Under RTI, can the information be provided verbally?
5 Jun, 2012
Background
The appellant wanted details of the working hours of nursing department of all designations in the institute, the attendance register for a certain period and other related details. The Public Information Officer (PIO) did not furnish any reply to the appellant. The First Appellate Authority (FAA) directed the PIO to supply information.
View of CIC
The appellant stated that he met the FAA and the PIO, full and complete information was provided to him verbally at the meeting and subsequently vide letter, which was dispatched under dispatch number 940. The appellant claimed that he had not received the said letter. The Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the PIO to provide a photocopy of the above mentioned letter to the appellant. The Commission closed the case observing that full and complete information have been provided.
Comments
A PIO should provide a written reply to a query received under the RTI Act and retain the proof of dispatch. Verbal answers do not carry any weight during the proceedings before a CIC and a PIO may be liable for action for any delay.
Citation: Shri Randhir Singh Gill v. Govt. Medical College & Hospital in Appeal: No. CIC/DS/A/2011/002382
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/353
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission