CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
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F.No.CIC/AT/A/2010/900433
Dated, the 27 September, 2010.
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Appellant : Shri Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava
Respondent : State Bank of India, Mumbai
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This matter came up for hearing on 24.09.2010. Appellant
was absent when called, while the respondents were represented by
Shri M.V.Krishnamurthy, AGM and Ms.Lakshmy Iyer, Deputy Manager.
2. It is seen from the documents filed by the appellant that his
RTIapplication dated 04.03.2010 was for disclosure of, what he has
described as, the Credit Assessment Scoring Sheet in respect of a loan
he had applied from the Madame Came Road Branch of the SBI.
3. Through CPIO’s communication dated 15.03.2010 ― which was
upheld by the order of the Appellate Authority dated 30.03.2010 ―
information as requested was declined on the ground that it attracted
Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act.
4. Appellate Authority’s order recorded that the Credit Assessment
Scoring Sheet was uniquely developed for internal use of the Bank in
order to let it decide how it wished to respond to any application for
advance or loan. If it is allowed to be disclosed, it will create a
competitive disadvantage for the Bank visàvis its competitors as it would
reveal the methodology used by the Bank and would expose the process
to manipulation by prospective borrowers.
CIC_SM_A_2010_900433_M_43200.doc
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5. I am in agreement with the respondents that methodologies for
assessment of loan applications uniquely developed by commercial
organizations such as Banks should be allowed to remain confidential lest
its disclosure made the methodology ineffective and gave undue
advantage to the Bank’s competitors. It does attract the prohibition of
Section 8(1)(d).
6. The decision of the Appellate Authority not to disclose the
information is, therefore, upheld.
7. Appeal fails. Closed.
8. Copy of this direction be sent to the parties.
( A.N. TIWARI )
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER
CIC_SM_A_2010_900433_M_43200.doc
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