Documents not available with the public authority

The appellant sought certified copies of all documents pertaining to this son admitted in IIM Rohtak (IPL) in 2023. During the hearing, the respondent submitted that a response to the RTI application had been furnished that the institute had no record of documents requested by the appellant. The Commission noted that documents sought in the RTI application are not available with the respondent and dismissed the appeal.

Comments

The RTI Act does not enjoin a public authority to create, collect or collate information that is not available with it. There is no obligation on a public authority to process any information in order to create further information as is sought by an applicant.

Citation: Brijesh Kumar Sharma v. Indian Institute of Management Rohtak, Second Appeal No. CIC/IIMRO/A/2024/644911; Date of Decision: 14.10.2025

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