Central Information Commission
Shri.Chetan Kothari vs Bhabha Atomic Research Centre on 6 April, 2011
Central Information Commission, New Delhi
File No.CIC/SM/A/2010/001086
Right to Information Act2005Under Section (19)
Date of hearing : 6 April 2011
Date of decision : 6 April 2011
Name of the Appellant : Shri Chetan Kothari
52, Oceanic Apartment,
Dr. Rajabali Patel Lane,
B Desai Road, Mumbai.
Name of the Public Authority : CPIO, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Central Complex, 3rd Floor, BARC,
Trombay, Mumbai.
The Appellant was present in person.
On behalf of the Respondent, Shri Goverdhan Rao was present.
Chief Information Commissioner : Shri Satyananda Mishra
2. Both the parties were present in the Mumbai studio of the NIC during the hearing. We heard their submissions.
3. The Appellant had requested for some information regarding the employees of the BARC who had committed suicide during the past 15 years. While the CPIO had provided the number of such employees, he had not CIC/SM/A/2010/001086 disclosed either their names or any further details treating such information as personal information. The Appellate Authority had also endorsed the decision of the CPIO.
4. We think that the CPIO was right in not disclosing the names of those employees who had committed suicide. The information regarding the manner of death of an individual person is ordinarily in the nature of personal information. The family members of the deceased have the right to live a life of dignity. Disclosure of information regarding the suicide of a family member and the consequent discussion in the public about such death has the potential to cause severe invasion of the privacy of the family, let alone causing disrespect to the dead. Therefore, we find nothing wrong in the decision of the CPIO in not disclosing the information.
5. The Appellant pointed out that the Appellate Authority had decided his appeal without giving him an opportunity of hearing. We think the Appellate Authority should invariably give an opportunity of hearing to the Appellant before issuing his orders.
6. The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
7. Copies of this order be given free of cost to the parties. CIC/SM/A/2010/001086 (Satyananda Mishra) Chief 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.
(Vijay Bhalla) Deputy Registrar CIC/SM/A/2010/001086