Central Information Commission
2nd Floor, August Kranti Bhawan,
Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
Website: www.cic.gov.in
Decision No. 4530/IC(A)/2009
F. No. CIC/OK/C/2008/00702
Dated, the 16th September, 2009
Name of the Appellant : Capt. J.N. Chopra (Retd.)
Name of the Public Authority : Western Railway
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Facts
:
1. The appellant has sought information regarding the land acquired by the
respondent at certain locations which are identified in the RTI application. He has
raised issues on various aspects of management of land. Being dis-satisfied with
the responses, the appellant has pleaded for initiating appropriate action against
the respondent.
Decision:
2. With a view to scrutinizing the decision making process, including the
action taken by the public authority, so as to provide necessary feedback for
improving performance and accountability, a citizen has the right to access
information as per section 2 (f) and (j) of the Act. Accordingly, a requester can
inspect the relevant records and files so as to identify and specify the information
which should be furnished to him. An information seeker is not expected to elicit
views and opinion of the CPIO through various forms of queries as has been
attempted in the instant case. The appellant is accordingly advised.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get – Mahatma Gandhi
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3. Since there is no denial of information u/s 8 (1) of the Act, the CPIO is
directed to allow inspection of documents on a date and time convenient to both
the parties within 15 working days from the date of issue of this decision. Upon
inspection of records, specified information should be given free of cost, up to 50
pages only.
4. The appellant would be free to approach the Commission again if any of
the identified documents is refused to him.
5. The appeal is thus disposed of.
Sd/-
(Prof. M.M. Ansari)
Central Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(M.C. Sharma)
Assistant Registrar
Name and address of parties: 2
1. Capt. J.N. Chopra (Retd.), Jain Television – Gujarat Bureau, 23/133,
Vijaya Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat-380013.
2. The Public Information Officer, Western Railway, Divisional Office,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
All men by nature desire to know – Aristotle
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