Obtaining sample of material used for construction of highway under RTI

Background

The appellant sought information regarding the widening of National Highway 10 (NH10), including the names of Chief Engineer and others who were involved in the widening of the road. He also sought enquiry reports prepared by various research laboratories to which the Engineers India Limited (EIL) had sent the construction material. The Public information Officer (PIO) gave a point wise reply to the queries asked by the appellant. The appellant alleged that sub-standard material was used in constructing the road and so he had asked for a sample of the road for core testing. During the hearing, the respondent pointed out that there was no sample left and they were willing to provide a small sample from a portion of the road on payment of Rs.7,500/. The appellant expressed his willingness to pay for the sample.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the PIO provide a realistic estimate (indicating the complete breakup) of money to the appellant that needs to be deposited for obtaining the sample. The Commission also asked the PIO to allow the appellant to inspect the records relating to the construction of road and to provide him with attested copies of documents sought by him.

Citation: Shri Deepak Yadav v. Public Works Department in File No. CIC/AD/A/2012/000740