Central Information Commission
Arani Guha vs Geological Survey Of India on 21 April, 2026
केन्द्रीय सूचना आयोग
Central Information Commission
बाबा गंगनाथ मागग, मुननरका
Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
नई निल्ली, New Delhi - 110067
File No: Eleven Matters.
(1) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/657958
(2) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/656114
(3) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/651573
(4) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/656303
(5) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/655185
(6) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/647742
(7) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/647771
(8) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/644886
(9) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/641211
(10) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/639537
(11) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/637605
ARANI GUHA .....अपीलकर्ाग /Appellant
....निकायर्कर्ाग /Complainant
VERSUS
बनाम
THE CPIO
M/o. MINES, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA,
RTI CELL, SOUTHERN REGION,
GSI COMPLEX, BANDLAGUDA,
HYDERABAD, TELANGANA-500068 ....प्रनर्वािीगण /Respondent
Date of Hearing : 13.04.2026
Date of Decision : 13.04.2026
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER : Sudha Rani Relangi
Note - The above-mentioned Second Appeals and Complaints are clubbed
together for disposal through common order as the parties are common and
the issue raised therein are similar in nature.
Page 1 of 31
(1) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/657958
Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 10.10.2025
CPIO replied on : 19.11.2025
First appeal filed on : 20.11.2025
First Appellate Authority's order : 10.12.2025
2nd Appeal dated : Nil
Information sought:
1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 10.10.2025 seeking the following information:
"REFERRING TO GSI EMPLOYEE DATABASE AND REGULAR ACTIVITIES KINDLY INFORM, 1. SEND CERTIFIED DIGITAL COPIES OF EXECUTIVE RECORD SHEETS OF MR. BASAB MUKHOPADHYAY, ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL, OFFICERS IN PSS, APAR, ESTATE, PETROLOGY, PALEONTOLOGY, EG, EARTHQUAKE, MISSIONS, PERSONNEL, HOO CELL AND ANY OTHER IN SOTHERN REGION, GSI HYDERABAD OR ANY OTHER OFFICES IN THE JURIDISTION. 2. SEND DIGITAL COPIES OF TOUR AND TRAVELL DETAILS OF HOD INCUMBENT AND ADDITIONAL CHARGE HOLDERS FROM 2020-2025 AS ON DATE AS IN THE TOUR DIARIES AND BILLS, AUDIT REPORT IF ANY.
3. SEND DIGITAL COPIES OF TOUR AND TRAVEL DETAILS FROM THE OFFICERS IN PSS AND ADDITIONAL CHARGE HOLDERS FROM 2020-2025 AS ON DATE AS IN THE TOUR DIARIES AND BILLS, AUDIT REPORT IF ANY.
4. SEND DIGITAL COPIES TO THE FINAL BUDJET AND EXPENDITURE DETAILS FROM 2015 TO 2025 FROM FO. THE ONE PAGE REPORT USED FOR REFERENCE TO BE SPECIFIC. 5. DETAILS ON THE SERVICE ITEMS AND LABORATORY FOR SAMPLE DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS ON REQUEST. THE POSTAL ADDRESS FOR COMMUNICATION, CONTACT PHONE NUMBER AND FEE STRUCTURE. 6. EXPENDITURE DETAILS ON LABORATORY INFRASTRUCTURE. FY., ENDING SUMMERY TO BE SPECIFIC FROM 2015TO2025. AS THE INFORMATION SPREAD CLUSTER HOWEVER SMALL IN VOLUME KINDLY BE CAUTIOUS. KINDLY SEND THE INFORMATION DIGITALLY WITHIN TIMEFRAME TO [email protected]."
2. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 19.11.2025 stating as under:
"...With reference to your RTI Application dated 10/10/2025, the information which was received from the State Units/RHQ Page 2 of 31 Divisions/Sections are enclosed (Annexure-I, Annexure-II, Annexure-III and Annexure-IV) as under:"
3. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 20.11.2025. The FAA vide its order dated 10.12.2025, stated as under-
"Reply of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6- Information already provided is in order.
Reply of 5 - The information already provided is in order. The postal address for communication may be provided by the Director, PSS, SR, Hyderabad. The information may be provided within one week."
4. In compliance of FAA's order, the CPIO furnished a revised reply to the Appellant via email dated 15.12.2025 informing that "...the TCS Division may be contacted..."
5. Challenging the FAA's order, Appellant is before the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
(2) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/656114 (3) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/651573 Relevant facts emerging from Second Appeal/Complaint:
RTI application filed on : 08.08.2025 CPIO replied on : 18.09.2025 First appeal filed on : 30.09.2025 First Appellate Authority's : 30.10.2025 order 2nd Appeal dated : Nil Information sought:
6. The Appellant/Complainant filed an RTI application dated 08.08.2025 seeking the following information:
"Referring to E Mail communication DATED 28072025 on Retirement Account Number 110022801971, Withdrawal. Nomination Opt out. For NSDL NODAL OFFICE to GSI HOD HYD, GSI DDG SUAP and others and the WITHDRAWAL APPLICATION FORMS send on 11072025 on SUBJECT, 110022801971 NPS withdrawal forms for PAO from [email protected] and in hard copy as requested by PAO Page 3 of 31 after modification with original PRAN CARD post return from PAO and Others as received by ACCOUNTS SUAP on 11072025 kindly inform,
1. Status of PENDING REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL.
2. DEPARTMENTAL ENQUARY IF ANY INITIATED ON THE SUBJECT AS REQUESTED."
7. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant/Complainant on 18.09.2025 stating as under:
"Reply of point 1- NPS Exit application of Shri Arani Guha, (PRAN Number 110022801971) was initiated by PAO through online dated 02-09-2025. (copy enclosed).
Reply of point 2- No such departmental inquiry was initiated on the subject."
8. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 30.09.2025. The FAA vide its order dated 30.10.2025, upheld the reply of the CPIO.
9. Challenging the FAA's order, Appellant/Complainant is before the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
(4) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/656303 Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 20.09.2025 CPIO replied on : 16.10.2025 First appeal filed on : 18.10.2025 First Appellate Authority's : 27.11.2025 order 2nd Appeal dated : Nil Information sought:
10. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 20.09.2025 seeking the following information:
"REFERING TO 121122 PAY AND EMOULMENT W.R.T. SALARY AND ALLOWENCES KINDLY CERTIFY THE HOO LETTER FROM HEAD OF OFFICE SATE UNIT ANDHRA PRADESH FOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL STATE UNIT ANDHRA PRADESH TO MR. ARANI GUHA, GEOLOGIST ABOUT Page 4 of 31 SALARY/UA AND OTHERS IN PAYDAY OF AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2025 OR THEREAFTER TO THE CLOSEST DATE TO THE INFORMATION REQUEST. SEND DIGITAL COPY TO [email protected]. 2- EMAIL SEND FROM [email protected] ON THE SAME TIMELINE INFORMING PRESENCE THEREOF IN CONRINUM FROM 03122012 HOLDING OFFICE OF THE GEOOGIST IN GEOOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA IF REPLIED UPON. 3- PAYBILLS IF ANY IN 2020 ΜΑΥ ΤΟ 2025 SEND COPIES DIGITALLY."
11. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 16.10.2025 stating as under:
"Reply of 1- The reference cited in your RTI application-"121122 and HoO letter from Head of Office SU: AP for DDG, SU: AP to Shri Arani Guha, Geologist" is not clear and does not correspond to any identifiable document or communication on record. Additionally, there is no such letter from the Head of Office, SU: AP, addressed to Shri Arani Guha, Geologist, available in our files Reply of 2- The applicant was not an employee of SU:AP Hyderabad on the said date (03.12.2012).
Reply of 3- As per office records, only the pay bill for May 2020 is available for the period from May 2020 to 2025. Accordingly, a soft copy of the pay bill for May 2020 has been provided."
12. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 18.10.2025. The FAA vide its order dated 27.11.2025, upheld the reply of the CPIO with a directions to the CPIO that a legible copy of relevant documents in response to point No. 3 of RTI application be provided to the Appellant.
13. In compliance of FAA's order, the CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant via email on 01.12.2025.
14. Challenging the FAA's order, Appellant is before the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
(5) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/655185 Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 09.09.2025
CPIO replied on : 10.10.2025
Page 5 of 31
First appeal filed on : 10.10.2025
First Appellate Authority's : 11.11.2025
order
2nd Appeal dated : Nil
Information sought:
15. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 09.09.2025 seeking the following information:
"Referring to item number M1CDT 51882 Mr. ARANI GUHA, GEOLOGIST AND OTHERS IN 2024 to 2025 Kindly inform, 1-Notes given and action taken in the COMMUNICATION CHANNEL on PRE FIELD NOTE, WORK PLAN, INDENTS, FUND DISBURSEMENT REQUESTS from MR. ARANI GUHA AND OTHERS. 2-COPY of DRAFT REPORT as PER FSP as on given stage of generation. 3- NOTES GIVEN AND OR ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE FSP PROPOSAL SENT VIDE. COMMUNICATION 430 FROM MR. ARANI GUHA GEOLOGIST 12112 TO REGIONAL MISSION HEAD 2 GSI HYDERABAD THROUGH STATE UNIT ANDHRA PRADRSH DDG, COPY TO MR. V BALACHANDRUDU, DIRECTOR, NGCM M1 SUAP, DIRECTOR GEOINFORMATICS VIDE. EMAIL 31072024 AND EMAIL ON FSP PROPOSAL 2025-2028 ON REGIONAL EXPLORATION FOR NON-FERROUS AND REE MINERAL PLACER DEPOSITS IN COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH TO DDG SUAP 31072024 0718HRS IST. UNFC 334. 4- ANY OTHER INFORMATION RELEVANT ON THE SUBJECT ON THE FSP 2024- 2025 PROMULGATION AND FURTHER PROJECT GENERATION AS IN DETAIL LIST FOR PROPOSALS RECEIVED AND FURTHER FORWARDED FROM SUAP, GSISR, SUTGN AND GSI ALL TOGATHER."
16. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 10.10.2025 stating as under:
"...With reference to your RTI Application dated 09/09/2025, the information which was received from the State Units/RHQ Divisions/Sections are enclosed (Annexure-1, Annexure-II and Annexure- III) as under:"
17. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 10.10.2025. The FAA vide its order dated 11.11.2025, upheld the reply of the CPIO.
Page 6 of 3118. Challenging the FAA's order, Appellant is before the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
(6) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/647742 Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 20.07.2025 CPIO replied on : 25.08.2025 First appeal filed on : 29.08.2025 First Appellate Authority's : 09.10.2025 order 2nd Appeal dated : Nil Information sought:
19. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 20.07.2025 seeking the following information:
"Referring to EMAIL DT. 18072025 vide. General Functioning to SUAP DDG and HOD SR kindly inform, 1. Notes given and or action taken by the recipients and any other designated on the communication. 2. Nature and names of the public use facilities and surveillance measures in GSI HYDERABAD PREMICES 500068. Find enclosed EMAIL trail."
20. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 25.08.2025 stating as under:
"...With reference to your RTI Application dated 20/07/2025, the information which was received from the State Units/RHQ Divisions/Sections are enclosed (Annexure-I, Annexure-II. Annexure-III, Annexure-IV and Annexure-V) as under:
Annexure I
1. Access to the facilities mentioned does not comes under SU:AP, GSI, SR, Hyderabad.
2. Access to the facilities mentioned does not comes under SU:AP, GSI, SR, Hyderabad.
Annexure-II There is Human surveillance at the GSI complex, SR, Hyderabad. Annexure-III Point No. 2: No public use facilities are available in GSI premises as GSI is a Central Government Organization with no public interface. For surveillance, CCTV cameras has been installed at appropriate location by Page 7 of 31 Geodata Division, GSI, SR. Outsourced security personals have been deployed at important locations for the security of the office premises.
Annexure-IV As per application regarding your subject this is informed that Geodata division does not involve directly for any public use facilities or surveillance measures. If any user division requests we will extend technical help.
Annexure-V With reference to your RTI application forwarded vide No. No.622/A11026/Arani Guha (00281/RTI/SR/2025 dated 21.08.2025 regarding the email dated 18.07.2025 from Shri Arani Guha on the subject "General Functioning", it is informed that:
1. The email received from Shri Arani Guha was not clear in terms of specific requests or actionable issues.
2. At present Shri Arani Guha is not a Government employee of the Geological Survey of India.
3. The office premises of GSI are not for public; GSI premises are secured premises with restricted entry only for employees and authorized persons.
4. In view of the above, the said email did not warrant any action from this office, and accordingly no action has been taken."
21. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 29.08.2025. The FAA vide its order dated 09.10.2025, upheld the reply of the CPIO.
22. Challenging the FAA's order, Appellant is before the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
(7) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/647771 Relevant facts emerging from complaint:
RTI application filed on : 09.09.2025
CPIO replied on : 10.10.2025
First appeal filed on : 10.10.2025
First Appellate Authority's : NA
order
2nd Appeal/Complaint dated : Nil
Page 8 of 31
Information sought:
1. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 09.09.2025 seeking the following information:
"Referring to item number M1CDT 51882 Mr. ARANI GUHA, GEOLOGIST AND OTHERS IN 2024 to 2025 Kindly inform, 1-Notes given and action taken in the COMMUNICATION CHANNEL on PRE FIELD NOTE, WORK PLAN, INDENTS, FUND DISBURSEMENT REQUESTS from MR. ARANI GUHA AND OTHERS.
2-COPY of DRAFT REPORT as PER FSP as on given stage of generation. 3- NOTES GIVEN AND OR ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE FSP PROPOSAL SENT VIDE, COMMUNICATION 430 FROM MR. ARANI GUHA GEOLOGIST 12112 TO REGIONAL MISSION HEAD 2 GSI HYDERABAD THROUGH STATE UNIT ANDHRA PRADRSH DDG, COPY TO MR. V BALACHANDRUDU, DIRECTOR, NGCM M1 SUAP, DIRECTOR GEOINFORMATICS VIDE. EMAIL 31072024 AND EMAIL ON FSP PROPOSAL 2025-2028 ON REGIONAL EXPLORATION FOR NON-FERROUS AND REE MINERAL PLACER DEPOSITS IN COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH TO DDG SUAP 31072024 0718HRS IST. UNFC 334. 4- ANY OTHER INFORMATION RELEVANT ON THE SUBJECT ON THE FSP 2024-2025 PROMULGATION AND FURTHER PROJECT GENERATION AS IN DETAIL LIST FOR PROPOSALS RECEIVED AND FURTHER FORWARDED FROM SUAP, GSISR, SUTGN AND GSI ALL TOGATHER."
2. The CPIO furnished a reply to the complainant on 10.10.2025 stating as under:
"With reference to your RTI Application dated 09/09/2025, the information which was received from the State Units/RHQ Divisions/Sections are enclosed (Annexure-1, Annexure-II and Annexure- III) as under.."
3. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the complainant filed a First Appeal dated 10.10.2025. The FAA vide order dated 11.11.2025 upheld the reply of the CPIO.
4. Aggrieved by the decision of the Respondent, Complainant is before the Commission with the instant Complaint.
(8) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/644886 Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 15.06.2025
Page 9 of 31
CPIO replied on : 16.07.2025
First appeal filed on : 20.07.2025
First Appellate Authority's : 02.09.2025
order
2nd Appeal dated : Nil
Information sought:
23. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 15.06.2025 seeking the following information:
"Geological Survey Of India Regional Headquarters at Hyderabad hosts two operational units viz. SUAP., SUTGN., Regional HQ Scientific Divisions, Core Library and GSITI apart. 1. Inform total number of Gazetted Officer present at GSI HYD. In Scientific, Support, Service and Administrative branches with certified list as per RTI ACT 2005. For 2015 to 2025 till date.
2. Inform total number of residential quarters available at Hyderabad for GSI for as per entitlement for abovementioned and the specifications certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 3. Total number canteens with FASSAI certificate numbers with last one year food and other consumable biochemistry and microbiology Reports certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 4. Number of office rooms allocated to the designated as in number 1. In single occupancy and potential opt out Memorandums from the designated and the room specifications certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 5. With reference to the applicant designated indents sent for office infrastructure and their status certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 6. Library infrastructure and e procurement enhancement as per indents sent from. 2015 to 2025 till date reference to the applicant and in general certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 7. Sport and recreational infrastructure planned and placed details as per RTI ACT 2005. 8. Details of active and passive air and water pollution control measures taken in the Bandlaguda GSI certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 9. Details of public administration and educative initiative taken by GSI HYDERABAD as per Government responsibility program certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 10. Details of any trespassing and or any aerial phenomenon in or around designated airspace from 2015 to 2025 till date duly certified as per RTI ACT 2005. 11. Details of free range and captive animal population in the urban forestry buffer zone in and around GSI buildings. Send the information digitally via. email to [email protected]"
24. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 16.07.2025 stating as under:
Page 10 of 31"With reference to your RTI Application dated 15/06/2025, the information which was received from the State Units/RHQ Divisions/Sections are as under-
Enclosed in(Annexure-1, Annexure-II ,Annexure-III, Annexure IV, Annexure V, Annexure VI, Annexure VII, Annexure VIII) as under:"
Reply of point 1-The information is available in public domain on GSI portal Reply of point 9- No such programme has been initiated.
Reply of point 3- nil Reply of point 7-nil Point No.2: The Residential area is under GPRA, CPWD and they are maintaining and allotting the quarters through e-sampada portal.
Point No.4: 24 rooms allotted for Single occupancy.
Point No.8: The campus shares compound wall with Mahavir Harina National Park and air quality is good. No pollution check system in the campus Point No.11: There are no captive animals inside the GSI, SR premises except few free range dogs.
Reply of 3- One canteen in the name M/s. Venkatesh contractor Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad is running at GSI, SR, Hyderabad from 01/04/2025 with FSSAI certificate No. 13621013002046.
The other data pertains to point no -3 may please be obtained from Staff Welfare Cell, GSI, SR, Hyderabad.
Reply of 5-AP & MD, GSI, SR, Hyderabad has not received any indent for office infrastructure from the applicant"
25. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 20.07.2025. The FAA vide its order dated 02.09.2025, stating as under-
"Point no 1-Year wise data from 2015 to 2025 till date may be furnished by SR.RHQ (Establishment Section) & SU:AP. The information to be provided within two weeks Point no 2-The information already provided is in order Page 11 of 31 Point no 3-The information already provided is in order Point no 4-The information already provided is in order Point no 5-The information already provided is in order Point no 6-The information already provided is in order Point no 7-Information may be provided by SR, RHQ (Staff Welfare Section). The information to be provided within two weeks Point no 8-The information already provided is in order Point no 9-Information may be provided by SU: AP & SU: TGN. The information to be provided within two weeks Point no 10-The information already provided is in order Point no 11-The information already provided is in order"
26. Challenging the FAA's order, Appellant is before the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
(9) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/641211 Relevant facts emerging from complaint:
RTI application filed on : 11.07.2025 CPIO replied on : 13.08.2025 First appeal filed on : 29.08.2025 First Appellate Authority's : NA order Complaint dated : Nil Information sought:
27. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 11.07.2025 seeking the following information:
"Referring to email DT. 30062025 on, An abstract on Autochthonous Sedimentary Deposit at along Breccia Zone Between Sedimentary Cover and Basement Metamorphic Strata. From ARANI GUHA to DDG SUAP, HOD SR GSI and OCBIS Abstract ID GSI/IC/TH2/2615 Kindly inform Page 12 of 31
1. Notes given and or action taken on the said subject for augmentation on the subject for approval for the CORRESPONDING AUTHOR and intended future AUTHORS for full paper publication and for the participation in the publication process viz. conferences symposia and other meetings.
2. Review on Regional and National Peers on the said subject from the area if any on this and apart from this.
3. Details of Abstracts submitted in the GSI UNITS, MISSIONS AND REGIONAL AND CENTRAL LABORATORIES for 175 Year Celebratory Seminar in JAIPUR including that are on OCBIS.
4. WRO 25039, WRO 25305 DIGITAL COPY."
28. The CPIO furnished a reply to the complainant on 13.08.2025 stating as under:
"Reply of point 1- The abstract cannot be forwarded in official channel as Shri Arani Guha is no longer an employee of GSI since 06.09.2024, He can directly submit the abstract to the said seminar as an individual Reply of point2- No information available Reply of point3- No information available Reply of point4- No information available"
29. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the complainant filed a First Appeal dated 29.08.2025.The FAA order is not on record.
30. Aggrieved by the non-adjudication of First Appeal, Complainant is before the Commission with the instant Complaint.
(10) CIC/GSIND/A/2025/639537 Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 07.06.2025 CPIO replied on : 24.06.2025 First appeal filed on : 27.06.2025 First Appellate Authority's : 08.08.2025 order 2nd Appeal dated : Nil Information sought:
31. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 07.06.2025 seeking the following information:
"NPS account user ID vide. PRAN number 110022801971 online access at NSDL CRA website is opted for a password reset via. Nodal Office at point Page 13 of 31 of presence as chosen on the designated NPS Portal as no other option was working due to requirement to updatation on the user contact details as indicated. The acknowledgement number of the first request is 9218292823 Date 31032025 1020hrs. The acknowledgement number of the second request is 9221885559 Date 04062019 1319hrs. The requests were followed up using direct communication to the designated location at Geological Survey of India Headquarters at Hyderabad vide. email from [email protected] on 05062025 1224hrs. and Corrigendum there after on 07062025 1119hrs. 1. Inform the status of the requests and process taken as notes given and action taken or any other form on the subject to provide NPS account access to the user as per RTI ACT. 2005. IN.
2. Copies of notes given and or action taken as communication with GSI, CHQ Kolkata, MOM New Delhi. pertaining to mentioned PR account if any present arising from these requests and or any other compelling the nodal office to act or not to act on the subject on forthwith access and information transmission to the user. 3. Inform and send copies of any Software and or Portal Helpline communication about the mentioned NPS account if any have taken place. 4. In the event of the mentioned requests are to pertain any other GOI office apart from GSI, MOM at the outset or afterwards as in MOF as PAO at GSI HYD. or any other kindly forward this to the same as per provision on RTI ACT. 2005 IN. 5. Send information on the subject of Disbursement of Service Benefits as per present set of orders as on date to the mentioned account holder as in activating Pension disbursement, NPS withdrawal or deposit offers, and or opt-out request or any other relevant on which action is required from Nodal Office and or Account Holder or any other. 6. Send certified copies on any duly recognizing communication GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA has made to the Office of The Geologist held by Mr. Arani Guha from 03122012 to the date of this communication or in person."
32. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 24.06.2025 stating as under:
"Reply of point no 1- As per the existing process, user is required to submit written request to CRA for generation of new IPIN. Upon receipt of written request, CRA process the request and new IPIN gets dispatched to nodal office. However, this printed IPIN is not received yet by this office Reply of point no 2- No such correspondence was made to MOM, New Delhi or GSI. CHQ. Kolkata and to Nodal office Also the printed IPIN from CRA is not received by this office Page 14 of 31 Reply of point no 3- The detailed procedure of any query related to NPS or PR account password reset is given on NSDL portal and as already mentioned above Nodal office (PAO) shall communicate in this regards to the subscriber. Also, regarding the matter the applicant was personally guided by HoO. SUAP, SK, Hyderabad.
Reply of point no 4- As mentioned in point no. 1. the subscriber directly applies for password reset to CRA, which is again communicated to Nodal office (PAO).
Reply of point no 5-- The detailed information on Pension disbursement. NPS withdrawal or deposit offers can be accessed via link https:apsora. asdl.co in ops-exit. Any action pertaining to this have to be initiated by subscriber himself Reply of point no 6- Sought correspondence is not specific"
33. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 27.06.2025. The FAA vide its order dated 08.08.2025, upheld the reply of the CPIO.
34. Challenging the FAA's order, Appellant is before the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
(11) CIC/GSIND/C/2025/637605 Relevant facts emerging from complaint:
RTI application filed on : 07.07.2025 CPIO replied on : 11.07.2025 First appeal filed on : NA First Appellate Authority's : NA order 2nd Appeal/Complaint dated : Nil Information sought:
35. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 07.07.2025 seeking the following information:
"Referring to email DT. 18062025 vide. subject Retirement Account Number 110022801971 from ARANI GUHA to DDG SUAP and HOD SR, GSI, Hyderabad and Annexure forms later to be handed over in hard copy kindly inform, Page 15 of 31
1. Status of the application for intended complete sale for securities associated with the mentioned account for liquidating.
2. GO if any there after to the date of the launch of the NPS system exempting it from the Securities ACT duly verified by the cabinet or the executive head.
The information is to be supplied digitally."
36. The CPIO furnished a reply to the complainant on 11.07.2025 stating as under:
"This is to inform you that your application for NPS withdrawal was forwarded by this office vide letter No. 650., dated 25.06.2025. However, after scrutiny of the application PAO has mentioned the following observations:
1. As per Rule 18 of Central Civil Services, Implementation of National Pension System Rules, 2021, Shri Arani Guha, Geologist, Compulsory Retired as a penalty from the service shall be paid the lumpsum and the annuity of his accumulated pension corpus on exit from NPS before superannuation and no partial withdrawal will arise in this case.
2. Section -D regarding Subscriber's Annuity Details, Annuity Scheme, Annuity frequency and Declaration by the proposer has not been filled and all these fields to be filled.
3. The Government employee has submitted the certificate that he is opting out from appointing any Nominee. In this matter employee shall login NSDL portal and shall make changes of nominee already given
4. Original PRAN Card not submitted and the same to be submitted.
5. Copy of the bank pass book is not legible and the revised may be submitted.
In view of the above observations, duly filled-in Section-D along with above required documents may be submitted to this office, for onward transmission to PAO and make necessary changes regarding nominee details in NSDL, for further processing."
37. Aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO, Complainant is before the Commission with the instant Complaint.
Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:
The following were present:-
Appellant/Complainant: Shri Arani Guha present through video-conference.Page 16 of 31
Respondent: Shri Mrutyuanjay Moharana, Director (Chemical) & CPIO along with Shri Murthy Mohan, Admn. Officer present through video conference.
38. Written statement filed by the Appellant as well as by the CPIO in each of the matters are taken on record. The CPIO vide written statements merely mentioned the chain of events and correspondences forwarded to the Appellant in response to each of the matters.
39. The Commission, pointed out the Appellant/Complainant that 16 matters of him are listed today for hearing and adjudication, further, considering the multiple number of RTI applications, First Appeal and thereafter, Second Appeals/Complaints, it is noted that information sought by the Appellant/Complainant are majorly voluminous in nature, collation and compilation of which apparently divert the time and resources of the Respondent Public Authority and is thus, attracts Section 7 (9) of the RTI Act, 2005. Moreover, the contents of the RTI application under reference also reveals that majority of information sought are exempted from disclosure Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act because the information he is seeking pertains to personal information of third party. Therefore, on the suggestion of the Bench, the Appellant/Complainant, at the outset, stated that he was a former employee of GSI, Hyderabad office who basically sought information pertaining to official functioning records which are usually kept in public domain in the light of suo moto disclosure as per the terms of the RTI Act, 2005. Regarding his service matter, Appellant/Complainant stated that he has filed a case bearing No. OA/0567/2017 before the Hon'ble CAT, Hyderabad, which is sub-judice as on date. Appellant/ Complainant restricted his arguments in sum and substances of all these Appeals/Complaints on two counts. Firstly, that the CPIO gave response beyond stipulated time frame of 30 days which goes against the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 for which he prayed the Commission that penalty should be imposed on the CPIOs. Secondly, it was the plea of the Appellant that partial information has been provided to him. Appellant/Complainant contended that information which are exempted from disclosure may be redacted/masked and remaining portion of information sought may be disclosed to him as it enables him to defend his case before the Hon'ble CAT.
40. Per contra, the CPIO stated that Appellant/Complainant was the former employee of the GSI, Hyderabad who was compulsorily retired from the services under Rule 56 j of CCS Rules on 05.09.2024 after completion of penalty proceedings. CPIO relied on his written statement and mentioned the fact that Page 17 of 31 thereafter, Appellant/Complainant filed multiple RTI applications, First Appeal and Second Appeals/Complaints, however, all his RTI applications have been replied to on each occasion with disclosure of relevant permissible information. CPIO further contended that since the Appellant/Complainant is no more employee of their organization, therefore, disclosure of noting and other internal documents along with personal information, contact details such as mobile number, smart phones, etc. cannot be provided in view of Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. It was the averment of the CPIO that information sought by the Appellant/Complainant are mostly vague, unspecific which makes it difficult for the CPIO to simplify and cull out what exact information should be provided to the Appellant/Complainant. Despite this, all possible efforts have been made to facilitate relevant permissible information to the Appellant/Complainant through email.
41. On the suggestion of the Bench, CPIO agreed to file a revised written statement in response to each of these matters for brining factual clarity in the Appeal along with relevant permissible additional information to the Appellant, as the case may be. Prayer of the CPIO is accepted.
42. Post hearing, CPIO filed a revised written statement dated 20.04.2026 in each of the instant matters, which are taken on record. A copy of the same is being marked to the Appellant/Complainant as well. Contents of the same are reproduced below for the ease of reference -
File No. CIC/GSIND/A/2025/657958:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 "Since the information sought it of personal in nature, hence competent authority has rejected to give the information under Rule 8(1)(1) of RTI Act 2005" (Reply from the Dy Director (PLA), SRO, GSI dated 31.10.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 767/A-11026/Arani Guha (00397)/RT1/SR/2025, dated 19.11.2025 "The executive record sheets of Shri Basab Mukhopadhyay, Addi. Director General and other officers contains personal data/information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest and would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual.
Therefore, the information was not disclosed under section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act 2005 Also, the information sought relates to "Third Party" and disclosure may lead to any possible harm or injury to the interest of the third party and hence cannot be disclosed Page 18 of 31 02 "Since the information sought is of personal in nature, hence competent authority has rejected to give the information under Rule 8(1)(j) of RTI Act 2005" (Reply from the Dy. Director (P&A), SRO, GSI dated 31.10.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 767/A-11026/Arani Guha (00397)/RTI/SR/2025, dated 19.11.2025 "The Tour & Travel details of HOD incumbent and additional charge holders from 2020 to 2025 as on date, as in the tour diaries and bills, audit reports" contain personal data/information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest and would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual. Therefore, the information was not disclosed under section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act 2005 Also, the information sought relates to "Third Party" and disclosure may lead to any possible harm or injury to the interest of the third party and hence cannot be disclosed 03 "Since the information sought is of personal in nature, hence competent authority has rejected to give the information under Rule 8(1)(j) of RTI Act 2005" (Reply from the Dy Director (P&A), SRO, GSI dated 31.10.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 767/A 11026/Arani Guha (00397)/RTI/SR/2025, dated 19.11.2025 "The Tour & Travel details from the officers in PSS and additional charge holders from 2020 to 2025 as on date, as in the tour diaries and bills, audit reports" contain person data/information, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity interest and would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual. Therefore, the information was not disclosed under section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act 2005 Also, the information sought relates to "Third Party" and disclosure may lead to possible harm or injury to the interest of the third party and hence cannot be disclosed.
04 "Budget & Expenditure details" has been provided (Reply from Finance Division dated 27.10.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 767/A-11026/Arani Guha (00397)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 19.11.2025 05 The details of "service items" includes commercial confidence, trade secret and intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party larger public interest is not involved. Therefore, the information was not disclosed under section 8(1)(d) of RTI Act 2005. Information regarding "laboratory for sample description and analysis on rec "Schedule of Charges" has been provided (Reply from the Director PSS vide letter 18.11.2025) The information/rely has been provided to applicant ide letter No. 767/A 1102h/Arani Guha00397311/ 19.11.2014.
In compliance to Order of the First Appellate Authority vide No. 796/FAARTI/ADK12025 dated 10.12.2025, the complete postal address and email id was provided to the appellant through email dated Page 19 of 31 16.12.2025 (with attachment of letter dan 15.12.2025 from the Director, PSS) 06 Finance Division dated 27.10.2025 and reply from RMH 4 SR email Expenditure details on laboratory expenditure has been provided (vide reply from vided to the applicant vide letter No. 767/A-has been provided The Information/reply has 11026/Arani Guha (00397)/RT1/NR/2025 dated 19.11.2025 This is further submitted that
01. Complete Information has been provided to the appellant in digital format (Scanned copy) as per RTI Request of the applicant.
02. The Applicant/appellant has asked many questions and sought much information which are held by multiple authorities and also the information pertains to 2015 to 2025 which requires kit of time for collection, compilation, certification, scanning and submission. The RTI request was received at GSI, SR, Hyderabad on 16.10.2025 (Action History copy Enclosed) and the information has been sent through email on 20.11.2025 without much delay.
03. Multiple pages of information in digital format (scanned copy) have been sent to the appellant. Depending upon the original information copy, the quality of the "scanned copy" provided is reasonably good. It is pertinent to note that the appellant has never raised the issue of quality of information (quality of scanning/legibility) in his 1" appeal.
04. The First Appellate Authority has upheld the "information provided to the Appellant/applicant.
It is pertinent to mention the following:
01. The Appellant/applicant (Shri Arani Guha) has been given "Compulsory Retirement" from Geological Survey of India (GSI) as 'Penalty' w.e.f 06.09.2024.
02. Even after his "compulsory retirement" the applicant has mentioned his address in RTI application as "Room No. 250, State Unit AP, SR, Geological Survey of India, Hyderabad, Pin 500068". The address is of GSI, SU: AP, Hyderabad (Govt. Office) and does not belong to the RTI appellant. The same has been communicated to the Appellant several times through the Orders of First Appellate Authority and CPIO.
But, the Appellant still continues to do the same.
03. The Appellant/applicant is habitual of submitting many RTI Applications. As per the record, he has submitted as many as 16 RTI applications During 2025 pertaining to GSI, Southern Region. In most of the RTI request, the appellant has asked many questions pertaining to multiple authorities seeking information regarding large Page 20 of 31 number of officers/employees for a longer time span (about 5-10 years). In many cases, the questions asked by the appellant in the "RTI request" are not specific and lacks clarity. The information sought through many RTI questions of applicant can be categorised under "Personal Information" and "Third Party Information". It has also been observed that, the appellant is seeking information which does not involve any larger public interest.
Because of the continuous RTI requests filed by the appellant, lot of time of the officers/officials of the concerned public authorities of GSI, SR is spent on collecting and furnishing information to the appellant. This is adversely affecting the regular and norma duties of the officers/officials."
File No. CIC/GSIND/A/2025/656114 and File No. CIC/GSIND/C/2025/651573:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 NIPS exit application of Shri Arani Guha (PRAN: 110022801971) was initiated by PAO through online dated 02.09 2025 (Reply from the Director(C) & APTO, SUAP, OSI vide letter dated 18.09.2025) The information reply was provided to the applicant with a copy of the screen shot (NSDL. e-Gov, National Pension System (NPS)) vide letter No. 660/A11026/Arani Cuba(00305/RTI/SR/2025, dated 18.09.2015.
In compliance to Order of the First Appellate Authority vide letter 735/FAARTEADG/2025 dated 30.10.2025, a legible scanned softcopy/digital copy of the screen shot was provided to the appellant through email dated 06.11.2025.
02 "No such departmental inquiry was initiated on the subject". The information was provided to the applicant. (Reply from the Director(G) & APIO, SU:AP, GSI vide letter dated 18.09.2025) The information/reply was provided to the applicant with a copy of the screen shot (NSDL e-Gov, National Pension System (NPS)) vide letter No. 660/A.11026/Arani Guha (00305/RTI/SR/2025, dated 18.09.2025.
This is further submitted that:
01. Complete information has been provided to the appellant in digital format (Scanned copy) as per RTI Request of the applicant.
02. The information (scanned copy) was sent to the applicant through email. The screen shot contains very small size letter leading to reduced clarity after scanning.Page 21 of 31
However, afterwards a scanned copy of the screen shot with more clarity has been provided to the applicant.
03. The RTI request submitted by the applicant pertains to SU: Andhra Pradesh of Southern Region as the applicant was working in SU: Andhra Pradesh before his "Compulsory Retirement". Hence transfer of application was not required. Accordingly, the information was obtained from SU: Andhra Pradesh and the same was provided to the applicant as soon as it was received.
04. The RTI request was received by RTI cell, SR on 19.08.2025 (Action History copy enclosed). The request of information was sent to the concerned Authority of SU:
Andhra Pradesh and the obtained information was provided to the Applicant through email on 18.09.2025. Therefore, the information was provided within 30 days without delay.
05. The First Appellate Authority has upheld the "information provided" to the Appellant/applicant.
File No. CIC/GSIND/A/2025/656303:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 "The reference cited in your RTI application 121122 & HOO letter from Head of Office SU: AP for DDG, SU:AP to Shri Arani Guha, Geologist" is not clear and does not correspond to any identifiable document or communication on record. Additionally, there is no such letter from the Head of Office, SU:AP addressed to Shri Arani Guha, Geologist available in our files." (Reply from the Director (G) & APIO, SU:AP, GSI vide dated 15.10.2025) The information/reply was provided to the applicant vide letter No. 711/A-11026/Arani Guha (00368)/RTI/SR/2025, dated 16.10.2025.
02 "The applicant was not an employee of SU:AP, Hyderabad on the said date (03.12.2012)". (Reply from the Director (G) & APIO, SU:AP, GSI vide dated 15.10.2025) The information/reply was provided to the applicant vide letter No. 711/A-11026/Arani Guha (00368)/RTI/SR/2025, dated 16.10.2025. 03 "As per office record, only the pay bill for May 2020 is available for the period from May 2020 to 2025. Accordingly, a soft copy of the paybill for May 2020 has been provided to the applicant. (Reply from the Director (G) & APIO, SU:AP, GSI vide dated 15.10.2025) The information/reply was Page 22 of 31 provided to the applicant vide letter No. 711/A-11026/Arani Guha (00368)/RTI/SR/2025, dated 16.10.2025.
In compliance to Order of the First Appellate Authority vide No. 771/FAA/RTI/ADG/2025 dated 27/11/2025, a legible scanned softcopy/digital copy of the Pay Bill was provided to the appellant through email dated 01.12.2025.
File No. CIC/GSIND/A/2025/655185 and File No. CIC/GSIND/C/2025/647771:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 Shri Arani Guha forwarded the email of Dr. Siba Sunder Sahoo containing pre-field reports as an attachment to the office of DDG, SU:AP. The pre-
field report was not as per the SOP of NOCM projects. The report did not contain the required thematic maps. comments were informed med to Shri Arani Guha."
"Mr Arani Guha submitted workplan copied from that of Dr Siba Sunder Sahoo, Senior Geologist. These observation was communicated by the supervisory officer to Shri Arani Guha asking him to submit the revised work plan, but he did not submit the proper work.
"No relevant indent was received by the Store Division SU:AP "As per the guidelines fund for execution of field work is disbursed to only one member of the field party, preferably the Senior Officer. As Dr. Siba Sunder Sahoo, Senior Geologist was senior partner in the project, he had drawn RCA" (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP, GSI vide letter dated 09.10.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 696/A.11026/Arani Guha (00347)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 10.10.2025. 02 "The draft report of FS 2024-2025 was uploaded in OCBIS portal.
Analytical results are awaited. The report is under preparation." (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP GSI vide letter dated 09.10.2025) 03 "The proposal not found suitable" (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP, GS vide letter dated 09.10.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No 696/A.11026/Arani Guha (00347)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 10.10.2025. 04 "The approved FSP programme for the field season 2024-25 for all missions and Regions are available in the summary of Annual programme 2024-2025. The draft report summa is available on the GSI OCBIS portal"
(Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP, G vide letter dated 09.10.2025) Page 23 of 31 The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 696/A.11026/Arani Guha (00347)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 10.10.2025.
File No. CIC/GSIND/A/2025/647742:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 "The email received from Shri Arani Guha was not clear in terms of specific request or actionable issues. At present Shri Arani Guha is not a Govt. employee of the Geological Survey of India. The office premises of GSI are not for public. GSI premises are secured premises with restricted entry only for employees and authorised persons. In view of the above, the said email did not warrant any action form this office and accordingly no action has been taken" (Reply from Director, PSS vide letter dated 25.08.2025) "Access to the facilities does not come under SU:AP, GSI, SR, Hyderabad"
(Reply from Director & Head of Office, SU:AP, GSI, SR, Hyderabad vide letter dated 31.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the Applicant vide letter No. 623/A11026/Arani Guha (00281) RTI/SR/2025 dated 25.08.2025.
02 "No public use facilities are available in GSI premises as GSI is a central Govt. organisation with no public interface. For surveillance CCTV cameras has been installed at appropriate locations by Geodada Division, GSI, SR. Outsourced security personnel have been deployed at important locations for the security of the office premises" (Reply from the Director & Estate Officer vide letter dated 20.08.2025) "There is human surveillance at the GSI complex, SR, Hyderabad" (Reply from the Director (Chem) & Security Officer vide letter dated 30.07.2025) "Access to the facilities does not come under SU:AP, GSI, SR, Hyderabad"
(Reply from Director & Head of Office, SU:AP, GSI, SR, Hyderabad vide letter dated 31.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the Applicant vide letter No. 623/A11026/Arani Guha (00281) RTI/SR/2025 dated 25.08.2025.
File No. CIC/GSIND/A/2025/644886:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) Page 24 of 31 01 "Total number of Gazetted officers present at GSI, Hyderabad from 2015 to 2025" has been provided by SU:Telangana (Vide letter dated 07.07.2025).
The information/reply was provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha(00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025. In compliance to Order of the First Appellate Authority vide No. 640/FAA/RTI/ADG/2025 dated 02.09.2025, information obtained from Establishment Section, SRO (vide letter dated 15.09.2025) and SU: AP (Vide letter dated 18.09.2025) has been provided to the appellant through email dated 19.09.2025.
02 "The residential area is under GPRA CPWD and they are maintaining and allotting the quarters through e-sampada portal (Reply from Director & Estate Officer vide letter dated 11.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025. 03 "One canteen in the name M/s Venkatesh Contractor Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad is running at GSI, SR, Hyderabad from 01.04.2025 with FSSAI Certificate No. 13621013002046. " (Reply from EE & OIC, APMD, SR vide letter dated 07.07.2025) "Other consumables, Bio-Chemistry and microbiology reports certified as per RTI Act 2005 -NIL (Replied from Asst.. Director (P&A), Staff Welfare Section vide letter dated 15.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha(00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025. 04 "Single occupancy rooms are allotted to the gazetted officers of SU:AP"
(Reply from Director & Head of Office SU:AP vide letter dated 09.07.2025) "Total number of office rooms allocated and Number of single occupancy has been provided by the Director & Head of Office, SU: Telangana vide letter dated 07.07.2025.
The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025.
05 "No application regarding office infrastructure has been received by this office" (Reply from Director & Head of Office, SU:AP vide letter dated 09.07.2025) "APMD GSI SR Hyderabad has not received any indents for office infrastructure from the applicant" (Reply from EE & OIC APMD vide letter dated 07.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025. 06 The infrastructure facilities in the library and e-procurement details from 2015 to 2025 has been provided by Publication Division, GSI, SR, Hyderabad vide letter dated 10.07.2025 The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025.
Page 25 of 3107 In compliance to Order of the First Appellate Authority vide No. 640/FAA/RTI/ADG/2025 dated 02.09.2025, information obtained from Staff Welfare Section, SRO (vide letter dated 16.09.2025) has been provided to the appellant through email dated 19.09.2025. 08 "The campus shares compound wall with Mahaveer Harina National Park and Air quality is good. No pollution check system in the campus" (Reply from Director & Estate Officer vide letter dated 11.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025. 09 "No such programme has been initiated" (Reply from Asst. Director (P&A) vide letter dated 15.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025. In compliance to Order of the First Appellate Authority vide No. 640/FAA/RTI/ADG/2025 dated 02.09.2025, information obtained from SU:AP (vide letter dated 18.09.2025) and SU:Telangana (Vide letter dated 15.09.2025) has been provided to the appellant through email dated 19.09.2025.
10 "As per the available record No incident of trespassing or Aerial phenomenon has been recorded by the security cell of GSI Southern Region Hyderabad, GSI complex Bandlaguda from 2015 to till date"
(Reply from Director & Security Officer vide dated 07.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025.
11 "There are no captive animals inside the GSI SR premises except few free-
range dogs" (Reply from Director & Estate Office vide letter dated 11.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide letter No. 562/A.11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 16.07.2025. File No. CIC/GSIND/C/2025/641211:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 "The abstract can not be forwarded in official channel as Shri Arani Guha is no longer an employee of GSI since 06.09.2024. He can directly submit the abstract to the said seminar as an individual" (Reply from Director(G) & APIO, SU:AP vide letter dated 13.08.2025) Page 26 of 31 The Information/reply has been provided Guha (00274)/RTI/SR/2025 vide letter No. 615/A-11026/Arani dated 13.08.2025. 02 "Reviews on Regional and National peers on the said subject from the area if any on this and apart from this" Not to be disclosed (3rd party Information) (Reply from the Director, Publication Division vide letter dated 01.08.2025) "No information available" (Reply from Director(G) & APIO, SU:AP vide letter dated 13.08.2025) The Information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 615/A-
11026/Arani Guha (00274)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 13.08.2025 Note: The "reviews on Regional and National peers" are confidential in nature and relates to a third party. The disclosure of such information may lead to any possible harm or injury to the interest of the third party. Moreover, there is no larger public interest is involved. 03 "Details of abstracts submitted to RHQ SR Hyderabad related to Jaipur seminar - 38 abstracts processed" (Reply from the Director, Publication Division vide letter dated 01.08.2025) "No information available" (Reply from Director(G) & APIO, SU:AP vide letter dated 13.08.2025) The Information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 615/A- 11026/Arani Guha (00274)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 13.08.2025 04 "WRO 25039, WRO 25305 Digital copy: Not Available in SR, Library"
(Reply from the Director, Publication Division vide letter dated 01.08.2025) "No information available" (Reply from Director(G) & APIO, SU:AP vide letter dated 13.08.2025) The Information/reply has been provided Guha (00274)/RTI/SR/2025 vide letter No. 615/A-11026/Arani dated 13.08.2025 File No. CIC/GSIND/A/2025/639537:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 "As per the existing process, user is required to submit written request to CRA for generation of new IPIN. Upon receipt of written request, CRA process the request and new IPIN gets despatched to nodal office.
However, this printed IPIN is not received yet by this office. (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP vide letter dated 19.06.2025) The information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 536/A- 11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 24.06.2025 02 "No such correspondence was made to MOM, New Delhi or GSI, CHQ, Kolkata and to Nodal office. Also the printed IPIN from CRA is not not received by this office" (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP vide letter dated 19.06.2025) Page 27 of 31 The information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 536/A- 11026/Arani Guha(00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 24.06.2025 03 The detailed procedure of any query related to NPS or PR account password reset is given on NSDL portal and as already mentioned above Nodal office (PAO) shall communicate in this regard to the subscriber. Also, regarding the matter the applicant was personally guided by HoO, SU:AP, SR Hyderabad"" (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP vide letter dated 19.06.2025) The information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 536/A- 11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 24.06.2025 04 "As mentioned in point No I the subscriber directly applies for password reset to CRA, which is again communicated to Nodal Office (PAO)" (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP vide letter dated 19.06.2025) The information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 536/A- 11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 24.06.2025 05 "The detailed information on Pension disbursement NPS withdrawal or deposit offers can be accessed via link https.npscra.nsdl.co.in in nps exit. Any action pertaining to this have to be initiated by subscriber himself"
(Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP vide letter dated 19.06.2025) The information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 536/A- 11026/Arani Guha (00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 24.06.2025
06 "Sought correspondence is not specific" (Reply from the Administrative Officer, SU:AP vide letter dated 19.06.2025) The information/reply has been provided vide letter No. 536/A- 11026/Arani Guha(00243)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 24.06.2025.
File No. CIC/GSIND/C/2025/637605:
Sl./Point Submission/Justification No. (RTI Request) 01 "The NPS withdrawal application of Shri Arani Guha was received on 24/06/2025. The application was submitted to the PAO, SR on 25/06/2025. The PAO, SR returned the application vide letter dated 07/07/2025, without processing citing rule position and incomplete nature of the application (Annexure-1). The same was returned to Shri Arani Guha, by mail on 08/07/2025 with the observation of the PAO, SR and letter dated 09.07.2025 (Annexure-2) (Reply from the Director(G) & Head of Office, SU:AP dated 18.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide Letter No. 610/A-11026/Arani Guha (00269)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 08.08.2025 02 "The National Pension System (NPS) is governed under the provisions of the PFRDA Act, 2013, and is regulated by the PFRDA, a statutory body.
All the required information can be obtained from PFRDA directly from Page 28 of 31 their website" (Reply from the Director(G) & Head of Office, SU:AP dated 18.07.2025) The information/reply has been provided to the applicant vide Letter No. 610/A-11026/Arani Guha (00269)/RTI/SR/2025 dated 08.08.2025 Decision:
43. Heard the parties.
44. The Commission upon a perusal of materials of the instant Appeals/Complaints on record and after hearing the parties observed that although the Appellant/Complainant has filed numerous RTI application with overlapping voluminous nature of information sought and that too, which contains elements of personal information of third- parties and hence, are exempted from disclosure under Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. However, during the course of hearing, the Appellant restricted his contentions on two points. Firstly, regarding delay on the part of the CPIO in giving reply beyond stipulated time frame, for which Appellant sought suitable action against the CPIO. Secondly, regarding denial of information by the CPIO without any justification/ explanation in this regard and also for not invoking Section 10 of RTI Act, 2005 for redacting portion of information which attracts Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005.
45. As regards the aspect of delay in response to RTI applications, the Commission finds that the information sought by the querist could not be provided by the CPIO for one or other reasons and not automatically leading to issuance of show cause notice under Section 20 of the RTI Act, 2005, to initiate any action against the CPIO in the absence of any mala fide intent on their part.
For that purpose, reliance is placed on a judgment of Hon'ble High Court of Delhi in the case of in the matter of Registrar of Companies & Ors v. Dharmendra Kumar Garg & Anr. [W.P.(C) 11271/2009] dated 01.06.2012 wherein it was held:
"...61. It can happen that the PIO may genuinely and bonafidely entertain the belief and hold the view that the information sought by the querist cannot be provided for one or the other reasons. Merely because the CIC eventually finds that the view taken by the PIO was not correct, it cannot automatically lead to issuance of a show cause notice under Section 20 of the RTI Act and the imposition of penalty. The legislature has cautiously provided that only in cases of malafides or unreasonable conduct, i.e., Page 29 of 31 where the PIO, without reasonable cause refuses to receive the application, or provide the information, or knowingly gives incorrect, incomplete or misleading information or destroys the information, that the personal penalty on the PIO can be imposed...."
46. Further, reliance is also placed on another judgment of the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi in the case of Col. Rajendra Singh v. Central Information Commission and Anr. WP (C) 5469 of 2008 dated 20.03.2009 wherein it was held as under:
"....Section 20, no doubt empowers the CIC to take penal action and direct payment of such compensation or penalty as is warranted. Yet the Commission has to be satisfied that the delay occurred was without reasonable cause or the request was denied malafidely.
xxx ......The preceding discussion shows that at least in the opinion of this Court, there are no allegations to establish that the information was withheld malafide or unduly delayed so as to lead to an inference that petitioner was responsible for unreasonably withholding it."
47. As regards denial of request for information under Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, the Commission is of the considered view that the information such as third parties' mobile number and their contact details, etc. as sought by the Appellant/Complainant apparently involves personal information of third parties, is exempted from disclosure as per Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005.
48. Nonetheless, the revised reply furnished by the CPIO vide written statement dated 20.04.2026 in each of the instant matters is covering the second aspect seeking consideration by the Appellant on the point of information not strictly amounting to personal information which is exempted under Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, giving details of available permissible information provided to the Appellant/Complainant on various occasion with complete details and reference of correspondence forwarded to the Appellant, as incorporated in the revised reply. The revised replies of the CPIO are found to be in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. A copy of the written statement was already marked to the Appellant/Complainant.
49. In addition to it, the Commission cannot lose sight of the fact that as per the version of the Appellant that emerged during hearing, the issue pertaining to service matter of the Appellant is sub-judice before the Hon'ble Central Administrative Tribunal, it is better recourse for the Appellant/Complainant to wait for the final verdict of the Court.
Page 30 of 3150. In the light of the above, intervention of the Commission is not warranted in these matters, at this juncture.
The Second Appeals and Complaints are disposed of accordingly.
Sd/-
Sudha Rani Relangi(सुधा रानी रे लंगी) Information Commissioner (सूचनाआयुक्त) Authenticated true copy (अनिप्रमानणर्सत्यानपर्प्रनर्) (Anil Kumar Mehta) Dy. Registrar 011- 26767500 Date Shri Arani Guha Page 31 of 31 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
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