellant before us. We note that in some of the queries of the RTI application, the Appellant sought the opinion of the CPIO, which does not fall within the ambit of information as defined in Section 2 (f) of the RTI Act. However, at the same time, we are of the view that there should be complete transparency in such matters so that citizens are assured that construction of such installations is undertaken with proper approvals and authorization. Accordingly, we direct the CPIO to facilitate inspection by the Appellant of all the records concerning the ATM in question on a mutually convenient date and time, within twenty days of the receipt of this order, under intimation to the Commission. After such inspection, photocopies of up to thirty pages of the inspected records should be given to the Appellant free of cost. Photocopies, if any, required by him beyond the above number should be given on payment of the prescribed photocopying charges.
(Sharat Sabharwal)
Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri R Natarajan v. Central Bank of India in File No. CIC/SH/A/2014/000688 and CIC/SH/A/2014/001531