Verifying the BPL status of the RTI applicant

The appellant sought data on customer satisfaction ratings for SBI services from its inception and other information. The PIO replied that the information is not compiled centrally in the ordinary course of business and not readily available in the material form. The collection of the information would disproportionately divert the resources of the Public Authority. Before the CIC, the respondent clarified that data sought vide the RTI application is not available in the desired format. The CIC held that in the absence of the appellant to plead his case or contest the CPIO’s submissions, there is scope of intervention in the matter and dismissed the appeal. The CIC brought it to the notice of the respondent that in a series of matters filed by the appellant against a different public authority i.e IDPL, in file nos. CIC/IDPCL/A/2024/612395 and CIC/IDPCL/A/2024/604666, an order was passed to veracity of the appellant’s BPL status. The respondent was advised to exercise due caution with respect to the future RTI application received from the appellant relying on his Below Poverty Line (BPL) status.

Comments

Some unscrupulous elements indulge in misuse of the RTI Act by making a false claim of BPL to obtain information without paying any fee. The Public Authority should train its PIO's to detect such individuals and deal with them in accordance with law. 

Citation: Rachhpal Singh Saini v. State Bank of India, CIC/SBIND/A/2024/602064; Date of Decision: 22.05.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com