CIC directs CBDT to educate concerned officials about RTI Law

FACTS:

The Complainant vide his RTI application sought information on 02 points regarding the total number of Wealth Tax Returns filed during the period from 01.04.2011 to 31.03.2015 and the number of assesses liable to file the Wealth Tax Returns for the above mentioned period.

The CPIO vide its letter dated 04/05.01.2016 treated the RTI application as frivolous and stated that the opinions/imaginations/ or hypothetical question formed against the department could not be deemed to be held by the public Authority under Section 2(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. Dissatisfied by the response of the CPIO, the Complainant approached the FAA. The FAA vide its order dated 12.02.2016 concurred with the reply of the CPIO and further denied disclosure of  information as per Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005 on the ground that no larger public interest was involved in the matter.

HEARING:
Facts emerging during the hearing:

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