Central Information Commission
Deepak Singh vs Indian Air Force on 6 December, 2024
के ीय सूचना आयोग
Central Information Commission
बाबा गंगनाथ माग, मुिनरका
Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
नई िद ी, New Delhi - 110067
File No: CIC/IAIRF/A/2023/134163
Deepak Singh .....अपीलकता/Appellant
VERSUS
बनाम
CPIO,
Wing Commander,
Air HQ (Vayu Bhawan) Rafi Marg
New Delhi - 110106 .... ितवादीगण /Respondent
Date of Hearing : 18.11.2024
Date of Decision : 05.12.2024
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER : Vinod Kumar Tiwari
Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 31.03.2023
CPIO replied on : 26.04.2023 and 22.05.2023
First appeal filed on : 17.05.2023
First Appellate Authority's order : 23.06.2023
2nd Appeal/Complaint dated : 06.08.2023
Information sought:
The Appellant filed an (offline) RTI application dated 31.03.2023 seeking the following information:Page 1 of 16
"01. मने अपने SFBSU on Station Commander को 14 Mar 2023 को एक प लखकर भेजा था। िजसका Speed Post No - ER 160457261 IN ह। मुझे इस प के बारे म सूचना दे , क यह पव" 5 FBSU के Station Commander को कस तार$ख %ा&त हुआ था।
(a) अगर मेरा प Station Commander को %ा&त हुआ हैिजसम मने 14 Mar 2023 को अपने प के *वारा Sin cdr को अपनी दो Application (ROG और Request for Compensation for harassment) के बारे मे सूचना सां झा क. थी। मुझे मह सूचना द$ जाए मेरा प %ा&त करने के बाद मेरे stn Cdr ने मेर$ दोन/ application पर stn Cdr ने कस %कार क. काय"वाह$ क. और कस %कार 0नयमानुसार आदे श 2दया। उनके आदे श क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(b) मेर$ ROG Application के ऊपर unit (269 SU) ने 0नयमानुसार 6या 6या Investigation क.। इसक. सूचना और Investigation क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(C) Air Force Regulation 1964, CH-XII Sec-2,621(o) के अनुसार मेर$ Application (Request for Compensation for harassment) को ऊपर कतने 2दनो के अ7दर Final Remarks आना चा2हए। इस 0नयम क. सूचना और Photo Copy दे ने क. कृपा कर।
(d) अगर मेर$ Application पर Final Remarks दे ने के लए दे र$ हुए हैतो अ8धक से अ8धक कतने 2दन/ क. दे र$ क. जा सकती हैऔर मेर$ Application को आगे दे र$ से भेजने के 6या-6या कारण हैइस सूचना के साथ इससे संबि7धत 0नयमऔर Final Remarks क. Photo copy बेने क. कृपा करे (Application - Request for Compensation for harassment और ROG)।
(e) मेरा प %ा&त होने के बाद मेरे Stn Cdr ने मेर$ मदद के लए कौन कौन सी काय"वाह$ क., इस क. सूचना द$ जाए।
(2) मने अपनी unit (269SU,AF) मे 28 Dec 2022 को Discharge from Service ऑन compassionate Ground मे एक application अपनी Unit मे जमा क. थी, मुझे यह सूचना द$िजये मेर$ application पर 0नयमानुसार कौन कौन सी काय"वाह$ क. गई है।Page 2 of 16
(a) मुझे यह सूचना दे क एक Discharge Application को अ8धक से अ8धक कतने 2दनो तक approving authority के पास जाकर final remarks दे ना चा2हए। इस सूचना के साथ साथ इस से संबि7धत 0नयमो क photocopy दे ने क कृपा करे ।
(b) मेर$ discharge application के final remarks और application मे final remarks आने मे दे र$ का पूरा कारण मुझे 2दया जाए। इस सूचना के साथ साथ मेर$ application का current status क जानकार$ और इसक. photocopy दे ने क कृपा करे ।
(3) मने 28 Dec 2022 को Discharge Application अपनी unit (269SU) मे जमा क थी और 23 Jan 2023 से मेर$ annual leave approved थी, परं तु मुझे unit authority *वारा मुझे यह सूचना द$ गयी या तो मेर$ Discharge Application आगे भेजी जायेगी या फर मे leave जाऊंगा। मुझे दोन/ मे से केवल एक को चुनना था। फर मुझे leave को cancel करना पड़ा (19 Jan 2023)।
मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क 6या इस %कार का कोई 0नयम IAF मे है क कोई भी Discharge Application जमा करे तो उसक. छुAट$ रोक. जा सकती है यह कस 0नयम के अंतग"त आता है मुझे इस 0नयम और मेर$ leave cancel करने के कारणो क photocopy %दान करने क कृपा करे । मेर$ application (interview with Stn Cdr) क भी photocopy द$िजये।
(a) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाये क समा7य authority मे मेर$ छुAट$ को अथॉDरट$ *वारा कन कन कारणो से रोका जा सकता है। कृपया इस 0नयमो के साथ इस सूचना क photocopy %दान करे ।
(4) म IAF मे 11 साल के अंदर corporal (Cpl), Rank %ा&त नह$ कर पाया हूँ और 11 साल के अंदर Cpl Exam को तीन/ बार भी नह$ 2दया केवल एक बार Exam 2दया िजस कारण मेरे ऊपर AFRO के letter No-RC/1765/3/CP dated 20 Nov 2020 का para (E) लागू होता है ।
मुझे यह सूचना 2द जाये क 20 Nov 2020 का letter जो AFRO *वारा 2दया गया है । 6या यह मेरे ऊपर लागू होता है अगर यह मेरे ऊपर लागू होता है तो इसके अनुसार मेरे ऊपर Page 3 of 16 6या काय"वाह$ होनी चा2हए। इस सूचना काय"वाह$ क. पूर$ जानकार$ और policy क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(5) म IAF मे 11 साल के अं दर Cpl Rank %ा&त नह$ कर पाया हूँ और Remastering करने के लए unwilling हूँ। िजस कारण मेरे ऊपर AFI-01/19 dated 02-spe-2019 का para 15(b), 23 Oct 2019 क. policy का para-02,06,09 और 24 oct 2019 क. policy का para 16 लागू होता है ।
मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाये क मेरे बताए हुए policy के para मुझ पर लागू होते है या नह$। इन सभी policy के मुझ पर लागू होने या न होने के कारणो क सूचना द$ जाए और साथ मे इन सभी 0नयमो क photocopy दे ने क कृपा करे ।
(6) म, Air HQ 40802/PA-1 dated 26 Dec 2014 क. policy के Para- 05,06,08, AFI - 01/19 dated 02 Sep 2019 on para-15(b) Air HQ 40659/PA (CPC) dated 23 Oct 19 on Para-2,6 और 09, 24 Oct 2019 IAF के लए insufficient हूँ अगर म service के लए inefficient हूँ तो मुझे कारणो को सूचना के साथ इसके 0नयमो और policy क. भी photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(b) म Service मे 11 साल के अ7दर Cpl. Rank %ा&त नह$ कर पाया पाया हूँ अगर म इस समय service on लए Efficient हूँ तो कन Policy म Efficient हूँ, मुझे इन Policies क. सूचना और Photo Copy दे ने क. कृपा कर।
(c) IAF क. 26 Dec 2014 क. Policy के अनुसार Authority ने मुझे inefficient घोGषत कया िजस कारण मेरा inefficiency Ground म Unit (ETI) *वारा 15 Dec 2017 को Discharge Application Approving Authority को भेजी गई थी।
मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाये क कन कारण/ ओर 0नयम व policy के अनुसार मझ ु े inefficient घोGषत कया गया। इन कारणो और policy क. photocopy कृपा करके मुझे द$ जाए।
(d)म इस समय Mar 2023 को अपने trade और duty के लए AFI-01/19 dated 02 Sep 2019 को para-15 (6) के अनुसार अभी service के लए inefficient हूँ या efficient है यह सूचना मुझे द$ जाए।
Page 4 of 16मेर$ efficiency क. सूचना मुझे IAF के 0नयमानुसार जJद से जJद द$ जाये और कौन सी policy के अनुसार मेर$ efficiency घोGषत होती है इस policy क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(e) म IAF क. 26 Dec 214 क. policy के बाद आयी सभी policy के अनुसार भी IAF के लए inefficient हूँ 6यो क म 11 साल के अंदर Cpl, Rank %ा&त नह$ कर पाया। मुझे यह सूचना द$िजये कतने 2दनो तक service मे discharge रहते हुए काम कया जा सकता है इस सूचना के साथ इससे संबि7धत photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(f) मुझे यह सूचना द$िजये मुझे service *वारा inefficient घोGषत करने के बाद कतने 2दनो के अंदर discharge दे दे ना चा2हए था। कोई भी inefficientघोGषत कए जाने पर service उसे कतने 2दनो मे service से discharge दे ती है , इस सूचना के साथ इस के 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(7) म IAF मे कन Terms and condition के अनुसार भतK हुआ हूँ और मेरे ऊपर अभी कौन से terms and condition लागू होते है । इस सूचना के साथ 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(8) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क. AFI-01/19 dated 02 sep 2019 का para-15(6) मे 6या लखा है और यह कस के ऊपर apply होता है ।
मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क. मेरे बताए हुए policy के para मुझे पर लागू होता है या नह$। इन सभी policy के मुझ पर लागू होने या न होने के कारणो क. सूचना क. जाए और साथ मे इन सभी 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(6) म, Air HQ 40802/PA-1 dated 26 Dec 2014 क. policy के Para- 05,06,08, AFI - 01/19 dated 02 Sep 2019 on para-15(b) Air HQ 40659/PA (CPC) dated 23 Oct 19 on Para-2,6 और 09, 24 Oct 2019 IAF के लए insufficient हूँ अगर म service के लए inefficient हूँ तो मुझे कारणो को सूचना के साथ इसके 0नयमो और policy क. भी photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
Page 5 of 16(b) म Service मे 11 साल के अ7दर Cpl. Rank %ा&त नह$ कर पाया पाया हूँ अगर म इस समय service on लए Efficient हूँ तो कन Policy म Efficient हूँ, मुझे इन Policies क. सूचना और Photo Copy दे ने क. कृपा कर।
(c) IAF क. 26 Dec 2014 क. Policy के अनुसार Authority ने मुझे inefficient घोGषत कया िजस कारण मेरा inefficiency Ground म Unit (ETI) *वारा 15 Dec 2017 को Discharge Application Approving Authority को भेजी गई थी।
मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाये क कन कारण/ ओर 0नयम व policy के अनुसार मझ ु े inefficient घोGषत कया गया। इन कारणो और policy क. photocopy कृपा करके मुझे द$ जाए।
(d)म इस समय Mar 2023 को अपने trade और duty के लए AFI-01/19 dated 02 Sep 2019 को para-15 (6) के अनुसार अभी service के लए inefficient हूँ या efficient हैयह सूचना मुझे द$ जाए।
मेर$ efficiency क. सूचना मुझे IAF के 0नयमानुसार जJद से जJद द$ जाये और कौन सी policy के अनुसार मेर$ efficiency घोGषत होती हैइस policy क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(e) म IAF क. 26 Dec 214 क. policy के बाद आयी सभी policy के अनुसार भी IAF के लए inefficient हूँ 6यो क म 11 साल के अंदर Cpl, Rank %ा&त नह$ कर पाया। मुझे यह सूचना द$िजये कतने 2दनो तक service मे discharge रहते हुए काम कया जा सकता है इस सूचना के साथ इससे संबि7धत photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(f) मुझे यह सूचना द$िजये मुझे service *वारा inefficient घोGषत करने के बाद कतने 2दनो के अंदर discharge दे दे ना चा2हए था। कोई भी inefficientघोGषत कए जाने पर service उसे कतने 2दनो मे service से discharge दे ती है, इस सूचना के साथ इस के 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
Page 6 of 16(7) म IAF मे कन Terms and condition के अनुसार भतK हुआ हूँ और मेरे ऊपर अभी कौन से terms and condition लागू होते है। इस सूचना के साथ 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(8) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क. AFI-01/19 dated 02 sep 2019 का para-15(6) मे 6या लखा हैऔर यह कस के ऊपर apply होता है।
(b) मुझे यह सूचना द$िजये अगर म अपने section power plant मे अकेला elect fit हूँ और 12 से 14 घंटे DG set Radar system के लए रोजाना चलते हो तो 6या अकेला elect fit होते हुए भीमुझे MH ( ), TD भेजा जा सकता है। इस सूचना के साथ यह सूचना भीद$ जाए पहले section क. जLरत हैया section के बाहर क. duty क. पहले जLरत है। इस से संबि7धत 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(c) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क. अगर म अपने section power plant मे अकेला elect fit रह जाता हूँ तो 6या मझ ु े section क. 8चं ता करने क. जLरत नह$ है, उस समय मेर$ duty 6या होगी 6या मेरे पास कोई decision खुद लेने क. शि6त है। इन सभी सूचना के साथ इन मे 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(d) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क. म 6यो elect fit होने के कारण section-power plant मे काम कL जन क. म IAF क. सभी policy/AFI के अनुसार inefficient हूँ, इस सूचना के साथ मुझे यह भी सूचना द$ जाए क. म अपने trade elect fit मे inefficient रहते हुए काम कर सकता हूँ या नह$। inefficient रहते हुए कहाँ तक कम कर सकता हूँ इस 0नयम को photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(e) म IAF मे 6यो हूँ और म IAF के लए 6या हूँ, IAF मे मेर$ 6या जLरत हैइस सूचना के साथ इससे संबि7धत 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(12) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क. 6या म इस कारण से service मे discharge application को unit मे जमा कर सकता हूँ क. मेरे senior या authority ने मुझसे यह कहा हैक. मेर$ service मे कोई जLरत नह$ हैऔर मेरे नह$ रहने से IAF बंद नह$ हो जायेगी, मेरे रहने और न रहने से service/IAF को कोई फक" नह$ पड़ता।
Page 7 of 16मुझे यह सूचना दे क. म कस policy के अनस ु ार इस %कार क. घटना के बाद IAF से discharge ले सकता हूँ कृपया इस सूचना के साथ इस से संबि7धत सभी 0नयमो और काय"वाह$ कस %कार क. जाए क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(13) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाये क. म जब 27 Jun 2006 को IAF मे भतK हुआ था मने जो enrolment form को sign कया था वह कस Terms and condition/AFI के अंतग"त आता है। इस सूचना के साथ इसके 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(b) मुझे यह सूचना द$ जाए क. अगर म 27 Jun 2006 के बाद under training के दौरान training center (E&ITI) मे REB exam मे दो बार फ़ेल हो जाता तो मेरे ऊपर 6या काय"वाह$ क. जाती। इस 0नयम क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(14) मुझे यह सूचना दे ने क. कृपा करे क. 6या म IAF/service मे अपनी self-respect और dignity क. रNा कर सकता हूँ। वह कौन सा 0नयम हैिजसका उपभोग करके मे अपने self-respect और dignity को सOमान प ूवक " रख सकता हूँ। इस सूचना के साथ इसके 0नयमो क. photocopy दे ने क. कृपा करे ।
(b) म अपने self-respect और dignity क. रNा के लए कस higher authority को सीधे मल सकता हूँ जो मेरे self-respect और dignity क. रNा कर सके। इस सूचना के साथ मुझे इस काय"वाह$ क. प ूर$ जानकार$ दे और इसक. photocopy भी दे ने क. कृपा करे ।"
The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 26.04.2023 stating as under:
"You have filed a case vide OA No. OA/947/2022 before Hon'ble AFT (PB) Delhi, seeking discharge from service. The subject matter of information sought vide ibid RTI application is similar to the subject matter of the aforesaid OA, which is sub-judice before the Hon'ble AFT (PB) Delhi. Hence, information sought is exempted from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (h) of the RTI Act, 2005."
The CPIO, SWAC, Gandhinagar, vide letter dated 22.05.2023 has provided point-wise reply to the appellant as under:
"1(a) & (e) As per records, the application has not been received by the said addressee.Page 8 of 16
1(b) As per records, the ROG was withdrawn by you on 17 Mar 23.
1(c) Ibid para mentioned Air Force Regulation 1964, Chapter 12 Sec-2, 621(0) deals with ROG and not for request for compensation of harassment. The regulation is available in public domain on the Ministry of Defence website.
1(d) The application with subject as compensation of Harassment was received on 09 Mar 23 and pending for return to individual due to improper channel of approach. As the application is directly addressed to CAS. The individual was on leave till 07 May 23.
2 As per records, the application submitted by you (the applicant) for discharge from service on compassionate grounds is dated 29 Dec 22 & not on 28 Dec 22 as mentioned in RTI application while the application after scrutiny was under progress, a fresh application was submitted by you (the applicant) on 03 Feb 23 & the application was returned to him with observation on 06 Mar 23 as he was on leave with suggestion to re- submit the application. After that the application for discharge from service on compassionate grounds has not yet received at the office.
2(a) Every application (Personal/ General) is processed on priority. However, the application for discharge from service on compassionate ground was not received after clearing the observations as mentioned above at Para 2. There is no such specific Rule in Air Force Rules 1969 in this regard. Further Air Force Rules 1969 is available in public domain.
2(b) The scope of the RTI is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and it is not the scope of RTI to give any justification or explanation.
3. The statements made in your RTI are only within your knowledge. As per records, LAC Deepak (the applicant) applied for leave from 23 Jan 23 to 03 Feb 23 with 02 days as prefix & his application for discharge on compassionate ground was returned with observation. He was suggested to put-up application after clearing the observations and was also suggested that he may plan his leave after re-submission of his discharge application if so required. The air warrior has not resubmitted the subject application and cancelled his leave at his own accord. Leave in Armed Forces is governed as per DSLR and same is available in public domain. There is no provision under RTI to give justification/explanation as the Page 9 of 16 scope of RTI is to give 'information' as defined under Sec 2(f) of the. RTI Act 2005.
3(a) As per DSLR, leave is a privilege and can't be claimed as a matter of right. Leave to Armed Force personnel is governed by DSLR and Defence Service Leave Rules (DSLR) is available in public domain.
4. The AFRO Letter RO/1765/3/CP dated 20 Nov 20 Para (E) is applicable on applicant for action as per ibid letter please refer Para 6(e). Copy of AFRO letter is annexed and supplied to you free of cost.
5. The scope of the RTI Act 2005 is to provide 'information' as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reasoning, clarification, explanation or justification.
6(a). The scope of the RTI Act 2005 is to provide 'information' as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reasoning, clarification, explanation or justification. Copy of policy letters is annexed and supplied to you free of cost.
6(b). The scope of RTI is not to give any reason or justification. You (the Applicant) are employed on trade duties in the unit based on his ab-initio and TETTRA training. Further, the case for discharge as per AFRO letter No. 1765/3/CP dated 20 Nov 20 was processed and due to lack of some documents, AFRO vide RO/2502/1/RW(Dis) dated 17 Dec 21 has directed that such air warriors may be allowed to continue in service till completion of initial RE of 20 years.
6(c). The scope of RTI is not to give any reasons/explanation. As per records, on 15 Dec 2017 applicant was on the posted strength of ETI and as stated by him the case was processed, for discharge as per Air HQ policy Letter No. 40802/PA-I dated 26 Dec 14 and policy copy annexed. The information is supplied free of cost.
6(d). As per AFI 01/2019 para 15 (b) applicant is inefficient for promotion to higher rank as he failed to pass CPE in three permissible chances and unwilling to remuster. Whereas LAC Deepak is employed on trade duties in the unit based on his ab-initio and TETTRA training & direction received from AFRO vide letter No. RO/2502/1/RW (Dis) dated 17 Dec 21 and HQ SWAC letter No. SWAC/1648/P3 dated 05 Jan 22. The copy of policy is supplied to you free of cost.
Page 10 of 166(e) As per Policy issued vide Air HQ letter No. 40802/PA-I dated 26 Dec 14 any air warrior to be discharged from service as per the clause mentioned in ibid letter. However, in instant case, as per AFRO letter No. RO/2502/1/RW (Dis) dated 17 Dec 2021, Cases where procedures have not been followed as per Air HQ Letter No. 40802/PA-I dated 26 Dec 2014 (Documents not available/ incomplete documents available), such airmen may be allowed to continue in service till completion of initial RE of 20 years. These airmen shall continue to serve in the present rank/ classification till expiry of initial engagement (20 Years). A copy of policy letter is annexed and supplied to you free of cost.
6(f) Please refer Para 6(e).
7 The Applicant was enrolled on 27 Jun 2006 as per the terms and conditions of service: Airmen AFI 12/S/48. Presently terms and conditions of service: Airmen AFI 01/2019 is applicable as AFI 12/S/48 is superseded by AFI-01/2019. The applicant is subject to AF law as a combatant member of IAF.
8(a) You are yourself quoting a policy. As per the RTI Act 2005, the scope of RTI is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to render any explanation or interpretation of any rule/policy.
8(b) The scope of RTI Act 2005 is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reason or explanation. Copy of relevant Para of AFI 01/2019 is already annexed in response to earlier query and supplied to you free of cost.
8(c) Copy of AFI 01/2019 is annexed for reference.
8(d) You are yourself quoting a policy. As per RTI Act 2005, the scope of RTI is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to render any explanation or interpretation of any rule/policy. Relevant copies are already annexed in response to your above referred queries.
9(a) The applications submitted by applicant for Immediate Discharge from Service on Inefficiency Grounds dated 25 Nov 21 and 14 Jun 22 were turned down as per Air HQ letter No. 40802/PA-f dated 26 Dec 14 & AFRO letter No. RO/2502/1/RW (Dis) dated 17 Dec 2021. Copy of policy letters is annexed and supplied to you free of cost.
Page 11 of 169(b) No specified timelines are given for routine/ general application. All applications are processed without undue delay.
9(c) The applications were processed as per authorized channel, However, applications were disposed off at intermediate level as the direction on the subject case was already issued by AFRO vide letter No.RO/2502/1/RW (Dis) dated 17 Dec 2021.
9(d) Applications for Discharge from Service on Compassionate and other Grounds for Airmen is dealt as per AFO 16/2008, copy is annexed and supplied to you free of cost.
10 This Unit is not aware of any policy for discharge on the basis of number of Charge Sheets raised.
11(a) Charter of duties of Elect Fit (R) is annexed. Copy is annexed and supplied to you free of cost.
11(b) The scope of RTI Act 2005 is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reason or explanation. Duties are prioritized as per local directions subject to task in hand and organizational requirement.
11(c) The scope of RTI Act 2005 is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reason or explanation. The responsibilities of any air warrior towards his trade are defined in the charter of duties.
11(d) The scope of RTI Act 2005 is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reason or explanation.
11(e) Applicant enrolled as airmen on date 27 Jun 2006 in Elect Fit (R) trade. The scope of RTI Act 2005 is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reason or explanation.
12 The scope of RTI Act 2005 is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reason or explanation.
13(a) At the time of enrolment on 27 Jun 2006 the Terms and Condition of Service Airmen was governed by AFI 12/S/48. Copy is annexed and supplied to you free of cost.
Page 12 of 1613(b) The scope of RTI Act 2005 is to provide information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 and not to give any reason or explanation.
14(a) All air warriors are subject to AF Act, 1950. All Indian citizens are governed by Indian constitution and laws made thereunder. All such laws of land available in public domain. The scope of RTI is not to respond general queries and as per RTI Act 2005, the information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 can be provided.
14(b) Ail air warriors are subject to AF Law, 1950. All Indian citizens are governed by Indian constitution and laws made thereunder. All such laws of land available in public domain. The scope of RTI is not to respond general queries and as per RTI Act 2005, the information as defined in Sec 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005 can be provided."
Being dissatisfied, the appellant filed a First Appeal dated 17.05.2023. The FAA vide its order dated 23.06.2023, upheld the reply of CPIO.
Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied, appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:
The following were present:-
Appellant: Present through video conference.
Respondent: Shri M. K. Singh, CPIO, AIR HQ and Shri Bhopali Biswas, CPIO, SWAC, Air Force, appeared in person.
The appellant inter alia submitted that he was not satisfied with the reply given by the respondent. He stated that reply given by the respondent evasive and misleading. The appellant argued that information was denied arbitrarily which is against the law. Accordingly, he requested the Commission to direct the respondent to provide the complete and correct information without further delay.
The respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that the RTI application was replied by two CPIOs of IAF i.e. CPIO, Air HQ and CPIO, South Western Air Command (SWAC), Gandhinagar. The CPIO, Air HQ, has clarified to the applicant that the information sought through RTI application would impede the hearing of court proceedings in the case filed by him on the similar Page 13 of 16 lines. Hence, the information was exempted under section 8 (1) (h) of the RTI Act.
The respondent submitted that concerned CPIO SWAC, IAF has categorically replied pointwise to the applicant within the ambit of RTI Act, 2005 on 22.05.2023. They stated that most of the queries of the appellant was related to his representations and discharge from service. In this regard they stated that replies were given strictly within the provisions of the RTI Act. Besides, they stated that through most of the points of the RTI application, the appellant sought clarification which did not fall within the definition of "information" as defined under section 2 (f) of the RTI Act.
The respondent stated that the appellant is still working with them. They stated that in the second appeal, the appellant has quoted that as per IAF policy he was declared inefficient Airman and despite that he was asked to work. The respondent clarified that the appellant was declared inefficient only for the purpose of assessing his fitness for promotion and not for continuation of the present job.
Decision:
The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing both the parties and perusal of the records, noted that although, the CPIO, HQ has denied the information under section 8 (1) (h) of the RTI Act, the CPIO, South Western Air Command (SWAC), Gandhinagar, has provided point- wise reply to the appellant vide letter dated 22.05.2023. It is noted that most of the query raised in the RTI application were in the form of clarification which did not fall within the definition as defined under section 2 (f) of the RTI Act. The respondents have provided information as per the records available with them and permissible under the provisions of the RTI Act.
Perusal of the records reveals that the appellant has grievance with regard to his request for discharge and related correspondence, which could be raised before an appropriate authority. The CIC is not a grievance redressal forum.
Perusal of the records reveals that the information sought by the appellant is not only voluminous but also non-specific and the disclosure of which has no Page 14 of 16 relation to any public activity. The Hon'ble Apex Court in the decision in Central Board of Secondary Education and another v. Aditya Bandopadhyay and Others, (2011) 8 SCC497 made the following observations:
"67. Indiscriminate and impractical demands or directions under the RTI Act for disclosure of all and sundry information (unrelated to transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities and eradication of corruption) would be counter-productive as it will adversely affect the efficiency of the administration and result in the executive getting bogged down with the non-productive work of collecting and furnishing information. The Act should not be allowed to be misused or abused, to become a tool to obstruct the national development and integration, or to destroy the peace; tranquility and harmony among its citizens. Nor should it be converted into a tool of oppression or intimidation of honest officials striving to do their duty. The nation does not want a scenario where 75% of the staff of public authorities spends 75% of their time in collecting and furnishing information to applicants instead of discharging their regular duties. The threat of penalties under the RTI Act and the pressure of the authorities under the RTI Act should not lead to employees of public authorities prioritizing 'information furnishing', at the cost of their normal and regular duties."
In view of the above observations and considering that point-wise replies have been given by the respondents, which the Commission finds appropriate reply and intervention of the Commission is not called for in this matter.
The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Vinod Kumar Tiwari (िवनोद कुमार ितवारी) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयु ) Authenticated true copy (अिभ मािणत स!ािपत ित) (S. Anantharaman) Dy. Registrar 011- 26181927 Date Page 15 of 16 Copy To:
The FAA Air Officer-in-charge Administration, Air HQ (Vayu Bhawan), Rafi Marg, New Delhi - 110106 Page 16 of 16 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
Nil Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)