Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2009/001238
Dated 1st October, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Mr. Bal Krishan Sharma
Name of the Public Authority : Prasar Bharati, Jaipur.
Background
1. The Applicant filed his RTI application (undated) with the CPIO, Prasar
Bharati, Jaipur requesting for information against 7 points about posting of
one Mr. Sunil Ganju as also about various facilities provided in the offices of
various officials and in the duty room including drawers, computers etc.
along with relevant file notings. The CPIO replied on 26.07.08 requesting the
appellant to deposit Rs.28/- for the information. The Applicant filed his First
appeal on 09.09.08 complaining that he has not received any reply even after
one month. The Appellate Authority in his order dated 20.03.08 again
requested the Applicant to pay Rs.30/- towards the photocopying of the
information. Instead of paying the amount as requested by the CPIO the
Appellant file his Second appeal before the CIC on 30.06.09 reiterating his
request.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing on 1st October, 2009.
3. Mr. Atul Gupta, Station Engineer & CPIO, Mr. Ram Awatar Meena and Mr.
Gokul Goswami ASD, CBS represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant was heard through audio conference during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Respondents submitted that the RTI request (without any date) was
received in the office of the CPIO on 28.07.08. On 26.08.08, within one
month of receipt of the RTI request, after assessing the volume of information
to be provided to the Appellant, the CPIO requested for Rs.28/- to be
deposited for the information.
6. The Appellant stated that he has not received the information provided by the
Respondent dated 26.08.08 asking him to furnish Rs.28/- toward
photocopying charges and that the information should be provided to him free
of cost. The Commission accordingly directs the CPIO to provide proof of
dispatch of reply on 26.08.08 including copy of the relevant page of dispatch
register, and any other document in this connection, failing which information
to be provided free of cost and the CPIO to showcause why penalty should not
be imposed on him for the delay in furnishing the information. The showcause
explanation to reach the Commission by 5 November, 2009. The Appellant,
on receipt of proof received by him, to deposit Rs.28/- (as assessed/informed
by the CPIO within one month of receipt of the RTI application ) and the
CPIO to furnish the information before 5 November, 2009.
7. The appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian)
Assistant Registrar
Cc:
1. Mr. Bal Krishan Sharma,
H. NO. 173 – A,
Surya Nagar,
Tarron Ki Koot,
Tonk Road, Jaipur, 302011.
2. The CPIO
Prasar Bharati,
O/o the Station Director,
All India Radio,
Jaipur.
3. The Appellate Authority
Prasar Bharati,
O/o the Dy. Director General (WR),
AIR, Broadcasting House,
Backbay Reclaim,
Mumbai-400020.
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC