Using RTI to get the details regarding the Yoga Shivir of Baba Ramdev
5 Jan, 2013
Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Delhi Police seeking information regarding the incident that happened during the Yoga Shivir of Baba Ramdev on June 4/5, 2011. He wanted to know the name and designation of the officer who gave orders for dispersal of the crowd; when this order was given and which officers were present at the time of incident; the number of rounds of teargas shells fired and water canon used; the number of persons injured their names and information about their treatment and whether a team of doctors, ambulance were stationed at the venue at the time of the incident. He also wanted to know the names of Police Officers involved in the incident and copies of correspondence made regarding the incident and details of detention of Baba Ramdev. The Public Information Officer (PIO) denied the information under section 8(1)(h)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders;
of the RTI Act stating that a case has been registered in this regard and investigation is pending. The PIO held the matter was sub-judice before the Honourable Supreme Court of India and disclosure of information at this stage would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders.
Proceeding
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the respondent submitted that the investigation into the case FIR has been completed and the charge sheet has been filed in the concerned Court. The Supreme Court had also passed final order in the case and information can now be disclosed. Regarding the names of Police personnel present on duty along with ranks, the respondent submitted that a number of Companies from CRPF/ RAF were present at the time of incident altogether 15,000 Police personnel were present on the spot and providing names and ranks of Police personnel present at the spot would disproportionately divert the resources of the Public Authority.
View of CIC
The Commission directed the PIO to provide the information to the appellant. The Commission also directed the PIO to provide the total number of Police personnel Company-wise unit/district-wise to the appellant.
Citation: Mr. Ramesh Verma v. Delhi Police in Case No. CIC/SS/C/2012/900003
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/933
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission