Central Information Commission
Shri Madhu Sudan Bhayana vs Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Labs, ... on 10 July, 2009
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Complaint No. - CIC/WB/C/2007/00704 dated 8.10.'07
Right to Information Act- Section 18(1) (b)
Complainant: Shri Madhu Sudan Bhayana
Respondent: Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Labs, Hyderabad, AP
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Decision The Commission has received a complaint from Shri Madhu Sudan Bhayana of Lawyers Chamber, Delhi High Court, New Delhi that his request under RTI Act, 2005 submitted to Central Public Information Officer, Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh seeking copies of certain documents comprised of the correspondence between CBI and APFSL and details of articles/ materials in the custody of the latter has not been responded to, even though the same was duly submitted along with the requisite fee dated 17-04-2007. No comments have been received from APFSL in response to the complaint notice served on 08-05-2009 by this Commission.
The Commission has decided to admit Shri Bhayana's complaint petition u/s 18 of the said Act and hereby directs the CPIO, Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad respond to the request for information within 15 working days from the date of receipt of this decision to the Complainant Shri Madhu Sudan Bhayana, in conformity with the provisions of the RTI Act, specifically Sec 7(1), with the qualification that any information now provided not having been provided within time, will be provided free of cost as mandated by sub-section 6 of Sec 7.
The CPIO, Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad is further directed to show cause as to why a penalty of Rs. 250/- per day from the date when the information fell due i.e. 17-05-2007 to the date when the information is actually supplied, not exceeding Rs. 25,000/- should not be 1 imposed on him/ her under Section 20(1) of the RTI act. The CPIO may do so through a written submission to be received by us on or before 28-07-2009.
Announced. Notice of this decision be given free of cost to the parties.
Wajahat Habibullah (Chief Information Commissioner) 10-07-2009 Authenticated true copy, additional copies of order shall be supplied against application and payment of the charge prescribed under the Act to the CPIO of this Commission.
Pankaj K. P. Shreyaskar Joint Registrar.
10-07-2009 2