Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2009/000611
Dated June 15, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Mr.Fareed Ali Shamsi
Name of the Public Authority : Regional Passport Office, Delhi
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.11.2.09 with the CPIO, RPO, Delhi.
He requested for information against 5 points including the following:
i) What action has been initiated by the RPO, New Delhi in the light of
decision No.CIC/AD/A/X/09/00057/AD dt.27.1.09.
ii) How many applications were received by RPO, Delhi regarding
correction of names and addresses in the month of Jan.2009 and what
action was taken? Copies of ten such applications to be provided.
iii) Exact number of applications received from Muslim passport holders
regarding change of names and addresses received from January
2009 to be furnished.
iv) Why information officer has been made to sit at a totally hidden
location. Why signage arrows are absent to guide information seekers
to reach his cabin easily and comfortably?
v) In view of the huge number of visitors there must be at least 4 enquiry
counters to guide the public . What steps do you propose to take to
do away with harassment to the public at large?
The CPIO replied on 3.3.09 stating that as per the decision from the
Commission, efforts are being made to enter correct particulars while
making detail entry, to maintain records of correction cases received etc. He
stated that 617 applications were received in Jan. 2009 for incorrect entries
and that all the corrections were made. However, copies of these corrected
forms cannot be furnished since the information is third party information.
He also added that no religion wise data is maintained under the present
procedure and system. He also assured that efforts will be made in future to
have more than one enquiry counter.
Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed an appeal dt.16.3.09 with the
Appellate Authority. On not receiving any reply from the Appellate Authority,
he filed a second appeal dt.25.4.09 before the CIC reiterating his request for
the information.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing for June 15, 2009.
3. Mr. V. Mahalingam, RPO, cum CPIO, Delhi and Mr. Jimmy Simon, UDC
represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant was present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Commission noted that the Appellant has not sought any information as
defined under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act and that he has given several
suggestions to improve the functioning of the Regional Passport Office. He
also insisted that religion wise data of passport seekers should be maintained
– in particular, he wanted data of Muslims applying for passports. He further
suggested that the Regional Passport Officer should have an enquiry office at
a central place where people can go with their queries and complaints. To this
the Respondent replied that there are not one but 6 counters in the Passport
office to take care of several issues besides an enquiry counter and that the
Passport Officer is not hiding in a corner as alleged by the Appellant. He
stated that a number of measures have been put in place for improving the
functioning of the Regional Passport Office.
After hearing the submissions of both sides, the Commission directs the CPIO
to provide detailed information against Point No. (i) action taken on
Commission Order mentioned above, by 15th July, 2009. Information against
Point No.2 has already been furnished.
6. The appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian)
Asst. Registrar
Cc:
1. Mr.Fareed Ali Shamsi
Shahjahanabad Apartments
#1/602 Plot – 1
Sector-11
Dwarka
New Delhi 110 075
2. Mr.V.Mahalingam
The CPIO &
Passport Officer
Regional Passport Office
Hudco, Trikoot – 3
Bhikaji Cama Place
R.K.Puram
New Delhi
3. Mr.A.Manickam
The Appellate Authority &
Joint Secretary (CPV)
Ministry of External Affairs
Patiala House Annexe
Tilak Marg
New Delhi
4. Officer incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC