CIC Notice to CPIO Railway Board For Not Replying RTI Query, Awards Compensation To Applicant [Read Order]

The Central Information Commission, in the case of Pankaj Bansal vs Central Public Information Officer, Railway Board, has issued a show-cause notice to the CPIO for non-compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act and awarded a compensation of Rs. 5,000 to the appellant.

Pankaj Bansal, the appellant, sought a copy of the file notings/ correspondence and relevant records/ reports pertaining to his application dated to the Chairman of Railway Board, for adequate compensation for gross negligence in catering services on board Ajmer-Delhi Shatabdi, and a copy of all the file notings/ correspondence and relevant records/ reports pertaining to the reply issued.

However, only a cursory online reply, stating that the matter has been referred to ESO/ CRB, was filed by the CPIO.

Further, no reply to the first appeal memo was provided by the first appellate authority.

The CIC observed that the cryptic remarks of the CPIO had no meaning under the provisions of the RTI Act.

Further, no proof of transfer of the application as per Section 6(3) of the Act is available.

Further, the CPIO did not appear before the CIC, indicating non-compliance and gross negligence and disregard to the implementation of the RTI Act.

The CIC issued a show-cause notice to the CPIO to explain why he did not appear before the commission and why no reply was provided to the RTI application of the appellant. Further, the appellant was awarded a compensation of Rs. 5,000 for the inconvenience and detriment caused to him.

Read the Order here.