whispers in the corridors
The appellant sought the rules/guidelines etc. regarding the appointment of Postmaster as CAPIO in various sections of post offices and duties assigned to them. The appellant submitted to the CIC that he received the requisite information but is aggrieved due to the inordinate delay of almost 21 months. The CIC found that the PIO had correctly guided the appellant to the website of the public authority where the sought for information is available. The CIC held that the appellant’s contention regarding delay was unfounded.
Comments
If the information sought by an applicant is available in public domain such as on the website of the pubic authority, the CPIO is not bound to give hard copies of the documents. The CPIO should guide the applicant to the website of the public authority giving the specific link of the page where the information is available.
Citation: Girish Prasad Gupta v. Department of Posts in Decision no.: CIC/POSTS/A/2018/151473/02692, Date of Decision: 22/01/2020
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is an expert on RTI matters and has co-authored the books RIGHT TO INFORMATION - LAW AND PRACTICE and PIO’s guide to RTI. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link: www.rtifoundationofindia.com