Central Information Commission
Ravindra Kumar Kulhar vs Punjab National Bank on 30 January, 2026
केन्द्रीय सूचना आयोग
Central Information Commission
बाबा गंगनाथ मागग, मुननरका
Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
नई निल्ली, New Delhi - 110067
निकायत संख्या/Complaint No. CIC/PNBNK/C/2024/637206
Ravindra Kumar Kulhar ....निकायतकताग /Complainant
VERSUS
बनाम
...प्रनतवािीगण/Respondents
CPIO: Punjab National Bank
Date of Hearing : 22.01.2026
Date of Decision : 22.01.2026
Information Commissioner : Shri Surendra Singh Meena
Relevant Facts emerging from Complaint:
RTI application : 28.05.2024
PIO replied on : 21.08.2024
First Appeal filed on : 02.07.2024
First Appeal Order on : 21.08.2024
Complaint received on : 22.08.2024
CIC/PNBNK/C/2024/637206 Page 1 of 5
Information soughtand background of the case:-
The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 28.05.2024 seeking information on the following points:
"I am writing to invoke my right to information under the provision of RTI act, 2005. As per information provided to me by Punjab National Bank in response to my previous RTI request no. PNBNK/A/E/23/00436 dated 10-07-2023, it was stated that my name was on IBA caution list of TPE on 09-08-2023. I wished to bring to your attention that on the mentioned date, my name was not included in IBA caution list and my name was removed from the IBA caution list of TPE on 22-11-2021 and the letter of M/s. Dhanlaxmi Bank is attached herewith for your ready reference. I hereby request the following information under the RTI act:-
1. Copies of all documents, correspondence or communication exchange between Punjab National bank and IBA regarding the inclusion of my name on the IBA caution list as a TPE on 09-08-2023.
2. Details of the specific criteria or reason provided by Punjab National Bank which led to my depanelment based on the false information regarding my presence on the IBA caution list.
3. Any internal notes/ records or minutes of meeting related to decision making process that resulted in the false information provided to me. I am seeking this information to rectify the misinformation provided to me by Punjab National Bank and to ensure that my empanelment status it clarified with accurate and verified data. I invoke the following section of RTI act, 2005 for this request.
A. Section 2(f) : -Definition of information B. Section 6(1) : Request for obtaining information C. Section 7:- Disposal of request CIC/PNBNK/C/2024/637206 Page 2 of 5 D. Section 8:- Exemption from disclosure E. Section 19: Appeal rights."
The CPIO replied vide letter dated 21.08.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
"1. IBA circulates caution list of TPE to the banks time to time. Dhanlaxmi Bank has initiated the process with IBA, hence details are with Dhanlaxmi Bank.
2. Dhanlaxmi Bank has initiated the process with IBA, hence details are with Dhanlaxmi Bank.
3. No False information has been provided to you. Also, Banking Circulars are strictly confidential in nature and used for internal circulation. It is beyond the scope of RTI to provide internal circulars, which is exempted under section 8(1) D of RTI act."
Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 02.07.2024 alleging that the information provided was not provided. The FAA vide order dated 21.08.2024 stated as under:-
"1. IBA circulates caution list of TPE to the banks time to time. Dhanlaxmi Bank has initiated the process with IBA, hence details are with Dhanlaxmi Bank.
2. Dhanlaxmi Bank has initiated the process with IBA, hence details are with Dhanlaxmi Bank.
3. No False information has been provided to you. Also, Banking Circulars are strictly confidential in nature and used for internal circulation. It is beyond the scope of RTI to provide internal circulars, which is exempted under section 8(1) D of RTI act."
Aggrieved and dissatisfied, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint.
CIC/PNBNK/C/2024/637206 Page 3 of 5Facts Emerging in Course of Hearing:-
The Complainant was absent during hearing.
The respondent Mr. Rajeev Kumar Pankaj, AGM, was present through video conference.
The respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that the complainant has sought copies of documents correspondence exchange between PNB and Indian Bank of Association (IBA) regarding including of his name on IBA caution list. He stated that the correspondence took place between IBA and Dhanlaxmi Bank, and the records are not available with them. He further stated that the Dhanlaxmi Bank is a separate entity and not merged with PNB. When enquired by the Commission why the factual reply was not communicated to the complainant, the respondent submitted that he would provide modified reply to the complainant.
DECISION:-
In the light of the above facts and perusal of the available record, the Commission observed that the respondent during hearing has submitted that he would provide a modified reply to the complainant, as per RTI application and will furnish a compliance report to the Commission. The Commission finds that no further intervention is required in the matter, hence the complaint is closed.
Sd/ (Surendra Singh Meena) (सुरेंद्र ससिंह मीना) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयुक्त) निनां क/Date: 22.01.2026 CIC/PNBNK/C/2024/637206 Page 4 of 5 Authenticated true copy Ramesh Babu Krishnan (रमेि बाबू कृष्णन) Dy. Registrar (उप पंजीयक) 011-26105027 Addresses of the parties:
1. Ravindra Kumar Kulhar 110, Rajeshwar Apartment, Above State Bank of India, Athugar Street, Timaliyawad, Nanpura, Surat, Gujarat - 395001 Gujarat, Surat, 395001
2. The CPIO Punjab National Bank, Circle Office: Surat, Inspection & Audit Section, Tulsi Krupa Arcade, 4th Floor, Aai Mata Chowk.
Surat Bardoli Road, Surat, Gujarat-395010 CIC/PNBNK/C/2024/637206 Page 5 of 5 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
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