Central Information Commission
Shri J. Haldorai. vs Defence Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu on 24 December, 2009
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Room No. 308, B-Wing, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
File No.CIC/LS/C/2009/001134
Appellant : Shri J. Haldorai.
Public Authority : Defence Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu
(through Shri Udai Kumar, Jt. GM(Adm.)
Date of Hearing : 24.12.2009
Date of Decision : 24.12.2009
FACTS :
By his RTI application of May, 2008, the appellant had sought information on 25 paras regarding new SAC Plant, CFA. The CPIO had responded to it vide letter dated 18.6.2008 providing parawise information. The appellant had filed First Appeal against the decision of CPIO vide letter dated 17.7.2008 which was disposed of by the First Appellate authority vide order dated 27.8.2008 wherein he had observed as follows :-
"WHEREAS, the Appellant may also note that the factory is coming under Ministry of Defence and Defence Production, which is covered under Defence and Security, further disclosure of information would likely to cause serious prejudice to the Defence and National Security of India and does not serve any public interest. Therefore, further disclosure of information is not furnished to the appellant. This is as per Section 8(a) of Exemption rules of RTI Act, 2005."
2. The present appeal is directed against the order of AA.
3. Heard on 24.12.2009. Appellant not present. The Public Authority is represented by the officer named above. In the appeal memo, the appellant has pleaded that denial of information u/sec. 8 of RTI Act is not justified and has requested for full and complete disclosure of information.
4. Shri Udai Kumar, however, submits that additional information has since been provided to the appellant vide letter dated 6.11.2009. The appellant is not present before the Commission to plead his case. Nor has he adduced any specific grounds in the appeal memo calling for intervention of this commission. However, the appeal memo dated 17.7.2008 filed before FAA indicates that he is not satisfied with the information provided to him on paras 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 & 23. In fact, he has raised certain queries in regard to these paras and sought additional information.
DECISION
5. The matter is remanded to Shri Udai Kumar, CPIO, with the direction to re-visit the matter and provide additional information, as requested by the appellant in his appeal memo dated 17.7.2008, if not already provided.
6. The matter is disposed of subject to the above observations.
Sd/-
(M.L. Sharma) Central Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against application and payment of the charges, prescribed under the Act, to the CPIO of this Commission.
(K.L. Das) Assistant Registrar Address of parties :-
1. Shri Udai Kumar Jt. GM (Admn), Defence Cordite Factory, The Nilgiris, Aruvankadu-643202, Tamilnadu
2. Shri J. Haldorai Committee Office Union Club Bldg, Hill Bunk Ooty, The Nilgiri, Tamilnadu.