Central Information Commission
Mr.Rajesh Kumar vs Ministry Of Petroleum And Natural Gas on 24 January, 2013
Central Information Commission
Room No. 308, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
File No:CIC/LS/A/2013/000007
Appellant : Shri Rajesh Kumar
Public Authority : Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Date of hearing : 21.01.2013
Date of Decision : 21.01.2013
FACTS
This matter is called for hearing today dated 21.01.2013. The parties have not appeared before the Commission. Hence, the matter is being decided based on the material on record.
2. It is noticed that vide RTI application dated 21.08.2012 the appellant had sought the following information :-
"Who is competent authority as per policy and law whether Oil Marketing Cos or State Govt to make dealerwise PDS S.K.O. allocation."
3. The CPIO, vide letter dated 13.09.2012, had informed the appellant that the query raised by him did not fall in the ambit of section 2(f) of the RTI Act. On appeal, the FAA had upheld the decision of the CPIO.
4. As noted above, the parties have not appeared before the Commission. I, therefore, do not have the benefit of their expert knowledge/advice. Going by robust common sense, the query raised by the appellant can not be said to be vague, frivolous or unspecific. The question that he has raised is as to who is the authority to make PDS S.K.O. allocation i.e. Oil Marketing Cos or the State Govts concerned. The query is a very specific. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natrual Gas being the administrative ministry in the matter, cannot shy away from responding to this query in clear terms. Hence, the matter is remanded to the CPIO with the direction to respond to the query in clear terms in 03 weeks time. He is also advised not to evade such issues in future.
Sd ( M.L. Sharma ) Information Commissioner Authenticated. Additional copies of the order shall be supplied on application and payment of fees, as per RTI Act, to the CPIO of the Commission.
(K.L.Das) Dy Registrar Address of the Parties :- ( l) The CPIO, 2) Shri Rajesh Kumar M/o Petroleum and Natural Gas, E - 51 2nd floor, 95 Civil Lines,
Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi 1100001. Butler Plaza, Bareilly - 243 001.