Central Information Commission
Bir Bahadur Singh vs Department Of Defence on 28 April, 2021
Author: Vanaja N Sarna
Bench: Vanaja N Sarna
क य सुचना आयोग
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
बाबा गंगनाथ माग
Baba Gangnath Marg
मु नरका, नई द ल - 110067
Munirka, New Delhi-110067
File No.: - CIC/MODEF/A/2019/141227
In the matter of:
Bir Bahadur Singh ... Appellant
VS
Central Public Information Officer,
Directorate of Personal Services,
Air Head Quarters Vayu Bhavan,
Rafi Marg New Delhi - 110106 ...Respondent
RTI application filed on : 24/11/2018 CPIO replied on : 28/01/2019 First appeal filed on : 25/02/2019 First Appellate Authority order : Not on record Second Appeal filed on : 19/08/2019 Date of Hearing : 27/04/2021 Date of Decision : 27/04/2021 The following were present: Appellant: Present over phone
Respondent: Wing Commander S. K. Ojha, CPIO, present over phone Information Sought:
The Appellant has sought the following information regarding crashing of aircrafts for the last ten years (year-wise):
1. How many combat aircrafts of the following makes have been crashed :
- MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29, HAL Tejas, Mirage 2000, Sukhoi Su-30, Dassault Rafale, SEPECAT Jaguar.
Also intimate reasons for the crash as per the court of inquiry.
2. How many and type of transport air crafts of Indian Air Force have been crashed during the last 10 years. Also give reasons for the crash as per court of Inquiry.
3. How many and type of helicopters of Indian Armed Forces have been crashed duringthe last 10 years and reasons for the crash as per the court of inquiry. Grounds for Second Appeal The CPIO has denied to supply the information u/s 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act. Submissions made by Appellant and Respondent during Hearing:
The appellant submitted that he is not satisfied with the exemption claimed by the CPIO u/s 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act. He stated that all this information has been published in newspapers and is in public domain so it should be provided.
The CPIO submitted that an appropriate reply was given to the appellant on 28.01.2019 and reiterated the same.
Observations:
From a perusal of the relevant case records, it is noted that a suitable reply was given to the appellant on 28.01.2019 as the information sought by the appellant is exempted from disclosure u/s 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act having direct bearing on the strategic & security interest of the State. The Commission is in agreement with the stand taken by the respondent hence, no further relief can be given to the appellant.
Decision:
In view of the above, the Commission upholds the reply of the CPIO and does not find any scope for further intervention in the matter.
The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Vanaja N. Sarna (वनजा एन. सरना) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयु त) Authenticated true copy (अ भ मा णत स या पत त) A.K. Assija (ऐ.के.असीजा) Dy. Registrar (उप-पंजीयक) 011-26182594 / दनांक/ Date