Central Information Commission
*****
No.CIC/OK/A/2008/00251
Dated: 14 July 2008
Name of the Appellant : Shri Mukul Raj Mehta
Research Scientist
Deptt. of Philosophy & Religion
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi, 221005
Name of the Public Authority : Banaras Hindu University
Background:
Shri Mukul Raj Mehta of Banaras filed an RTI-application on 18 October
2007 with the Public Information Officer, Banaras Hindu University, seeking
information relating to Research Scientists working in the BHU.
2. The PIO vide his letter dated 7 November 2007 replied to his RTI-
application. Not satisfied with the reply of the PIO, the Appellant filed an
appeal with the first Appellate Authority on 16 November 2007 who vide his
letter dated 14 December 2007 replied to the First Appeal. Thereafter, the
Appellant approached the Central Information Commission with a Second Appeal
on 5 January 2008.
3. The Bench of Dr. O.P. Kejariwal, Information Commissioner, heard the
matter on 3 July 2008.
4. Shri Gopal, Assistant Registrar & PIO and Dr. C.L. Yadav, represented the
Respondents.
5. The Appellant, Shri Mukul Raj Mehta, was present through audio
conference.
Decision:
6. The Commission heard both the parties: the Appellant through audio
conference:
1. While going through the case, the Commission noticed that many
of the questions included in the RTI-application were infructuous even
bordering on the absurd. To take, for example, question no. 1 states
“please inform whether you have completely, carefully and sincerely
read the letter dated 20.08.2007…” (as if the Appellant wants a
confession from the Respondents that they have not done so).
2. Again, question no. 2, says “please inform whether you have
understood the contents of the letter dated 20.08.2007 …” (as if the
Appellant wants a confession from the Respondents saying that they are
so dull as not to understand the letter of the Appellant). The Commission
hereby warns the Appellant that the Respondents could summarily dismiss
such applications in future.
3. The Commission, however, noted that the entire RTI-application
dated 18 October 2007 revolved around the Appellant’s query regarding
the conditions of service of a “Scientist” in the University. These
conditions are guided by the directions issued by the U.G.C. The
Commission accordingly directs the Respondents to provide photocopies
of the concerned letters from the UGC to the Appellant. In case the
Appellant has any further direct questions to ask, he may ask them point-
wise.
7. The case is thus disposed of.
Sd/-
(O.P. Kejariwal)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
Sd/-
(G. Subramanian)
Assistant Registrar
Cc:
1. Shri Mukul Raj Mehta, Research Scientist, Deptt. of Philosophy & Religion,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005
2. The Public Information Officer, Banaras Hindu University, Office of the
Registrar, (Administration), Varanasi
3. The Appellate Authority, Banaras Hindu University, Office of the Registrar,
(Administration), Varanasi
4. Officer Incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC