Central Information Commission
K C Aggarwal vs Ministry Of New & Renewable Energy on 31 January, 2018
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Room No. 302, CIC Bhawan, Baba Gang Nath Marg,
Munirka, New Delhi-110067
Decision No. CIC/MNRES/A/2017/188874 Dated 30.01.2018
K.C. Aggarwal vs. CPIO, Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd, New
Delhi
Relevant dates emerging from the appeal:
RTI: 28.09.2016 FA: 24.10.2016 SA: 19.11.2016
Hearing: 28.11.2017
CPIO: 21.10.2016 FAAO: 08.11.2016
& 29.01.2018
ORDER
1. The appellant filed an online application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) before the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd, New Delhi seeking information/documents on five points pertaining to the appointment of Ms. Meenakshi Thakur as AGM, including inter-alia (i) certified copies of all noting and correspondences in all files and part files leading to selection and joining of Ms. Meenakshi Thakur as AGM in E-7 grade on deputation from NBCC India Ltd., and (ii) chronological sequence as well as certified copies of all documents, forms, NOC for interview and applications submitted by Ms. Meenakshi Thakur.
2. The appellant filed a second appeal before the Commission on the grounds that the CPIO informed him that personal information will not be provided but allowed inspection of documents after severing the pages containing personal information. The appellant stated that the information sought has direct link and critical relevance to a public activity and hence falls beyond the exemption provided under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The appellant requested the Commission to direct the CPIO/FAA to provide the information sought by him and to provide any further relief in favour of the appellant and against the CPIO/FAA as may be deemed just and appropriate, based on the facts and circumstances of the case.
Page 1 Hearing on 28.11.2017:
3. The appellant Shri K.C. Aggarwal and the respondent Ms. Shilpi Singh, Manager (P&A), Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd, New Delhi, were present in person.
4. The appellant submitted his written submissions in the matter which have been taken on record. A copy of the same has also been provided to the respondent.
5. The respondent submitted that the appellant had sought information pertaining to the appointment of Ms. Meenakshi Thakur as AGM. In view of this, the respondent, vide letter dated 21.10.2016, allowed the appellant to inspect the relevant records. Further, it was stated that documents would be provided after severing the pages containing personal information which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The respondent further submitted that Rules and Circulars with regard to the information sought in the RTI application were also provided to the appellant vide FAA's order dated 08.11.2016.
Interim Decision:
6. The hearing could not be concluded due to paucity of time. The Commission, therefore, adjourns the matter to 29.01.2018 at 10.30 am.
7. Copy of the interim decision be provided free of cost to the parties.
Hearing on 29.01.2018:
8. The appellant Shri K.C. Aggarwal and the respondent Ms. Shilpi Singh, Manager (P&A), Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd, New Delhi, were present in person.
9. The appellant requested the Commission to grant him some more time to make additional submissions in the matter.
Page 2 Interim Decision:
10. The Commission considered the request of the appellant and adjourns the matter to 21.02.2018 at 12.00 pm.
11. Copy of the interim decision be provided free of cost to the parties.
(Sudhir Bhargava) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy (S.S. Rohilla) Designated Officer Addresses of the parties:
1. The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited, D-3, 1st Floor, Wing-A, Religare Building, Saket District Centre, New Delhi-110017
2. Shri K.C. Aggarwal, Page 3