Central Information Commission
S K T Sherman vs Registrar Cooperative Society on 26 August, 2025
के ीय सूचना आयोग
Central Information Commission
बाबा गंगनाथ माग, मुिनरका
Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
नई िद ी, New Delhi - 110067
File No: CIC/REGCS/A/2024/615433
S K T Sherman .....अपीलकता/Appellant
VERSUS
बनाम
PIO,
O/o the Registrar Cooperative
Societies, Old Courts Building,
Parliament Street,
New Delhi - 110001 .... ितवादीगण /Respondent
Date of Hearing : 18.08.2025
Date of Decision : 25.08.2025
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER : Vinod Kumar Tiwari
Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 04.01.2024
PIO replied on : Not on record
First appeal filed on : 05.02.2024
First Appellate Authority's order : 12.02.2024
2nd Appeal/Complaint dated : 11.04.2024
Information sought:
1. The Appellant filed an (offline) RTI application dated 04.01.2024 seeking the following information:
"I, S.K.T. Sherman, a Citizen of India, resident of Flat No. B-54, Sri Ram C.G.H.S. Ltd., Plot No.32, Sector-4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110078 would like Page 1 of 10 to request you the following Information under RTI Act 2005, details of the fee are mentioned below.
Details of payment of filing fees: Online Payment
1) As per Section 2 (f) read with section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide to the applicant a certified copy of the competent Authority's order as per which office circular dated 15/09/2023 vide NO.F.5/28/2012/Estt./Coop./V-II/ 1566-74 under which Departmental Sexual harassment Committee has been constituted.
2) Kindly provide the applicant all the reasons u/s 4(1)(d) read with section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, certified copies of all records of the reasons, and the complete text with a complete reference to the specific rules applicable to your public authority as per which Smt. Suman Kumari (ARCS) has been selected as the Presiding Officer of the above-mentioned committee despite several complaints of corruption, biased acts and dereliction of duties are still pending against her.
3) As per Section 2 (1) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant with a certified copy of the selection process along with details of criteria as per which Dulari Devi Foundation has been made part of the abovementioned Departmental Sexual harassment Committee.
4) As per Section 2 (f) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant with a certified copy of a number of NGO's (Non-
Government Organizations) along with their Name and addresses who applied for being part of the abovementioned committee for Sexual Harassment.
5) As per Section 2 (f) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant with a certified copy of details of remuneration Dulari Devi Foundation is receiving from the govt for being part of the above-mentioned committee for Sexual Harassment.
6) As per Section 2 (f) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant with the relevant sections, sub-sections of DCS Act /DCS Rules and office orders as per which fee for the Execution petition is charged/collected.
7) Kindly provide the applicant with all the reasons u/s 4(1)(d) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, certified copies of all records of the reasons, and the complete text with a complete reference to the specific rules applicable to your public authority as per which despite the execution petition submitted on 17/8/2022 against the Award dated 12/8/2022 in Arbitration Case No.14/GH/DR/ARB/2020-21 so far the Executing authority has not informed the applicant about the fee for execution petition despite repeated complaints and reminders issued by the applicant through speed post and emails.
Page 2 of 108) Kindly provide the applicant with all the reasons u/s 4(1)(d) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, certified copies of all records of the reasons, and the complete text with a complete reference to the specific rules applicable to your public authority as per Astt. Registrar Section -7 has not issued orders for the appointment of an Administrator in Sri Ram CGHS Ltd. Plot No. 32, Sector-4, Dwarka, New Delhi-110078 despite the orders of the Ld. Arbitrator dated 27/6/2022 (Copy Enclosed)
9) As per Section 2 (f) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide to the applicant certified copies of the inquiry report submitted by the vigilance branch against the Smt. Suman Kumari for alleged corruption /biased act and intentional and purposeful dereliction of duty to benefit certain persons against the complaints submitted by individuals including the applicant.
10) Kindly provide the applicant with all the reasons u's 4(1)(d) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, certified copies of all records of the reasons, and the complete text with a complete reference to the specific rules applicable to your public authority as per which complaints for inquiry against Astt. Registrar Section -7, Smt. Suman Kumari were not forwarded to the Vigilance branch of Registrar Cooperative Societies.
11) As per Section 2 (1) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide to the applicant certified copies of the Name and designation of the Inquiry officers working under the vigilance branch of the Registrar Cooperative Societies.
12) As per Section 2 (f) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant certified copies of file notings, daily correspondence and daily progress reports of actions taken against the applicant's complaint dated 21/3/2022 (Copy Enclosed) with respect to "
Meeting Notice dated 17/3/2022 vide No.47/908/GH/Sec.7Coop./2022/ issued by Astt. Registrar Section -7, Sh. Sandeep Yadav.
13) Kindly provide the applicant with all the reasons u/s 4(1)(d) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, certified copies of all records of the reasons, and the complete text with a complete reference to the specific rules applicable to your public authority as per which despite the above-
mentioned complaint dated 21/03/2022 of biased act against the applicant, Sh. Sandeep Yadav has been assigned the following cases.
1. 110/GH/DR/ARB/2022-23 titled: "S.K.T Sherman Vs Managing Committee & Anrs. Of Sri Ram CGHS Itd."
2. 104/GH/DR/ARB/2017-18 titled: "Sri Ram CGHS Ltd. Vs S.K.T. Sherman."
14) As per Section 2 (f) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant with a certified copy of the relevant section/sub- section DCS Act /DCS Rule, Office order as per Astt. The registrar is Page 3 of 10 eligible and considered at par with Dy. Registrar as adjudicating authority for the cases u/s 70 of the DCS Act since the cases u/s 70 are dealt by Dy, Registrar or Joint Registrar,
15) As per Section 2 (1) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant a certified copy of the Registrar's order as per which Astt. Registrar Section -7 has been allotted duties to adjudicate the cases u/s 70 of the DCS Act.
16) As per Section 2 (f) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant with a certified copy of the amount of monetary loss to Govt. the exchequer has to bear due to Astt. Registrar Section -7, Smt. Suman Kumari as per the Office Circular dated 24/03/2023 vide No. F.No.cRCS/AR.RTL2023/23 (Copy Enclosed)
17) Kindly provide the applicant with all the reasons u/s 4(1)(d) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, certified copies of all records of the reasons, and the complete text with a complete reference to the specific rules applicable to your public authority as per which no disciplinary action as per CCS Conduct Rules has been initiated against Astt. Registrar Section-7, Suman Kumari for causing loss to govt exchequer and missing judicial records as per law.
18) As per Section 2 (1) read with Section 6 of the RTI Act 2005, kindly provide the applicant a certified copy of the list of case files (Judicial Records) u/s 70 or any other relevant provision under DCS Act has been found missing or untraceable under section -7 during the tenure of Smt. Suman Kumari Astt Registrar Section-7.
19) Kindly provide the applicant with all the reasons u/s 4(1)(d) of the RTI Act, certified copies of all records of the reasons, and the complete text with complete reference to the specific rules applicable to your public authority why the applicant's complaints against Dy. Registrar Arbitration and Astt. Registrar Section -7 are not sent to the vigilance department/anti-corruption branch for further investigation."
2. Having not received any response from CPIO, the appellant filed a First Appeal dated 05.02.2024. The FAA vide its order dated 12.02.2024, held as under.
"The PIO/AR is directed to provide requisite information in terms of provisions of RTI Act, 2005 to the appellant within 07 days of receipt of this order. Also, if the applicant desires, he may be allowed to visit the office of the PIO to inspect the available records relating to his application to get the copies of required information as per provisions of RTI Act, 2005."Page 4 of 10
3. Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied, appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
4. A written submission dated 17.08.2025 filed by the Appellant is taken on record. Contents of the same are reproduced below:
1. "At the very outset, the Appellant respectfully submits that the Respondent PIO, Smt. Suman Kumari, is a habitual offender under the RTI Act, 2005, who has consistently disobeyed not only the provisions of the Act but also the binding decisions of this Hon'ble Commission. She has on multiple occasions misled the Commission by making false statements during hearings, and has even gone to the extent of producing fabricated documents, including after the filing of Non-Compliance petitions, thereby attempting to obstruct justice. Her conduct is filled with grudge and malice, as evidenced by her threats and abusive behaviour towards the Appellant's authorised representative, an incident which occurred immediately after this Hon'ble Commission had issued a Show Cause Notice for imposition of maximum penalty against her. This establishes beyond doubt her vindictive mindset and her deliberate abuse of office to harass the Appellant and shield corrupt elements.
2. In the present appeal also, as usual and in order to suppress information which would expose her collusion with the illegally elected and convicted u/s 118 of the DCS Act, 2003 members of the Management Committee of Sri Ram CGHS Ltd., the Respondent PIO, Smt. Suman Kumari, deliberately chose not to provide any information, even in defiance of the categorical directions issued by the First Appellate Authority. It is pertinent to point out that a serious conflict of interest exists in this matter, since the information sought directly related to pending complaints against her, as well as her own role in unlawfully delaying the execution petition filed by the Appellant. The PIO intentionally and purposefully failed to transfer the RTI application to the concerned department(s) under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, despite being bound to do so, particularly after the FAA's order. Such deliberate omission underscores mala fide intent to protect herself and the illegal management committee, while harassing the Appellant.
3. PENDENCY OF NON-COMPLIANCE COMPLAINTS:
It is pertinent to bring on record that several Non-Compliance complaints filed by the Appellant are pending adjudication before this Hon'ble Commission. In fact, in CIC/GNCTD/A/2023/123023, this Hon'ble Commission had directed the Respondent PIO to file an affidavit affirming that no execution petition was pending at the relevant time of the RTI request. Contrary to the submissions of the PIO, the Appellant has enclosed documentary evidence showing that he had Page 5 of 10 filed an execution petition on 17/08/2022 ANNEXURE A-1, which conclusively establishes that the Respondent PIO made false and misleading submissions before this Hon'ble Commission, amounting to perjury and abuse of process of law.
4. PAST CONDUCT OF THE PIO:
It is further submitted that reliance cannot be placed on the submissions of the Respondent PIO, Smt. Suman Kumari, in view of her past conduct. The said officer is habitual in suppressing, misleading, and evading disclosure of information. This is not an isolated instance. i) In CIC/GNCTD/A/2023/146586, she has already been served with a Show Cause Notice for maximum penalty under Section 20 of the RTI Act for mala fide denial of information. ii) The Appellant has also filed Complaint No. CIC/REGC/C/2024/624441 dated 08/06/2024 regarding fabricated records provided by the same PIO in the matter CIC/RECOS/A/2023/127486 (Order dated 26/10/2023). Despite repeated directions and applications, the complete information was never furnished. 5. ABUSE OF POSITION AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST: In the present matter, despite the FAA's directions, the PIO has deliberately withheld information, acting in collusion with the illegally elected and convicted u/s 118 of the DCS Act, 2003 Managing Committee of Sri Ram CGHS Ltd., Dwarka, New Delhi. The conduct of the PIO clearly reflects abuse of her statutory office to protect vested interests and to cover up acts of corruption.
6. HOSTILE CONDUCT AND HARASSMENT:
It is most respectfully submitted that during the proceedings under Section 139 of the DCS Act, the said PIO, Smt. Suman Kumari, openly misbehaved with and abused the Appellant's authorised representative, Sh. Yogesh Sherman, and even threatened him with expulsion from the Cooperative Society. This incident occurred soon after this Hon'ble Commission had issued a Show Cause Notice for maximum penalty against her vide order dated 11/06/2024 in the matter CIC/GNCTD/A/2023/146586. The Appellant has already lodged a written complaint regarding this incident on 09/07/2024, ANNEXURE A-2 along with proof of delivery ANNEXURE A 3.
7. INEFFECTIVENESS OF PENALTY ALONE:
The repeated and habitual offences of the PIO under the RTI Act demonstrate that mere imposition of penalties is insufficient to curb her misconduct. It is submitted that disciplinary action under the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 is the only effective remedy. However, despite 51 documented complaints by the Appellant with supporting evidence of corruption, the Registrar Cooperative Societies has failed to initiate even a single disciplinary proceeding against her, further proving the collusion. Instead, in a vindictive act, the Appellant has been expelled from his primary membership of the Cooperative Society on false pretexts, merely for Page 6 of 10 exercising his statutory right to information. 8. Statutory Framework and Judicial Guidance: a. Section 4(1)(d) of the RTI Act obligates the public authority to provide reasons for administrative decisions to the affected persons. b. Section 7(1) mandates disposal of RTI applications within the prescribed time, which has been blatantly violated. c. In CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay, (2011) 8 SCC 497, the Hon'ble Supreme Court emphasised that the RTI Act is a powerful tool to ensure transparency and accountability, which stands defeated by the conduct of the PIO herein. d. In Delhi Development Authority v. CIC (2010), the Hon'ble Delhi High Court held that furnishing false information or misleading the Commission amounts to a grave misconduct warranting strict action.
PRAYER In light of the above, the Appellant most respectfully prays that this Hon'ble Commission may be pleased to:
a) Direct the Respondent PIO to immediately furnish complete and correct information sought in the RTI application dated 04/01/2024, free of cost, in view of the inordinate delay and the corruption angle involved.
b) Invoke Section 20(2) of the RTI Act to recommend disciplinary action against the PIO, Smt. Suman Kumari, under the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, instead of limiting relief to monetary penalties.
c) Direct that Smt. Suman Kumari be immediately suspended from her present position, and that proceedings under FR 56(j) for her termination from service be initiated forthwith, in view of her repeated and habitual misconduct.
d) Order a time-bound inquiry during her suspension under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as her conduct clearly establishes collusion with the illegal and convicted management committee of Sri Ram CGHS Ltd., Dwarka, and ongoing misuse of official powers for corrupt ends.
e) Recommend initiation of criminal proceedings under relevant sections of the IPC against Smt. Suman Kumari for her threats, harassment, abuse of authority, and falsification of records.
f) Direct the Registrar Cooperative Societies to ensure that the Appellant is protected from further victimisation and harassment at the hands of the PIO and the illegal Management Committee of Sri Ram CGHS Ltd., as otherwise many more citizens like the Appellant will continue to suffer."
5. A written submission dated 14.08.2025 filed by the Respondent is taken on record. Contents of the same are reproduced below:
"With reference to the notice bearing no. F. No. CIC/RECOS/A/2024/615 433 dated 29.07.2025 vide which it has been conveyed that the appeal in respect of RTI application dated 04.01.2024 filed by S.K.T Shreman has been listed for Page 7 of 10 hearing before Hon'ble Information Commissioner Mr. S Anantharaman on 18.08.2025 at 11:00 AM.
In this connection it is humbly submitted that the undersigned has joined Secton 7 very recently on 08.08.2025 in addition to my other portfolios. In this regard, it is humbly submitted the information being sought by the applicant vide his RTI application dated 04.01.2024 (received in this office on 15.01.2024) and before this office could reply to his RTI he went for 1st appeal on 05.02.2024. In the first Appeal which was decided on 28.06.2024(copy enclosed) the the applicant has been requested to visit the office on any working day to inspect the file/records or to send any authorized representative on his behalf and get the requisite/desired information in respect of questions raised through the RTI application. However it is also informed that the all the files pertaining to Sri Ram CGHS were already examined by Sh Yogesh Sherman(on be.alf of the applicant)pursuant upon CIC order dated 19.12.2023 on 11/01/2024(Copy enclosed) in another reference.
It is observed and worth mentioning that this appellant is abusing the RTI Act and choking the department with frivolous, vexatious and unnecessary RTI applications as well as so many complaints against all the officers whosoever is connected to his matter even higher authorities.
Also as a member of the society he has the right within provisions of DCS Act 2003 and DCS Rules 2007 to seek information from the society for which the President/Secretary of the Managing Committee of the Society are custodian of records of the society including membership and on elections records (Copy of Rule 39 and Schedule II at S No.22 of DCS Rules 2007(enclosed). In this particular case it is observed that irrespective of whatsoever gap remained earlier between him and Department, now to resolve the issue the undersigned will send a suitable pointwise reply to him as per available records etc. for which the Hon'ble CIC may kindly permit me to understand his various issues first and to send a reasonable/suitable reply to him regarding this RTI in view of my above submissions in Para 2.
An order dated 02.02.2015 in File No.CIC/SA/A/2014/000341 related to this applicant ShSKT Sherman is very important to be brought into the knowledge of Hon'ble CIC, which is self explanatory and enclosed. Further any other orders of the Hon'ble CIC will be complied with. Encl:
1. Rule 39 of DCS Rules 2007
2. Schedule II of DCS Rules 2007
3. Copy of receipt dated 11.01.2024
4. Copy of CIC order dated 02.02.2015"Page 8 of 10
Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:
The following were present:-
Appellant: Represented by Shri Yogesh Sherma present in person. Respondent: Shri Rajeev Chhabra, AR/PIO present in person.
6. Proof of having served a copy of Second Appeal on respondent while filing the same in CIC on 11.04.2024 is not available on record. The parties confirmed non-service.
7. The representative of the appellant contended that despite directions of the FAA, the information sought has not been provided by the PIO till the date of hearing. Accordingly, he requested the Commission to direct the PIO to provide complete information without further delay and requested to take necessary action against the concerned PIO as per the provision of the RTI Act.
8. The respondent submitted that as per their records, the FAA's order was not complied with by the then PIO. He apologized for the inconvenience caused to the appellant as well as the Commission and assured that no such incident would recur in future. They sought time to facilitate inspection of relevant records to the Appellant in the office of Sri Ram C.G.H.S. Ltd., Plot No.32, Sector-4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110078 either himself or through his authorized representative.
9. On a query by the Bench, the Respondent informed that FAA passed the orders in a predefined manner and never called the parties for hearing by giving due notice.
Decision:
10. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing both the parties and perusal of the records, notes that the FAA's directions were not complied with by the PIO till the date of hearing. The respondent PIO who appeared before the Commission apologized for their mistake and assured that no such incident would recur in future. The PIO is cautioned to be careful in future while dealing with the RTI application.
Page 9 of 1011. Now, in furtherance of hearing proceedings, the Respondent is directed to facilitate opportunity of inspection of relevant records in the office of Sri Ram C.G.H.S. Ltd., Plot No.32, Sector-4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110078 through himself or his authorized officer, to the Appellant on a mutually decided date and time within six weeks from the date of receipt of this order. Before giving a date to the appellant, the Respondent should supply him a list of files connected with the query in the RTI application giving File Nos., Subject of the file, and total number of pages of correspondence in each file. Further, on the day of inspection, all relevant records must be brought at one place to facilitate inspection and not make the Appellant run around various departments of the Respondent Public Authority. Intimation of date and time should be sent to the Appellant well in advance in writing. Copy of records as may be desired by the Appellant be provided to him upon receipt of requisite fees as per RTI Rules. Information which are exempt under the RTI Act may be redacted/severed.
12. FAA to ensure compliance of the directions.
The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Vinod Kumar Tiwari (िवनोद कुमार ितवारी) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयु ) Authenticated true copy (अिभ मािणत स!ािपत ित) (S. Anantharaman) Dy. Registrar 011- 26181927 Date Copy To:
The FAA O/o the Registrar Cooperative Societies, Old Courts Building, Parliament Street, New Delhi - 110001 Page 10 of 10 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
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