Why foot over bridge was not constructed at the railway station?
23 Dec, 2012Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Northern Railway seeking some information such as, how to catch a train without violating section 147 of the Railway Act since because of absence of foot over bridge (FOB) they have to cross the railway lines to go from one platform to another; why the Platform at Kathauli station is much lower than at other stations and the reason as to why foot over bridge has not been constructed at the station. He also wanted to know when the computerized ticket counter will be provided in Khathauli station. The Public Information Officer (PIO) informed that the computerized ticket counter has already started functioning at the station.
Proceeding
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the respondent stated that no information is available on record regarding the reason as to why foot over bridge has not been constructed at the station and why the platform in Kathauli station is much lower than in other stations.
View of CIC
The Central Information Commission (CIC) observed that the appellant is seeking the opinion of the PIO with respect to catching a train without violating the Railway Act and that the PIO is not obligated to provide his opinion under the RTI Act. The Commission rejected the appeal stating that the available information has been provided to the appellant.
Comment
Citizens have tried to use the RTI Act not only for seeking information but also for getting solutions to their problems with varying degree of success. Even when they are unsuccessful, the issue being raised gets highlighted.
Citation: Mr. Ashutosh Gupta v. Northern Railway Divisional Railway in File No. CIC/AD/A/2012/002412
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/885
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission