Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2009/001585
Dated: 14 January 2010
Name of the Appellant : Shri Vinod Kumar,
Name of Public Authority : Northern Railway, New Delhi.
Background
1. The Applicant filed his RTI request on 10.07.08 with the CPIO, Northern Railway, New
Delhi seeking certified copies of the Measurement Books during the 10 years of tenure
of Mr. S.K. Sapra during the period January 2000 to February 2008. The PIO
transferred the application to the PIO cum Sr. DEN (Estate) on 10.06.2008. The Sr.
DEN replied on 04.08.08 informing the Applicant that the information sought is
voluminous and requesting him to mention a specific case so that information can be
provided. Being aggrieved with this reply the Applicant filed his First appeal on
15.09.08 stating that during the last 7 years no job has been done in the Railway
Colony and that it is clear that the Northern Railway Administration which has shown
to have spent heavy amounts on maintenance and living facilities for the residents has
actually not done so. He further stated that the matter was reported to the JM
Vigilance, Northern Railway for further investigation. The First Appellate Authority
replied on 04.11.08 informing the Applicant that the information runs in 2744 pages
and that the photocopying charge would amount to Rs.5488/-. Being aggrieved with
this reply the Applicant wrote another letter dated 25.11.08 to the Appellate Authority
enclosing a cash receipt Rs.5488/- towards the information and requesting for legible
and duly certified copies of information. The Appellate Authority then vide her letter
dated 25.11.08 furnished photocopies of MBs approximately running into 2450 pages
for the period January 2000 to February 2008. However, in his letter dated 24.04.09
the Applicant once again wrote to the Appellate Authority informing her that the 2750
pages were neither illegible nor certified and requesting that the documents be
provided once again. The Applicant filed his Second Appeal on 26.06.09 stating that
no information has been provided.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, heard the matter for
January 14, 2010.
3. The Appellant was present during the hearing.
4. Mr. Mohar Singh, Sr. DMM & PIO, Mr. Yash Pal, and Mr. D.B. Malik, CDMS represented
the Public Authority.
Decision
5. The Appellant stated that some of the pages are not illegible and that the pages were
also not certified and that the information has been returned to the PIO. it was agreed
then that the Applicant would go to the office of the PIO on the morning of the 15
January 2010 and identify those pages which are not legible so that the PIO can
provide fresh photocopies of those pages to him, free of cost. The PIO to also certify
all the pages containing the information. The whole exercise to be completed by the
end of January, 2010. The appeal is accordingly disposed off.
6. The Appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian)
Dy. Registrar
Cc:
1. Shri Vinod Kumar,
Vice-President, T-54/7,
Railway Colony,
Subzimandi,
Delhi, 110007.
2. The Public Information Officer,
Northern Railway,
Divisional Railway Manager’s Office,
State Entry Road,
New Delhi.
3. The Appellate Authority,
Northern Railway,
Divisional Railway Manager’s Office,
State Entry Road,
New Delhi.
4. Officer incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC