Inspection of records at midway
7 Dec, 2011Background
The appellant was a candidate for LPG Distributorship for Dimapur. The interview was held in October, 2010, but she was not selected. The distributorship was allotted to one Kungha Chophi and the appellant was placed at number two. In this connection, the appellant had sought copies of documents furnished by the selected candidate etc. Some information was submitted to appellant after the order of FAA but the appellant was not satisfied with that and requested for inspection of the documents.
View of CIC
The Commission recalled its earlier stand wherein it has consistently held in several of its decisions that the information seeker is entitled to take inspection of documents in such like matters but for personal information submitted by third party. The Commission noted that the appellant is based at Dimapur and the documents are kept at Raiganj (Bihar). The Commission observed that the inspection of these documents at Raiganj by the appellant would involve huge expenditure on her part, apart from causing her logistical problems. Therefore, the Commission ordered that the appellant or her representative may be given inspection of the entire records in BPCL office at Kolkata. The appellant will be entitled to take copies of the documents but for documents which contain personal information viz Bank statements and PAN card number etc.
Regarding the delay in supply of information, the Commission noted that the then PIO has retired from service and hence refrained from imposing penalty on him. However, observing that the delayed supply of information has caused detriment to the appellant, the Commission grant of Rs. 5,000/- as compensation in terms of section 19 (8) (b) of the RTI Act.
Comments
Vide this order, the Commission has changed the venue of inspection of records to a place which is neither the place where the records were kept nor the place where the appellant resides.
Citation: Ms. Chinneiniang Tungnung v. BPCL in File No.CIC/LS/A/2011/001525