In the Central Information Commission
at
New Delhi
File No: CIC/AD/C/2011/000326
Date of Decision : May 26, 2011
Parties:
Applicant
Smt.Gaganpreet Kaur
D/o Shri Gurbax Singh Bath
38, Green City
Akash Avenue
FGC Road
Near Bypass
Amritsar
Respondents
The Public Information Officer
Regional Passport Office
14 Police Line Road
2nd and 3rd Floor, Ambika Towers
Jalandhar
Information Commissioner : Mrs. Annapurna Dixit
___________________________________________________________________
Decision Notice
As given in the decision
In the Central Information Commission
at
New Delhi
File No: CIC/AD/ C/2011/000326
ORDER
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI Application dt.21.10.10 with the PIO, RPO, Jalandhar seeking a copy of
the filled in application form for renewal of passport signed by Shri Mandeep Singh as also the
attached records submitted by Shri Mandeep Singh. Shri Parneet Singh, CPIO replied on 2.12.10
stating that as per the procedure laid down in the Passport Manual and instructions issued by MEA
from time to time, the passport particulars given by an Applicant are verified by the respective
Government authorities before issuing the passport. The report submitted by these Govt. authorities
are confidential in nature and the information given by an Applicant in the application form is also
personal in nature and accordingly denied the information u/s 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. Being aggrieved
with the reply, the Applicant filed a complaint dt.22.12.10 before CIC reiterating her request for the
information
Decision
2. The Commission on perusal of the documents on record noted that the Complainant had not availed
the opportunity of filing the first appeal with the Appellate Authority despite the PIO indicating the
details of the Appellate Authority. Therefore, it is considered fit to remand the case back to the
Appellate Authority with the complaint filed before CIC to be considered as first appeal. The
Appellate Authority is directed to pass a speaking order within 20 days of receipt of this Order.
3. The Complainant is at liberty to approach the Commission with a second appeal u/s 19(3) of the RTI
Act, if he is dissatisfied with the Order of the Appellate Authority.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy
(G.Subramanian)
Deputy Registrar
Cc:
1. Smt.Gaganpreet Kaur
D/o Shri Gurbax Singh Bath
38, Green City
Akash Avenue
FGC Road
Near Bypass
Amritsar
2. The Public Information Officer
Regional Passport Office
14 Police Line Road
2nd and 3rd Floor, Ambika Towers
Jalandhar
3. The Appellate Authority (along with the copy of the complaint0
Ministry of External Affairs
CPV Division
Patiala House
Tilak Marg
New Delhi 110 001
4. Officer in charge, NIC