Penal action cannot be initiated against CPIO for not providing information sought under RTI

Amresh Chandra Mathur Vs CPIO (Central Information Commission)

Central Information Commission held that CPIO (Center Public Information Officer) can genuinely and bonafidely entertain the belief and hold the view that the information sought by the querist cannot be provided. Accordingly, penal action cannot be initiated against CPIO without any malafide intention for refraining to provide information.

Facts-

The complainant filed an RTI application dated 28.11.2020 seeking various GST related information of Jio Digital Fibre Private Limited. To that CPIO furnished point-wise reply and refrained from replying many points. Not satisfied, the complainant filed an RTI application dated 22.01.2021 with Respondent No. 1 seeking same GST related information. To that CPIO/ respondent no. 1 provided point-wise reply but refrained from replying many points.

The Respondent no. 1 furnished an additional reply to the Complainant on the same date i.e. 03.03.2021 by denying the information under Section 8(1)(d) of RTI Act.

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