Central Information Commission
Shri Raj Kumar Patil vs Income Tax Department, Katni on 4 March, 2010
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Room No. 308, B-Wing, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
File No.CIC/LS/A/2009/001064
Appellant : Shri Raj Kumar Patil
Public Authority : Income Tax Department, Katni
(through Shri P.G. Mohan Kumar, ITO (CPIO)
Date of Hearing : 4.3.2010
Date of Decision : 4.3.2010
FACTS :
The matter, in short, is that vide RTI application dated 12.9.2008, the appellant had wished to know the father's name and permanent and current address of three officers/officials of the Income Tax Department. The CPIO had responded to it vide letter dated 16.10.2008 stating that the aforesaid officers/officials had been transferred out to new locations and that further information could be sought from their current place of posting. The AA had disposed of the matter vide order dated 15.12.2008 affirming the decision of CPIO.
2. Hence, the present appeal.
3. Heard on 4.3.2010. Appellant not present. The public authority is represented by the officer named above. I have carefully perused the orders of the CPIO and AA. I also gone through the representation filed by Shri Mohan Kumar. It is, no doubt, true that RTI Act provides for transparency in public life but it does not take away the right of privacy of the individual concerned. Viewed, thus, the appellant is well within his rights to seek information about the current postings of the officers/officials concerned but to seek information about their father's names and address appears to invade the citadel of their privacy. Particularly when the requested information has no relationship whatsoever with their official functions and duties. Disclosure of residential addresses also has security implications which can not be disregarded. It, thus, appears that the appeal is misconceived and is dismissed.
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) Assistant Registrar Address of parties :-
1. Shri P.G. Mohan Kumar ITO (CPIO), Income Tax Department, Jhinjiri, Aayakar Bhawan, Katni (MP).
2. Shri Raj Kumar Patil Jayhind Chowk, Ramniwas Singh Ward, Katni, Madhya Pradesh.