Central Information Commission
2nd Floor, August Kranti Bhawan,
Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi - 110 066
Website: www.cic.gov.in
Decision No.3162/IC(A)/2008
F. No.CIC/MA/A/2008/00983
Dated, the 27th August, 2008
Name of the Appellant: Sh. Bhanwar Dan Ratanu
Name of the Public Authority: H.P.C.L.
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Facts
:
1. The appellant was heard on 27/8/2008.
2. The appellant has asked for access to consumer registration register,
stock register, rate lists, cash register books, etc. The CPIO has refused to
furnish the information on the ground that the requested information is of
commercial confidence.
3. During the hearing, the appellant stated that there is rampant corruption in
distribution of LPG cylinders and there is a long waiting list for obtaining LPG
cylinders. He also stated that the LPG distributor, which is identified in his
application, has been making arbitrary charges for supply of LPG cylinders. He,
therefore, pleaded for disclosure of information asked for by him through his RTI
application dated January 8, 2008.
Decision:
4. The documents relating to consumer registration register, stock register,
rate lists, etc. are no more confidential documents. A citizen is free to have
access to such documents so as to verify the genuine consumers as well as to
make assessments of the supplies of petroleum products and its distribution
among beneficiary groups. The rate lists for availing of the services have also to
be put in public domain to avoid any corrupt practices. Accordingly, the denial of
information merely on the ground that the above information is of commercial
confidence is unjustified.
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“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” – Mahatma Gandhi
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5. The CPIO is, therefore, directed to furnish the information asked for within
15 working days from the date of issue of this decision.
6. The appellant also would be free to inspect the relevant records, mainly,
the consumer registration register, stock register and other details relating to
distribution of LPG cylinders.
7. The appeal is thus disposed of.
Sd/-
(Prof. M.M. Ansari)
Central Information Commissioner ii
Authenticated true copy:
(M.C. Sharma)
Assistant Registrar
Name & address of Parties:
1. Sh. Bhanwar Dan Ratanu, VPO. Panchala Sidh, Khinwsahar, Nagaur –
341 025.
2. The Regional manager & CPIO, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
Limited, Jodhpur LPG Regional Office, Bhagat-ki-Kothi, Jodhpur – 342
005.
3. Sh. G.A. Shirwaikar, Appellate Authority, HPCL, 8 Shoorji Vallabhdas
Marg, Post Box No.155, Mumbai – 400 001.
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“All men by nature desire to know.” – Aristotle
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