Central Information Commission
Mr.A.M.Attar vs Ministry Of External Affairs on 22 December, 2008
Central Information Commission
CIC/OK/A/2008/665/AD
Dated December 22, 2008
Name of the Appellant : Mr.A.M.Attar
Shamshad Nagar
D/2 Building
Flat No.5, Mumbai - Pune Road
Mumbra
Thane 400 612
Name of Public Authority : The CPIO
Ministry of External Affairs
New Delhi
Background
1. The RTI request was filed on 22.10.07. The Appellant requested for information on the following points:
i) Expenditure incurred on all the Committees sent to Saudi Arabia
ii) A copy of the bilateral Agreement between Govt. of India and Govt. of Saudi Arabia
iii) Selection procedure of the above committees and benefits thereof and expenditure incurred.
The CPIO replied on 6.12.07. However, the Appellant filed his first appeal on 4.12.07 reiterating his request for the information and stating that he has not received any reply from CPIO. The Appellant filed his second appeal before the CIC on 10.3.08.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing on December 22, 2008
3. Mr.Pratap Singh, JS & CPIO and Mr.Vijay Khanduja, US(Vig).
represented the Public Authority.
4. The Appellant Mr.A.M.Attar was not present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Respondents shared a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the Ministry of External Affairs requesting the latter to keep the Agreement confidential
6. The Commission directs the CPIO to provide information with regarding the cities/areas with facilities to make Haj arrangements within 15 days of receipt of this Order.
7. The Commission also directs the CPIO to showcause as to why a penalty of Rs.250/- per day (maximum Rs.25000) should not be levied on him for the delay in providing information to the Appellant beyond the mandatory period of 30 days.
8. The appeal is disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(K.G.Nair) Designated Officer Cc:
1. Mr.A.M.Attar Shamshad Nagar D/2 Building Flat No.5, Mumbai - Pune Road Mumbra Thane 400 612
2. The CPIO Ministry of External Affairs New Delhi
3. The Appellate Authority Ministry of External Affairs New Delhi
4. Officer incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC