Information regarding use of helicopters by the media for coverage of the floods in Uttarakhand was sought - PIO: the RTI was transferred back to MoD u/s 6(3) of the RTI Act - CIC: provide a response to the appellant within four weeks of receipt of order
5 May, 2014FACTS
Vide RTI dt 11.7.13, appellant had sought information on 2 points regarding use of helicopters by the media for coverage of the floods in Uttarakhand in June 2013.
2. CPIO PMO vide letter dt 16.7.13, transferred the RTI to the Defence Secretary, MOD, South Block, for providing a response.
3. An appeal was filed on 14.8.13.
4. Submissions made by the public authority were heard. CPIO submitted that vide letter dt 31.7.13, the RTI was received by them from MOD. Vide their letter dt 27.8.13, appellant was informed that the information was being sought from the concerned sections and a response would follow. Subsequently, vide letter dt 20.9.13, the RTI was transferred back to MOD u/s 6(3) of the RTI Act for disposal with a copy to the appellant. CPIO submits that the MOD once again retransferred the RTI back to them. In the absence of the appellant, his views could not be ascertained.
DECISION
5. The Commission directs CPIO to provide a response to the appellant within four weeks from date of receipt of the order. The appeal is disposed of.
(Rajiv Mathur)
Central Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri Pawan Agarwal v. Ministry of Defence in File No.CIC/SS/A/2013/002759/RM