Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2009/001651
Dated February 2, 2010
Name of the Applicant : Shri Bharat Bhushan
Name of the Public Authority : N Rly, HQ, New Delhi
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.12.3.09 with the CPIO, NR HQ requesting for
information against 5 points relating to Divisional Railways Users Consultative
Committee including whether the GM has been given the power to set up the
Committee, No. of proformas received from M.Ps in respect of recommendation
towards nomination of members betc. On not receiving any reply, the Applicant filed
an appeal dt.23.4.09 with the Appellate Authority reiterating his request for the
information. The PIO replied on 29.5.09 furnishing point wise information. Not
satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed an appeal dt.10.7.09 before the CIC stating
that information was received by him only on 1.6.09 in response to his RTI application
dt.12.3.09.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing
for February 2, 2010.
3. Ms.Aashima Mehrotra, DGM/Law and Ms.Tripti Gurma, Dy.GM represented the Public
Authority.
4. The Appellant was not present during the hearing.
Decision
5. Ms.Mehrotra submitted that the Appellant is satisfied with the information and has
complained about the delay in receipt of information.
6 The Commission after reviewing the documents and hearing the submissions made,
while holding that complete information has been provided, directs the PIO once again
to ensure compliance with Section 4 (1)(b) of the RTI Act so that no Applicant need to
resort to RTI for such routine information. A compliance report in respect of 4(1)(b)
to be provided to the Commission by end March 2010 including supporting documents.
7. The Commission also directs the PIO to show cause as to why a penalty of Rs.250/-
per day (Maximum Rs.25000) should not be levied on her for not responding to the
RTI application within the stipulated time period as prescribed under the Act. She is
directed to submit her written explanation to the Commission by 2.3.2010.
8. The appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian)
Asst. Registrar
Cc:
1. Shri Bharat Bhushan
H.No.S-157, School Block
Shakarpur
Delhi 110 092
2. The PIO
Northern Railway
Headquarters Office
Baroda House
New Delhi
3. The Appellate Authority
Northern Railway
Headquarters Office
Baroda House
New Delhi
4. Officer incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC