Central Information Commission
Mr.R P Verma vs Ministry Of Railways on 29 April, 2010
Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2010/000380
Dated April 29, 2010
Name of the Applicant : Shri R.P.Verma
Name of the Public Authority : DRM Office
North Western Railway, Jaipur
Background
1. The Applicant filed his RTI application dt.9.11.09 with the PIO, North Western Railway HQ, Jaipur requesting for information against 3 points in connection with the subject of interlocking at Rewari Yard, North Western Railway, Jaipur. Shri Rajeev Singh, PIO transferred the RTI application to PIO & Sr.DFM, North Western Railway, Jaipur on 10.11.09. The PIO, DRM Office, Jaipur replied on 8.12.09 enclosing the letter dt.19.11.09 from Sr.Divisional Operations Manager who stated that the desired information is available only with the Railway Board. The Applicant filed an appeal dt.12.12.09 with the Appellate Authority seeking the information. On not receiving any reply, the Applicant filed a second appeal dt.7.2.10 before CIC.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing on April 29, 2010.
3. Shri S.L.Rathore, ADFM and Shri M.R.Deora, Sr.D.O.M represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant was not present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Respondents submitted that a copy of the PIO's reply dt.8.12.09 was also endorsed to the PIO, NWR HQ since the divisional office is not authorized to write to the Railway Board. It is not known whether the HQ has transferred the RTI application to the Railway Board or not.
6. The Commission after hearing the submissions from the Respondents directs the PIO, North Western Railway, HQ, Jaipur to provide the information if available, to the applicant. If already provided, copy of the same to be shared with the Commission. If not, PIO, North Western Railway, HQ, Jaipur to show cause as to why a penalty of Rs.250/ per day (Maximum Rs.25000) should not be levied on him for not responding to the RTI application within the stipulated time period prescribed under the RTI Act. If the information is held by the Railway Board, PIO to show cause as to why the RTI application was not transferred to the Railway Board. The response should reach the Commission by 29.5.10.
7. The information should reach the Appellant by 29.5.10 and the Appellant is directed to submit a compliance report to the Commission by 5.6.10.
8. The PIO, DRM Office, North Western Railway, Jaipur is directed to provide a copy of this Order to PIO, North Western Railway HQ, Jaipur.
9. The appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian) Deputy. Registrar Cc:
1. Shri R.P.Verma National Vice President Rashtriya Bhrashtachar Nirodhak Tigers Sansthan New Colony Railway Station Ward No.9, Ringus Sikar 332 404
2. The PIO North Western Railway Divisional Railway Manager's Office Jaipur Division Jaipur
3. The Appellate Authority North Western Railway Divisional Railway Manager's Office Jaipur Division Jaipur
4. Officer incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC