RTI application seeking details of appointment of a person against land acquisition

Background

The appellant claimed that a person was appointed by South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) against land acquisition. It was his contention that the land belonged to him, however the other person has been given appointment in lieu of acquisition of land. He filed an application under Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking information in respect of appointment of the said person at South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL). The Public Information Officer (PIO) provided two pages of information as received from the holder of information.

Proceedings

During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant demanded to know the basis on which that person has been appointed. He also wanted a copy of all the documents regarding acquisition of the aforementioned land and the entire correspondence regarding appointment of the said person. The respondent provided a copy of appointment letter and submitted that information related to compensation amount, area of land and person to whom employment was provided against land acquisition have already been furnished to the appellant. The respondents also stated that the documents related to police verification, no objection certificate of other family members and salary slip was not available in their office. The respondent submitted that they will make another attempt to locate no objection certificate, police verification etc.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the PIO to provide police verification, no objection certificate of other family members and salary slip to the appellant. The Commission also directed the respondent to provide an opportunity to the appellant to inspect the appointment file of that person, in case the appellant so desires.

Citation: Ms. Pancham Lal Soni v. South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (SECL) in Case No. CIC/SS/A/2012/000102