Whispers Forum

The applicant sought certain information from the Security Paper Mill like the standards for testing of parameters of Density, Brookfield Viscosity and Non-Volatile Solid in respect of Polymer (Flocculant). The PIO denied the information claiming that the actual and complete procedures can't be shared with or provided to others because it was their internal confidential documents and being a Security Organization and being a NABL Accredited Lab, they have to maintain the confidentiality of the organization. The CIC observed that the information has been denied without even invoking any exemption clause of the RTI Act. Repeated opportunities were afforded by CIC to justify the denial under any of the exemptions envisaged under Section 8 and/or 9 of the RTI Act, yet, the Respondent continued to harp on the ‘approval of competent authority’ and eventually quoted Section 8(1)(d) in an unconvincing manner. The CIC observed that what has been sought by this Applicant is merely the testing procedure followed by Security Paper Mill Quality Control Lab (SPM QC) for testing of certain parameters in respect of a product, Polymer (Flocculant), which is procured by Security Paper Mill (SPM) through public tender. SPM accepts or rejects the product supplied by vendors on the basis of testing carried out using these procedures and these testing procedures are, therefore, a matter of public interest, since vendors’ interests will be adversely affected if material is rejected on the basis of inappropriate / non- standard testing procedures. The information sought does not pertain to any of the core activities of SPM and does not affect security interests in any manner. Holding that this information must be provided and cannot be withheld on the ground of confidentiality, the CIC directed to provide the information.
Comments
Without properly invoking section 8 or section 9 of the RTI Act, a PIO should not reject the application seeking information. If the interests of a vendor are affected by the procedure followed by the public authority, the public interest may be claimed to seek the details of such procedure.
Citation:Mahasweta M. v. Security Paper Mill, M.P., CIC/SPMIL/A/2022/635766; Date of Decision: 15.03.2024
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

It is reported that young voters are not interested in election. The young voters shall make costly mistake by not participating actively in the election. It is one significant personal experience gained at no cost. It will reduce the cost of coaching for competitive exams later in life as no amount of class room teaching can match personal experience. And everyone needs to know political system and government in the country if one seeks employment or takes up self-employment. They will have the opportunity to listen, analyse, evaluate, observe and watch the management of an election for a candidate or her/his party and arrangements required to conduct a free and fair election of such a magnitude. They will learn the economics of the election and the foreign attempts to influence, malign and vilify the process. They will also learn a lot about the judicial process involved. The preamble says justice ..political. The true meaning needs to be learned in the laboratory called election. Luckily the youth today is spared the ugly experience of “scientific rigging or booth chhaapnaa etc”. So, participate and vote as a duty to learn life's precious lesson in personal interest like the rest of education which will be needed when they enter jobs/self-employment."
M L Gupta

AAP leader Sanjay Singh’s release from jail has stirred discussions on whether this could sway AAP's fortunes in the upcoming LS polls. The first benefit of Singh's release will be that the party will get a strong leadership. Singh's release could invigorate AAP's grassroots supporters and provide much-needed leadership amidst a leaderless phase. As a founding member, Singh wields considerable influence within AAP, garnering respect from MPs, leaders, and workers alike. His political acumen and extensive work in Punjab further solidify his standing within the party.
Neha Singh Ahirwar

The PIO of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change categorically informed the Appellant that the information sought by him is not available in their office and transferred the RTI application to the concerned PIO of Bangalore Development Authority under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, which is separate Public Authority under the State Government, The CIC observed that the PIO has given a timely response to the Appellant informing him the factual position in the matter. The CIC held that had the Appellant been actually interested in getting information, he would have approached the transferee Public Authority to know the actual status of the information. But the Appellant in the present case filed the first appeal with present Respondent Public Authority. This shows that the Appellant wants to pressurize the Respondent to create information which is not in their record. Further, the CIC held that the Appellant cannot raise fresh queries/issues at the stage of first appeal/second appeal. The directions of the First Appellate Authority to the PIO to go through the concern raised by the appellant in the first appeal and take further action were set aside.
Comments
An appeal should be filed with the FAA of the organisation which is holding the information. A PIO can file an appeal against the orders of his/her own FAA.
Citation: Vasanth Kumar V M v. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CIC/MOENF/A/2023/613465; Date of Decision: 18-03-2024
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

The INDIA alliance parties convened a striking 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. However, the rally lacked a compelling narrative to counter the policies of the Modi government, and no alternative agenda was proposed. Instead, a pervasive sense of victimhood prevailed, supported by allegations of being targeted by the ruling BJP administration. Moreover, doubts were cast on the fairness of the 18th general election. Achieving united action within the INDIA bloc proves challenging, as earlier plans for one-on-one contests against the BJP in 400 seats have faltered. While the BJP and its allies have nearly finalized their candidate lists, internal discord and negotiations continue within the INDIA alliance.
Nancy Kumari

Has the arrest of 2 CMs: Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren helped to unite the Opposition? The INDIA bloc organized a mega rally in Delhi in which prominent leaders of opposition parties were present. In this rally named 'Save Democracy Rally', not only the political parties from Tamil Nadu to Kashmir and Maharashtra were seen united in protesting against the arrest of CMs, but by the time the program started, the Ramlila Maidan was filled to capacity. This program of opposition unity in Delhi took place on the same day when PM Modi sounded the election trumpet of BJP from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. It is apparent that the arrest of CMs has brought opposition parties closer although its benefits are unlikely to be derived as LS polls are too close.
Aditya Kumar

In a surprising move, the BJP has nominated Rekha Patra as its candidate for the Basirhat parliamentary seat, drawing attention to her emergence from Sandeshkhali. This decision has left many wondering about the motives behind her selection. However, the decision to nominate Patra wasn't without its controversies. Speculation surrounds the circumstances leading to her candidacy, with some suggesting that it was a strategic move by the BJP to capitalize on the local sentiment against Trinamool Congress. Opposition leader Subhendu Adhikari's recommendation and subsequent approval by the central leadership further fueled discussions about the party's intentions.
Aditya Malviya