Using RTI to get compensation for incorrect towing of car

Background

The appellant’s car (Maruti Baleno) was towed by the crane operator and the bumper was damaged in the process. The appellant claimed that he had informed the crane operator and the head constable about the wrong way in which the car was being towed. The appellant further submitted that the wrong way being used for towing cars and the behavior of the Head Constable need to be rectified by passing necessary instructions for future action and he should be awarded damages. In this regard he filed an application under Right to information (RTI) Act. The Public Information Officer (PIO) informed the appellant that as per statement of crane operator, the bumper of the car was damaged prior to tow and a copy of the DD entry was also provided to the appellant. The First Appellate Authority (FAA) also informed the appellant that he should pursue the matter with DCP/Traffic at Hqrs in this regard as what was sought by the appellant was beyond the purview of the section 2(f) “information” means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force; of the RTI Act. During the hearing, the respondent submitted that the matter has been settled for Rs. 5000/- which has been paid by the crane operator to the appellant. The appellant also furnished a certificate stating that he has received Rs. 5,000/- as repairing charge for the damaged bumper of his car.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) found no reason to interfere in the replies of the respondent and the appeal was disposed of.

Comments

The case depicts how citizens have used RTI Act for achieving various ends.

Citation: Mr. Chandra Gupta v. Delhi Traffic Police, in Case No. CIC/SS/A/2012/000756