CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Appeal No.2613/ICPB/2008
F.No.PBC/08/334
August 6, 2008
In the matter of Right to Information Act, 2005 - Section 18/19
Appellant: Mr. Shankar Narain Bhatt
Public Authority: Canara Bank
Mr. A.N. Krishnappa, AGM & CPIO
Mr. M. Palaniappan, DGM & Appellate Authority
FACTS
:
` By an application dated 12.1.2008, the appellant desired to know: 1.
whether the previous emblem (Logo) of the bank had been changed and if so, a
copy of the old and new logos be provided to him. 2. If the emblem had been
changed, the reasons for the same and also the expenses incurred by the bank
for the new logo: 3. whether RBI, Finance Ministry permission have been
obtained and if so copies of approvals etc: 4. Expenses incurred in promoting the
new logo by advertisement etc: 5. Expenses incurred for printing new cheque
books with the new logo: By a communication dated 2.8.2008, the CPIO
informed the appellant that the logo has been changed and they have also
furnished copies of both the logos. In so far as the information sought relating to
the reasons for change, the CPIO informed the appellant that the information did
not fall within the purview of Section 2(f) of the Act and that in regard to
expenses, the CPIO claimed exemption under Section 8(1)(d) of the Act and
regarding permission from RBI, Finance Ministry, the CPIO informed the
appellant that the same was not necessary. In so far as the advertisement
expenses for introducing the new logo is concerned, the CPIO informed the
appellant that the exercise is still on and hence the figure of expenses cannot be
furnished at this stage and in so far as expenses relating to printing of new
cheques etc., the CPIO informed the appellant that old cheque books etc. would
continue to be used. Aggrieved with the response of the CPIO that he has not
indicated the expenses incurred and also the reasons for change of logo, the
appellant has filed this appeal directly with the Commission. Comments and
rejoinder are on record.
DECISION:
Since the expenditure incurred on designing the new logo is in the affairs
of the public authority, the information cannot be withheld. Accordingly, without
mentioning the names of agencies etc involved in designing the new logo, the
expenditure incurred, if quantifiable, be furnished to the appellant within 15 days.
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In so far as the reasons are concerned, I uphold the decision of the CPIO. The
appeal is disposed of in the above terms.
Let a copy of this decision be sent to the appellant and CPIO.
Sd/-
(Padma Balasubramanian)
Central Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy :
(Prem Singh Sagar)
Under Secretary & Assistant Registrar
Address of parties :
1. Mr. A.N. Krishnappa, AGM & CPIO, Canara Bank, Head Office, 112, J.C.
Road, Bangalore-560002
2. Mr. M. Palaniappan, DGM & Appellate Authority, Canara Bank, Head
Office, 112, J.C. Road, Bangalore-560002
3. Mr. Shankaranarayana Bhat, Consumer’s Forum, Bus Stand Complex,
Balehonnur-577112 (Karnataka)
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