The CIC directed PIO of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs department at GNCTD to publish details of application for ration cards suo moto on their website. This is the 189th in a series of important judgements given by former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi that can be used or quoted in an RTI application

The Central Information Commission (CIC), while allowing an appeal, directed the Public Information Officer (PIO) and assistant commissioner at Food Supplies and Consumer Affair department at Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), to publish details of application for ration cards suo moto under Section 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

While giving the judgement on 6 July 2009, Shailesh Gandhi, the then Central Information Commissioner said, "The public authority has failed in its duty to provide such information. The public authority must provide details of application for ration cards suo moto under Section 4 and if any of the applications are refused, these must also be declared on its website. Reasons for refusal must also be displayed."

Delhi resident, Ripu Sudan, on 6 March 2009, sought from the PIO information regarding the status of his ration card application. Here is the information he sought and the reply provided by the PIO...

1. In how many days will Appellant's Ration Card be made?

PIO's Reply- It is not concerned with Division.

2. Why is it taking so long time?

PIO's Reply- It will be informed after making.

3. Will compensation be provided to the Appellant for harassment?

PIO's Reply- Nothing

Not satisfied with the PIO's reply, Sudan, the applicant filed his first appeal. However, there was no mention of any order by the First Appellate Authority (FAA).

Sudan then approached the CIC with his second appeal.

During the hearing, Mr Gandhi, the then CIC, noted that Sudan, the appellant had applied for renewal of his ration card in 2007. He had surrendered the old card on 29 May 2007 but has not received any reply from the public authority. He has therefore, asked about the fate of his application, which has not been provided, the Bench observed.

While allowing the appeal, the Bench directed the PIO to "provide the reasons for the delay to the appellant before 20 July 2009". "The PIO will also ensure that the names of those who apply for ration card, dates on which they apply and dates on which ration cards are given should be put up on the websites of the public authority under Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005. If any applications are rejected, this should also be put up with reasons for rejection. The PIO will ensure that this is done by the public authority before 15th August 2009," the Bench said.

CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

Decision No. CIC/SG/A/2009/001215/3997

http://ciconline.nic.in/cic_decisions/SG-06072009-05.pdf

Appeal No. CIC/SG/A/2009/001215

Appellant                                            : Ripu Sudan

                                                                 Delhi-110086

Respondent                                        : AK Singh,

                                                            Assistant Commissioner,

                                                            Office of the Assistant commissioner,                                                                                        N/W District, Food Supplies & Consumer Affairs,

                                                            GNCT of Delhi, CSC, CC Block,

                                                            Shalimar Bagh, Delhi-110 088