All the qualifying examinations and degrees are public information and every member of public shall have access to it: CIC [Read Order]

If educational details are protected as personal information, it leaves lot of scope for manipulation, corruption and misrepresentation, the Commission observed.The Central Information Commission has categorically held that academic/educational qualifications at land mark stages like 10th class, Intermediate, Graduation, Post-Graduation or Ph.D. and clearing of every annual examination,...

“It will be honourable to offer an unconditioned apology to the freedom fighter" for denial of pension: CIC to Delhi CM [Read Order]

The Central Information Commission on Friday directed the Delhi Administration to offer an unconditioned apology to a Freedom Fighter who was denied pension.“The Commission recommends the Chief Minister of Delhi to pay due attention to this person, felicitate this freedom fighter and facilitate pension besides initiating disciplinary action against...

CIC reiterates recommendation to introduce special ‘RTI stamps’ for payment of RTI fees

The Chief Information Commission has again recommended introduction of Special RTI stamps for payment of RTI fees.In a letter to Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, the Commission said that the newly constituted committee constituted by postal department, may favourably consider the commission's recommendation to introduce of...

When a citizen holding the position of CM wants to know the degree related information of the PM, it will be proper to disclose; CIC [Read CIC order on PM Modi’s Degree]

The Central Information Commission has directed the PIOs of Delhi University and Gujarat University, Ahmadabad to make best possible search for the information regarding degrees in the name of “Mr. Narendra Damodar Modi” in the year 1978 (Graduation in DU) and 1983 (Post Graduation in GU) and provide it to the appellant Mr Kejriwal, as soon as...

CIC directs IB to disclose report on IFS Officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi [Read Order]

The Central Information Commission on Thursday directed the Intelligence Bureau to provide its report in relation to the false cases filed against IFoS Officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi by corrupt officers exposed by him during his term as DFO in Haryana , ruling that the report does not contain information excluded from the purview of the Right to...

Misuse of RTI by employees of Public authorities be considered as ‘misconduct’: CIC [Read Order]

Taking serious note of misuse of RTI, the Central Information Commission has observed that such misuse by the employees of Public authorities shall be considered as an item of misconduct that invite disciplinary action.The observation was made by Information Commissioner Prof. M. Sridhar Acharyulu who was hearing an appeal filed by an employee of...

CIC pulls up Bar Council of India for not complying with mandatory RTI requirements [Read Order]

Central Information Commission has pulled up Bar Council of India for not having complied with Mandatory RTI requirements. Information commissioner Professor Madabhushi Sridhar has directed the BCI Chairman to explain when they would be complying with 4(1) (b) on their official website.Section 4 (1) (b) of the RTI Act states that every public...

CIC upholds PMO’s decision dismissing RTI Application for copy of Justice Bhattacharya’s letter on then CJI Altamas Kabir [Read Order]

Central Information Commission has recently upheld the decision of Prime Minister’s Office dismissing an RTI Application seeking certified copy of letter addressed by former Gujarat Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya, to Prime Minister, making certain allegations against the former Chief Justice of India, Justice Altamas Kabir.The Chief Information...

Delhi HC directs Central Information Commission to start maintaining daily order sheets within six months [Read Order]

In a recent order, Justice Manmohan of Delhi High Court has directed the Central Information Commission to start maintaining daily order sheets within six months.The direction came while disposing the writ petition filed by RK Jain, a renowned authority on indirect taxation, and the Editor of Excise Law Times.In his order, Justice Manmohan held...

Bar Councils and Associations come under the purview of RTI Act: CIC [Read Order]

In a recent order, the Central Information Commissioner has ruled that Bar Councils and Associations, being established under the Advocates Act, come under the purview of the Right to Information Act.The CIC was hearing an appeal filed by Mr. Harinder Dhingra, who had sought information regarding the number of complaints filed against advocates...

Disclosure of Personal details of RTI applicants; DoPT invites suggestions

The Department of Personnel and Training has invited comments from stakeholders on a Draft Office Memorandum, based on the ruling of the Kolkata High Court in Avishek Goenka v. Union of India, W.P. 33290(W) of 2013. In the case, High Court had pronounced it a duty of the authority to hide the information seeker’s personal details, particularly from...

Registrar of Cooperative Societies is a 'Public Authority' and required to provide information under RTI Act; Delhi HC [Read Judgment]

A division Bench of Delhi High Court Today held that Registrar of Cooperative Societies is a 'Public Authority' and hence duty bound to comply with the provisions of RTI Act and is required to provide information as provided for under Section 2(f) of the Act subject to the limitations enumerated under Section 8 of the RTI Act.The Bench comprising...