Can the name of the maid be entered in the ration card?
27 Apr, 2013Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Food and Supplies Department seeking information regarding an APL ration card. He wanted to know whether the name of the house maid can be entered in the ration card of the owner of the card and if yes, then the copy of the relevant rule. He also wanted to know whether any verification was required for the same. The Public Information Officer (PIO) provided some information and for some of the information, the appellant was informed that the records are not available in the circle.
Proceedings
During the hearing the before Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant argued that if the records were not available in the circle then the RTI application ought to have been transferred to the concerned Public Authority where the information would be available. The respondent submitted that the holder of the APL card denied the disclosure stating that the appellant is not related to him. The respondent also added that no computer records or papers pertaining to this card were available in her circle or in any other circle and hence she cannot provide the information.
View of CIC
The Commission observed that since information is not traceable, no authorization for disclosure of information is possible. The CIC directed the PIO to provide the rule which allows the maid’s name to be entered in the ration card of the owner and if there is no such rule the appellant to be informed accordingly. The CIC also directed the PIO to furnish an affidavit to the Commission with a copy to the appellant affirming the fact that the information is not traceable.
Citation: Mr. Puneet Chhabra v. Food and Supplies Department in File No: CIC/AD/A/2012/002712
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/1230
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission