The PIO should write his name along with his signature while replying to RTI application

Background

The appellant had sought information pertaining to the 93rd Annual Conference of Indian Economic Association held in the Punjab University, such as the sources and amounts received as grant, list of delegates, who were honoured, the list and cost of presentation items such as suits, ties, shawls and mementos. The Public Information Officer (PIO) provided part information to the appellant.

Proceedings

During the hearing, the appellant stated that as per the information received by him no suits were presented to the delegates; however he had photographic proof that cream colour coats were presented to all the dignitaries. The PIO stated that he had truthfully submitted that no suits were presented on the occasion.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) expressed the displeasure at the manner in which the PIO handled this RTI application, by sticking to the wording of the RTI application he had attempted to obstruct disclosure of full and factual information to the applicant as per the true spirit of the Act. The Commission held that such an approach of the PIO is seen as obstructionist and willful non- disclosure of information that was disclosable particularly since the expenditure on these gifts has been met from public funds. The Commission warned the PIO to be more careful in future. PIO was directed to provide full and complete information regarding expenditure incurred on all types of gifts including the coats at the above mentioned conference to the appellant. The Commission further noted that while replying to the applicant, the former PIO has not given his name and has only scribbled his signature and directed the PIO to ensure that his name is clearly written below the signature in future.

Citation: Mr. Ghanshyam N. Singh v. Panjab University, in Appeal: No. CIC/DS/A/2012/000971