Central Information Commission
File No.CIC/SM/A/2009/001398
Right to Information Act2005Under Section (19)
Dated: 29 September 2010
Name of the Appellant : Shri Avinash Jha
Sehdev Nagar, Ward No. 19,
Rajnand Gaon, Chattisgarh.
Name of the Public Authority : CPIO, Punjab National Bank,
Zonal Office, Madina Mazil,
Medical College Road, Raipur.
On behalf of the Respondent, Shri A.K. Mishra, Senior Manager was
present.
2. In our order dated 20 August 2010, we had directed the branch manager
concerned to appear before us and explain the reasons for the delayed
response to the RTI application. It is to be noted that the RTI application had
been preferred on 27 February 2009 while the CPIO had replied on 4 May 2009
denying the information by citing the exemption provision contained in Section
8(1) (d) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. We had dealt with this matter in
our order dated 20 July 2010 and had directed the CPIO to provide the desired
information to the Appellant in view of the fact that the Appellant had produced
a proper authorisation from the holder of the account right during the hearing
itself.
3. Today, during the hearing, the branch manager concerned was present
CIC/SM/A/2009/001398
and submitted that the desired information had already been provided to the
Appellant in compliance of our order although he did not produce any
documentary evidence in support of this claim. In fact, he had no record or
document to show in support of any of his claims. He submitted that although
the application had been received in the branch, it had been transferred to the
CPIO in the Zonal office for further necessary action although, once again, he
had no documentary evidence to support his claim. He admitted that there was
a delay and prayed for pardon.
4. We carefully considered the contents of the RTI application and noted
that the Appellant had wanted details about the loan account of a thirdparty
customer of the bank. Although belated, the reply of the CPIO was right that
such information could not be disclosed. However, this decision could have
been sent to the Appellant well within the stipulated time period. By not doing
so and by not forwarding the RTI application to the designated CPIO in time,
the branch manager delayed the response by nearly a month. We strongly warn
him to be careful in future and not sit over RTI applications but to act promptly.
The Bank needs to sensitise its officers posted in the branches about the
responsibility in respect of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
5. The case is disposed of with the above observations.
6. Copies of this order be given free of cost to the parties.
(Satyananda Mishra)
Information Commissioner
CIC/SM/A/2009/001398
Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against
application and payment of the charges prescribed under the Act to the CPIO of this
Commission.
(Vijay Bhalla)
Assistant Registrar
CIC/SM/A/2009/001398