In the Central Information Commission
at
New Delhi
File No: CIC/AD/A/2010/001651
Date of Hearing : January 4, 2011
Date of Decision : January 4, 2011
Parties:
Applicant
Shri Dharam Pal Singh
H.No.A237, Shalimar Garden
Ext1
Sahibabad 200 105
The Applicant was present for the hearing
Respondent
Regional Passport Office
CGO ComplexI
Kamla Nehru Nagar
Hapur Road
Ghaziabad
Represented by : Shri A.K.Sengar, PIO & RPO
Information Commissioner : Mrs. Annapurna Dixit
___________________________________________________________________
Decision Notice
As given in the decision
In the Central Information Commission
at
New Delhi
File No: CIC/AD/A/2010/001651
ORDER
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.16.4.10 with the PIO, RPO, Ghaziabad seeking information
against 8 points with regard to the time taken for issuance of passports. Shri Amrendra Kumar
Sengar, CPIO replied on 10.6.10 (RTI application received on 20.5.10) furnishing point wise
information. He denied the information against point 5 u/s 8(1)(j) as the disclosure might invade the
privacy of a third party. The Applicant filed an appeal (Copy not enclosed) which was received by
the Appellate Authority on 13.7.10. Vide his order dt.30.7.10, Shri R.Manickam, Appellate Authority
while upholding the decision of the CPIO, however, advised the Applicant to seek inspection of
records after taking a prior appointment with the CPIO. Being aggrieved with the reply, the Applicant
filed a second appeal dt.14.9.10 before CIC.
Decision
2. During the hearing, Respondent CPIO submitted that passports of 2 individuals as sought in point 1
have already been dispatched to them on 30.11.10 and on 4.1.11 and hence the grievance of the
Appellant has been redressed. The Appellant admitted having received one passport. To the
Appellant’s complaint that the norms prescribed for time taken has not been furnished, Shri Sengar
submitted that there is no prescribed time period for the passport office to disposing of applications
for passports.
3. The Commission after hearing the submissions by both sides, directs the PIO to provide an affidavit
to the Commission with a copy to the Appellant affirming the fact there is indeed no prescribed time
period for issuance of passports. With regard to point 4. available rules, if any, regarding
disciplinary action to be taken against officers in a passport office who are rule to the public, may be
provided. The affidavit/information should reach the Commission/Appellant by 5.2.11 and the
Appellant to submit a compliance report to the Commission by 11.2.11.
4. The appeal is disposed of with the above directions..
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy
(G.Subramanian)
Deputy Registrar
Cc:
1. Shri Dharam Pal Singh
H.No.A237, Shalimar Garden
Ext1
Sahibabad 200 105
2. The Public Information Officer
Regional Passport Office
CGO ComplexI
Kamla Nehru Nagar
Hapur Road
Ghaziabad
3. The Appellate Authority
Ministry of External Affairs
O/o Joint Secretary (CPV)
Patiala House Annexe
Tilak Marg
New Delhi
4. Officer Incharge, NIC
