In the Central Information Commission
at
New Delhi
File No: CIC/AD/A/2010/001618
Date of Hearing : February 28, 2011
Date of Decision : February 28, 2011
Parties:
Applicant
Shri Rajendra Kumar Aggrawal
Mahatma Gandhi Path
Katihar
Bihar
The Applicant was not present during the hearing
Respondents
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
'A' Wing
Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi
Represented by : Shri Sham Lal, PIO & Under Secretary
Shri Vijay Sharma, Appellate Authority & Director
Shri R.k.Sharma, SO, RNI
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/2010/001618
ORDER
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.4.2.10 with the PIO, M/o Information & Broadcasting. He
stated that he had applied for Lifetime Membership for “Professional Times” on 26.5.04 and that he
had paid Rs.5000/ in two installments as member ship fees. The editor when contacted for renewal
of membership had asked him to furnish Rs.750/ which was also sent on 9.9.09. He further added
that vide letter dt.5.10.09, he was asked to deposit Rs.3500/ and when he sought reasons for the
same, there was no reply. He requested the Ministry to take action against Editor of “Professional
Times”. Shri Sham Lal, CPIO replied on 10.5.10 stating that the matter as alleged in the application
appears to be a case of cheating on behalf of Shri Mahesh Narayana Sharma, Chief Editor of
“Professional Times”. He however explained that the matter does not pertain to the Ministry and
advised the Applicant to approach the local police administration for redressal of his complaint. Not
satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed an appeal dt.7.6.10 with the Appellate Authority and on not
receiving any reply filed a second appeal dt.1.9.10 before CIC seeking action against the Chief
Editor.
Decision
2. The Commission holds that the relief sought by the Appellant cannot be granted to him as the matter
falls outside the ambit of the RTI Act. He is advised to contact the local police in this connection.
3. The appeal is rejected and the case closed at the Commission’s end.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy
(G.Subramanian)
Deputy Registrar
Cc:
1. Shri Rajendra Kumar Aggrawal
Mahatma Gandhi Path
Katihar
Bihar
2. The Public Information Officer
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
‘A’ Wing
Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi
3. The Appellate Authority
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
‘A’ Wing
Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi
4. Officer Incharge, NIC