Central Information Commission
Mr. A.K. Gopalan vs Sr. Supdt. Of Post Offices on 10 November, 2008
Central Information Commission
CIC/MA/A/2008/01313/AD
Dated November 10, 2008
Name of the Appellant : Mr. A.K. Gopalan,
Retd. Sub Postmaster,
C/o E.K. Somrajan Pillai,
Viruthethu House, Njettur,
Kulanada P.O.
Name of Public Authority :The CPIO &
Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices,
Pathanamthitta Division
Pathanamthitta-689 645
Background
1. The RTI application was filed on 7.4.08. The Appellant requested for (i) the report regarding entry and indulging in office affairs of Kulanada prepared by Postmaster Kulanada and (ii) Direction given to Sub- Postmaster Kulanada not to permit outsiders/unauthorized persons to enter into the Post Office by SPO Pathanamthitta. The CPIO replied on 3.5.08 stating that the request has been rejected under Section 8(1)
(j) of the RTI Act. The Appellant filed his first appeal on 20.5.08 stating that the information was not related to any personal matter and that it is of public interest. The Appellate Authority replied on 16.6.08 upholding the decision of the CPIO. The 2nd appeal was filed by the Appellant before the CIC on 7.8.08.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing for November 10, 2008.
3. The Appellant was absent at the hearing.
4. Mr. K. Haridas, Asstt. Supdt (OD & Mktg.) Pathanamthitta represented the Public Authority.
Decision
5. The Respondent submitted that the Appellant was a retired postal employee from the Pathanamthitta Post Office and that the Supdt. of Post Offices received an anonymous letter complaining about the Appellant. The Supdt. of Post Offices wrote to the Sub Postmaster by name on 3.4.08 directing the latter not to allow any outsider or unauthorized people into the Post Office without taking the name of any official in the letter.
6. The Commission directs the CPIO to provide a certified copy of the complaint letter, to the Appellant, after severing from it as per Section 10(1) of the RTI Act, all such information that is exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1) of the RTI Act including personal references. The Commission also directs the CPIO to provide a certified copy of the letter dated 3.4.08 written by the Supdt. of Post Offices, Pathanamthitta to the Appellant. All information to be provided within 15 days of the receipt of this Order.
7. The appeal is disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(K.G.Nair) Designated Officer Cc:
1. Mr. A.K. Gopalan, Retd. Sub Postmaster, C/o E.K. Somrajan Pillai, Viruthethu House, Njettur, Kulanada P.O.
2. The CPIO & Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices, Pathanamthitta Division, Pathanamthitta-689 645.
3. The Appellate Authority, RTI, Director of Postal Services (HQ), Kerala Postal Circle, Thiruvananthapuram-695 033.
4. Officer incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC