Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/09/00329
Dated April 24, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Mr.B.L.Mishra
Name of the Public Authority : BSNL, Rewa
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.4.10.08 with the CPIO, BSNL, Rewa asking
for call details in respect of telephone nos. 242101 & 241848. The CPIO replied on
8.12.08 stating that information of call details of said telephone numbers (242101 &
241848) is denied u/s8(1)(j) of the RTIA. The Applicant filed a first appeal
dt.20.12.08 with the Appellate Authority stating that he needs the information in
connection with the case he would like to file before the Lokayut , Bhopal. The
Appellate Authority replied on 3.1.09 upholding the decision of the CPIO. He also
stated in his Order that in the event a case is filed before the Lokayukta, Bhopal,
information would be provided if the Lokayuka directs the BSNL to do so. Aggrieved
with this reply, the Applicant filed his second appeal before the CIC on 15.1.09
stating that the information cannot be denied since the telephone expenses are being
met by the Government.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing on April 24, 2009.
3. Mr. A.C. Mishra, GM(Area), BSNL, Jabalpur & Appellate Authority represented the
Public Authority. The CPIO expressed his inability to attend the hearing as he was
involved in election duty int Jabalpur.
4. The Applicant was not present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Respondent stated that the Appellant has not specified where the telephones
have been installed, whether in the office or at the residence and that there is every
possibility of the calls being personal and disclosure of the information would mean
an unwarranted invasion on the privacy of the two concerned officers. The
Commission after hearing the submission of the Respondent denies the information
under Section 8(i)(j) of the RTI Act since the Appellant has not cited any relationship
of disclosure of information with any public interest. The appeal is accordingly
disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian)
Asst. Registrar
Cc:
1. Mr.B.L.Mishra,
SDM
Amarpatan
Dist. Satna
Madhya Pradesh
2. The CPIO
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
O/o General Manager Telecom District
Rewa
Madhya Pradesh
3. The Appellate Authority
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
O/o General Manager Telecom
Jabalpur Region
New CTO Telecom Centre Bhawan
Jabalpur
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC