Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) not a public authority under RTI Act: Calcutta HC [Read Judgment]

The Calcutta High Court, in Dinesh Sinha vs. CISCE, has held that the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) does not come within the purview of a public authority under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act.The CISCE is a private, non-governmental board of school education in India and holds the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) examination...

When will Rs 15 Lakh be deposited in every Indian’s account, PMO told to respond [Read Order]

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Prime Minister’s Office to respond to queries made by a common man regarding the election promise of bringing back black money and depositing Rs 15 lakh in every Indian’s account, among other issues, within 15 days.At the time of election, it was announced that black money will be brought...

Public authority not bound to collect and furnish information which is not required to be maintained by it: CIC [Read Order]

The Central Information Commission has observed that a Public Authority has no obligation upon to collect/collate information which is not required by its law, rules or regulations to be maintained by it.In the instant case, an RTI application was filed before the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), Rajya Sabha Secretariat seeking...

Delay in public disclosure of GM Mustard crop trial data unjustifiable: CIC [Read Order]

The Environment Ministry on its failure to reveal Bio Safety data on GM Mustard Trials, earned the ire of Central Information Commission. The CIC directed the authorities to make available all necessary details without any further delay. It upheld that such delays thwart public discourse on matters of urgent public importance amounting to violation...

Prevent fraudulent/forced Marriages and Protect genuine lovers from caste/religious bodies: CIC to Govt [Read Order]

The unremitting tiff between tradition and personal liberty has often led to excesses resulting in abuse of law emanating from both the sides. The Central Information Commission in an RTI Appeal has dealt with this issue and has tipped in favour of the rule of law. With the rising scourge against love marriages and diktat’s of the kangaroo courts,...

CIC rejects plea seeking publication of procedure followed by SC for designating “Senior Advocates” [Read Order]

The Central Information Commission has rejected a plea seeking publication of procedure followed by Supreme Court for designating an advocate as ‘Senior Advocate’.Dr. Satish Chandra, had sought details about Rules/Guidelines governing designation of an Advocate as Senior Advocate. The CPIO of the Supreme Court responded that the information sought...

Punjab & Haryana HC sets aside order denying information about corruption cases against IAS, IPS, HCS and HPS Officers under RTI [Read Order]

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana recently quashed an order denying information about corruption cases against IAS, IPS, HCS and HPS Officers under the Right to Information Act, 2005.The Court was hearing a challenge to an order passed in April, 2014, whereby the Haryana State Information Commission had upheld an order passed by the State Public...

File Notings relating to framing of Court Rules not “exempted information” under RTI [Read Order]

In an important order, the Central Information Commission has held that note/notings/deliberations relating to framing of Supreme Court Rules are not exempted under Section 8(1) of the Right to Information Act.RTI application filed by Mr. Satya Narain Shukla, was rejected by CPIO of Supreme Court Registry on the ground that notes and orders...

Filing RTI applications with Apex Executive Authorities seeking information about their subordinates, has to be discouraged: CIC [Read Order]

Instead of creating a good governance system, this practice is creating a bad and an aimless exercise burdening public exchequer, the CIC observed.In a significant order, Central Information Commission has held that, the offices of President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors, Lt Governors and Chief Ministers are not legally obliged under...

CIC upholds denial of information relating to grant of sanction for prosecution: Prof. Sridhar dissents [Read Order]

A Full Bench of Central Information Commission, in a split verdict of two to one, has upheld the decision of a Bank which had denied the information to a person accused of corruption, who had sought information relating to the grant of sanction for his prosecution.The Bank had denied information on the following grounds RTI Act does not apply to...

CIC directs Tihar Jail Authorities to declare policy about prisoner’s remission and wrongful extra detention [Read Order]

The Central Information commission has directed the Jail authorities and the Government of National capital Territory of Delhi to declare their policy in the form of citizen charter under Section 4(1)(b), (c) and (d) of Right to Information Act, 2005 explaining rights of prisoner in the jail especially with regard to remission and remedy for...

CIC endorses NCPCR mechanism to address complaints of corporal punishment in schools [Read Order]

The Central Information on Friday endorsed the guidelines laid down by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), for Eliminating Corporal Punishment in Schools.CIC Prof. Sridhar Acharyulu directed the School Boards to issue guidelines to the schools affiliated to them, stipulating that ‘corporal punishment-free environment’ would...