Central Information Commission
Mr.Ramdas Singh Bhadoria vs Ministry Of Communications And ... on 7 July, 2011
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Room No. 308, B-Wing, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
File No.CIC/LS/A/2011/000022
Appellant : Ramdas Singh Bhadoria
Respondent : Department of Posts, Murena
Date of hearing : 7.7.2011
Date of decision : 7.7.2011
FACTS
Heard today dated 7.7.2011. Appellant present. The Department is represented by Inspector Ram Niwas.
2. It is noticed that the appellant, vide RTI application dated 6th April, 2010, had requested for the following information:-
(1) List of accounts holders being maintained in the Head Post Office, in respect of residents of village Bijoura under MGNREGAS.
(2) Amounts paid to such accounts holders in last five years under this scheme;
and (3) Certified copies of the withdrawal forms.
3. Vide letter dated 16.6.2010, the CPIO had refused to disclose this information u/s 8 (1) (d) of the RTI Act. On appeal, the Appellate Authority vide order dated 10.8.2010, had upheld the decision of the CPIO but not clause (d) but under clause (e).
4. In my opinion, the orders passed by the CPIO and AA are not sustainable in law. These authorities do not appear to have understood the spirit of the RTI Act. It is to be noted that the Parliament has enacted the RTI Act to bring about transparency in the functioning of public authorities and create informed a citizenry which is so vital for the functioning of democracy. The RTI Act also aims at holding the instrumentalities of the State accountable to the people at large. The appellant alleges that the former Sarpanch of village Bijoura had forged documents to misappropriate Government funds by way of filling up false muster rolls. These allegations of a retired solider cannot be taken lightly.
4. In view of this, the orders of the CPIO and AA are set-aside. The CPIO is ordered to disclose the entire information to the appellant, free of cost, in 04 weeks time.
Sd/-
(M.L. Sharma) Central Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against application and payment of the charges, prescribed under the Act, to the CPIO of this Commission.
(K.L. Das) Deputy Registrar Address of parties :-
1. The Supdt. Of post Offices & CPIO Department of Posts, Chambal Division, Murena-476001
2. The Director Postal Services & AA Department of Posts, Gwalior Division, Gwalior-474006
3. Shri Ramdas Singh Bhadoria S/o Shri Tej Singh Bhadoria, Sainik Colony, Pinto Park, Murar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh