Vigilance Inquiry Procedure for willful misrepresentation of facts

The appellant sought information about proximity of proposed retail outlet of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) with respect to other buildings. Referring to the SDM's investigation report mentioning the existence of residential buildings within the proximity of the proposed petrol pump, he claimed that the map submitted by IOCL to various government bodies indicates the presence of 100 meters of open land around the site. This contradiction raises concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the information provided by IOCL. The respondent submitted that the RTI application is in the nature of a grievance and the appellant has not disclosed any public interest for seeking the information. The respondent submitted that the appellant has raised complaints with them and they have duly replied to his complaints. The CIC observed that the respondent did not give an appropriate reply to the appellant and directed to provide a revised point-wise reply. Further, the CIC directed to provide information such as the Vigilance Inquiry Procedure for willful misrepresentation of facts or willful concealment of material facts in the drawing and documents.

Comments

The PIO should be careful while replying to an application and must ensure that the information provided is strictly as per records. Contradictory information indicates malafide intent and defeats the objective of transparency.

Citation: Anirudha Dhanik v. Indian Oil Corporation Limited, File No: CIC/IOCLD/C/2024/641662/A; Date of Decision: 23-01-2026

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