Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2010/001127
Dated : September 22, 2010
Name of the Applicant : Mr Vipul Kumar Chandubahi Patel
Name of Public Authority : M/o External Affairs, Regional Passport Office,
Ahmedabad.
Background
1. The RTI application was filed by the Applicant on 2.1.2010 with the PIO, Regional Passport Office,
Ahmedabad seeking the following information with regard to the passport of his father, Shri
Chandubhai Haribhai Patel.
a) Details about Passport number of his father’s passport
b) Details of Passport Issued Date and month
c) Information about Visa, and address.
The PIO replied vide his letter dated 28.1.2010 stating that the passport details cannot be provided
for legal procedure as requested. Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed his first appeal on
18.2.2010. The Joint Secretary (CPV) & Appellate Authority replied vide letter dated 12.4.2010
stating that the information sought by the Appellant is personal information of a third party and
disclosure of the same might cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the third party. Hence
the details can not be disclosed. Still not satisfied with the reply, the Appellant filed his second
appeal before the Commission on 29.5.2010.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing for
September 22, 2010.
3. Shri M.D. Altani, RPO & PIO represented the Public Authority and was heard through video
conferencing.
4. The Applicant was present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Appellant stated that he is seeking information about his father who had left him before
he was born. The only information he had about his father is the address in UAE as given in a letter
sent by him to his mother before he was born.. The Appellant stated that he wants the information
in order to trace the whereabouts of his father.
6. The Commission while noting that the Appellate Authority had denied the information holding
that the same as pertaining to a 3rd party, directs the Appellant to submit a declaration to the PIO
stating that he is the son of Shri Chandubhai Haribhai Patel, who is the passport holder and the
PIO, on receipt of the declaration, to provide the complete information sought by the Appellant.
This information should be provided by 25.10.2010.
7. The appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy
(G.Subramanian)
Deputy Registrar
Cc:
1. Shri Vipul Kumar Chandubhai Patel,
Talavadi Kampa,
Durgawada Road,
Modasa,
Sabarkantha – 383 315.
2. The Public Information Officer
Ministry of External Affairs,
Regional Passport Office,
Opp. L D Engineering Hostel
Gulbai Tekra
Ahmedabad – 6.
3. The Appellate Authority
Ministry of External Affairs
O/o the JS (CPV)
Patiala House annexe,
Tilak Marg,
New Delhi.
4. Officer Incharge, NIC.