Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/09/00286
Dated April 15, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Mr.Natvargiri Shivgiri Goswami
Name of the Public Authority : Dept. of Post, Bhavnagar
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.28.6.08 with the CPIO, DoP,
Bhavnagar. He stated that he had performed duties as Branch Post Master
Piprali B.O under A/c jurisdiction of Dhola SO in the year 1991 to 1993 on
temporary basis. He wanted to know the exact period of performance of his
continuous duty as Branch Post Master. The CPIO replied on 13.10.08 stating
that his application dt.28.6.08 was not received by his office, but from the
acknowledgement due receipt it transpires that the same was delivered to the
DSP’s Office. He also denied information u/s 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act. Not
satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed an appeal dt.6.11.08 with the
Appellate Authority. On not receiving any reply from the First Appellate
Authority, the Applicant filed a second appeal dt.nil before the CIC.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing for April 15, 2009.
3. Mr. S.Y.I Patel, Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices, Bhavnagar & CPIO and Mr. G.R.
Bhanani, ASP(V),O/o PMG, Rajkot represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant was not present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Commission noted that the CPIO had not provided any reason for denying
the information to the Appellant except rejecting disclosure u/s 8(i)(h). As
per the Appellant’s letter to the Appellate Authority dated 6.11.08, there is
no ongoing investigation on any issue involving the Appellant and
therefore rejection of information u/s 8(i)(h) by the CPIO is in no way
justified. The Commission accordingly directs the CPIO to provide the
information sought by the Appellant by 5th May, 2009 and also to show cause
as to why a fine of Rs. 250/- per day should not be imposed on him for
denying information u/s 8(i)(h). The response to reach the Commission
within 10 days of receipt of this Order.
6. The appeal is disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian)
Asst. Registrar
Cc:
1. Mr.Natvargiri Shivgiri goswami
Vill : Piprali
Taluka : Umrala
Bhavnagar District
2. The CPIO &
Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices
Department of Post
Bhavnagar Division
Bhavnagar 364 001
3. The Appellate Authority &
Director of Postal Services
Department of Post
O/o Post Master General
Rajkot Region
Rajkot
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC