Service details of a third party

The Directorate of Personnel Service, Naval Headquarter submitted that the sought information relates to third party information which cannot be disclosed under section 8(1)(J) of the RTI Act. It is stated that the appellant is a retired Sailor from the same department. The CIC noted that the information sought by the appellant pertained to service details, date of birth, educational documents, and discharge certificate of a third-party individual. Such information falls within the ambit of “personal information” as contemplated under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. The CIC further noted that the appellant had neither established any relationship with the concerned third party nor demonstrated any larger public interest that would warrant disclosure of such personal information. The CIC observed that the appellant has neither appeared during the hearing nor placed on record any written submission. It indicates that he is no more interested in pursuing the matter further and the CIC held that no further intervention is warrantied in the matter.

Comments

If a citizen needs any personal information about a third party, the public interest involved in disclosure must be contested before the CIC. Not placing any written submission on record and absence during the hearing would be detrimental to the case of the applicant.

Citation: Maan Singh Rawat v. Directorate of Personnel Service, Naval Headquarter, File No: CIC/INAVY/A/2024/639467; Date of Decision: 25.03.2026

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