Central Information Commission
Mr.S J Godhwani vs Ministry Of Railways on 9 April, 2010
Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2010/000123
Dated April 9, 2010
Name of the Applicant : Shri S.J. Godhwani
Name of the Public Authority : Eastern Railway, Kolkata
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.22.6.2009 with the PIO, Eastern Railway, Howrah. He sought details of passengers in the AC 3tier, Sleepers Class waiting and RAC passenger chart, their imperative tickets numbers PNR Nos of 61 trains for the period from 2005 to 2008. The PIO replied on 13/14.07.2009 informing that Ordinance Factory Organization should approach for verification of journey details for their employers with specific PNR, Date of journey, Train No. and Passengers Name etc. to the following address for Train Nos. 4369/2130/2906/2301/2323/2860 which are under control of the said office.
Chief Commercial Manager/PM Eastern Railway 14Strand Road Kolkata7000 001 In this regard the requisite fee of Rs. 750.00 per PNR will be levied. Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed his first appeal stating that Rs.750/ per PNR cannot be levied on him as it would be a violation of the RTI Act. The Appellate Authority replied on 07.10.2009 informing the Applicant that since information is voluminous and efforts are being made to retrieve the data and that it would take at least another week to collect the information. The Applicant reminded the Appellant Authority on 07.11.2009 stating that as per telephonic discussion dated 20.10.2009 he was informed that the information had been dispatched to his office but till date he has not received it. On 19.11.09, the Applicant filed his second appeal before the Commission stating that some of the reservation charts have not been enclosed along with the covering letters.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, heard the matter through video conferencing on April 9, 2010.
3. Shri S. Mukherjee, PIO represented the Public authority was present at the NIC Studio, Kolkatta. The Applicant was not present during the hearing. Decision
4. The respondents submitted that complete information pertaining to the trains under the control of Eastern Railways has been provided to the Appellant on 11.03.2010 through registered post. Rs.750/ per PNR was not charged because it was understood on review of the information sought that the Appellant was only seeking the PNR numbers and not any verification against each PNR.
5. It was noted that there is no further communication from the Appellant after receiving the information and hence it is assumed that he is satisfied with the information. With regard to the information pertaining to the other Divisions the Appellant is advised to contact the concerned Divisions for the same.
6. The Appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian) Deputy Registrar Cc:
1. Mr. S. J. Godhwani Room No. 69, Nanak Nagar, Sindhi Golony, Bhusawal, DisttJalgoan
2. The PIO Eastern Railway O/o the Chief Claims Officer 3, Koilaghat Street Kolkata700001
3. The Appellate Authority Eastern Railway O/o the Addl. General Manager 17, Netaji Subhash Road Kolkata70001
4. Officer in charge NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC