RTI regarding 498-A IPC

CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Appeal No.CIC/WB/A/2007/01515 dated 12.12.2007
Right to Information Act 2005 – Section 19
Appellant - Shri Kollu Durga Prasad
Respondent - Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Facts:
By two RTI applications addressed to Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Law & Justice, both dated 25.7.07 and a third application dated 22.9.07 addressed to the President’s Secretariat Shri Kollu Durga Prasad of Hyderabad has sought the following information:
Application of 25.7.07
“I would like you to study about 498A cases implementation and usage and provide detailed information for following points. If it is possible, please circulate the same information to all departments (Also to major news papers) which are involved in implementing this section.
1. What is the procedure to be following by police and judicial system when a 498A case is field?
2. When a 498A case is filed, if in the police enquiry it was found false, what procedure to be followed.
3. What are the guidelines given to police department and judges to ensure that this act is not misused and innocent people do not suffer?
4. When Mallinath committee suggestions would get implemented.
5. When Supreme Court response for PIL would be taken into consideration when implementing section 498A.
6. Why Jharkhand High Court Decision is not applicable to entire India.
7. From the time section 498A came into place to till date,
a. How many 498A cases are filed in each state, year wise, total out many people got arrested?
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b. Out of these cases how many are genuine and how many are false cases. What is the average time taken for resolving each case?
c. How many are out of court settlements, how much actual court time each case is taking.
d. What is the conviction rate in these cases?
8. Please conduct a study and prepare a report of what is the life style of females who filed 498a cases and also accused in 498a cases. Has it helped anybody?
9. I would like PM’s office opinion on this act.”
Application of 22.9.07
“I would like you to study about 498A cases implementation and usage and provide detailed information for following points. If it is possible, please circulate the same information to all departments (Also to major news papers) which are involved in implementing this section.
1. When Mallinath committee suggestions would get implemented. If not why?
2. What is the action taken on Supreme Court response for a PIL filed against 498A Sushil Kumar Sharma vs. Union of India and Ors. Jul 19, 2005 *citation : JT 2005 (6) SC 266 by Hon’ble Judges : Ajit Pasayat and H. K.Sema, JJ, when implementing Sec. 498A.
3. Why Jharkhand High Court Decision is not applicable to entire India. Chief Justice of Jharkhand Mr. V. K. Gupta on 11.7.2001 against a case “Birendra Jha vs. The State of Jharkhand, A.B.A. No. 4654 of 2001.”
4. What is the action taken by Central Government for the Judgment given by HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE J. D. KAPOOR in case No. 462/2002 19.5.2003
5. What is the action taken by Central Government for the Judgment given by JUSTICE SHIV NARAYAN DHINGRA, IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI Reserved on 12.2.2007, Date of Decision: February 23, 2007. CRL. M.C. 7262/2006 which clearly talks about the procedure to be followed when these cases are filed.
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6. What is the procedure to be following by police and judicial system when a 498A case is field?
7. What are the guidelines given to police department and judges to ensure that this act is not misused and innocent people do not suffer?
8. Why government is not following the rules laid by Supreme Court and high court when courts many times saying these sections are misused.?
9. Statistics of 498A cases with following details in following format:
a. No. of 498A cases filed in each state, year wise from year 1990 to till date.
b. Total No. of accused.
c. No. of people got arrested.
d. No. of people who got anticipatory bail.
e. No. of accused who are women.
f. No. of cases found false at FIR Stage.
g. No. of cases found false as Trial stage.
h. No. of cases got convicted.
i. No. of people got convicted (Male/Female)”
The application to the PMO was transferred on 30.7.07 to the Ministry of Home Affairs and to the Chief Secretary, Andhra Pradesh, upon which Shri Durga Prasad received a response on 3.8.07 from Shri D. R. Meena, CPIO, Dep't. of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice, as follows:
“As per section 2(f) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 a Public Authority may provide information which is held by it or under it s control and a requestor is entitled for information only in respect of categories information as mentioned in Section 2(f) of the said Act. Moreover, a requestor right extend only to seeking information as defined in section 2(f) either by pinpointing the files, documents, papers and records etc or by mentioning the type of information as may be available with the specified Pubic Authority.
As per Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 the basic function of this Department is to render advice to various Ministries/ Departments of the government of India on legal matters, conveyancing etc…… You have vide your aforesaid letter sought opinion of this Department that cannot be tendered in terms of the said rules. Moreover, tendering opinion is also not covered within the ambit of the definition as defined in Section 2 (f) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It is also evident from position
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explained in Para 3 above that you have not sought for any information as defined in Section 2(f) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. However, a copy of your aforesaid request is being forwarded to Ministry of Home Affairs, for action as deems fit.’
He received a further response from CPIO Shri S. K. Bhatnagar, Dy. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs on 13.8.07, as follows:
“You have asked for opinion and conducting study on life style of females who file 498A cases, etc. The matter has been examined in this Ministry and since you have not sought any information as defined in Section 2 (f) of the RTI Act, 2005 no action on the request is taken.’
In this case appellant Shri Durga Prasad preferred two appeals:
1) To the Ministry of Home Affairs in which he has pleaded as follows:
“I would like appellate authority to consider my appeal and my first application in its entirely and directs the CPIO to provide information for each point. If information can’t be provided for certain points, explanation can be given why information can’t be provided. If law minister and government take notice of this issue it would help thousands of people who have been suffering in false cases.
Supreme Court and high courts have commented may times about misuse of these cases and forwarded the Judgments to Law Ministry and other concerned government authority but it seems government has just ignored these judgments and still continuing the laws which are highly misused so I would like to know what government is doing on the issues.’
2) The other appeal of the same date is addressed to the Jt. Secretary, PMO in which he submitted as follows:
“Till now I have not received any information from CPIO’s of Home Secretary, Home Affairs and Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh other than forwarding my application from one office to other office. The CPIO from PMO office also just forwarded my application to these offices but not bothered whether other CPIOs responded to my application or not. Other CPIOs followed same thing and they were also not bothered to answer my application. It is the responsibility of CPIO when forwarding any application to others to make sure that it is addresses on time. If PMO office and Central
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Government does not follow the rules laid by it then who will follow the act.”
Shri S. K. Chattopadhyay, Jt. Secretary and Appellate Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs in his order of 25.9.07 responded as follows:
“The information in respect of points 8 & 9 has already been communicated to you by the Shri D. R. Meena, CPIO, Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Legal Affairs vide his letter No. 21 (305)/2007-IC dated 3.5.2007. Shri S. K. Bhatnagar, Deputy Secretary & CPIO, MHA vide letter of even number dated the 13th August, 2007 had also drawn your attention to the reply already given to you by CPIO Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Legal Affairs. However, inadvertently it was not intimated to you that your application has been transferred by this Ministry to the concerned CPIOs for reply in respect of points 1 to 7 of your application dated 25.7.2007. Thus, there has been no violation of the procedure on the part of Shri S. K. Bhatnagar, Dy. Secretary & CPIO and accordingly your appeal against him stands disposed off.
Anyway copies of your appeal dated 27.8.07 are being forwarded to the concerned appellate authorities in respect of the CPIOs mentioned in Para- above to whom your application was forwarded for necessary action under the Right to Information Act,2005.”
Shri Javed Usmani, Jt. Secretary to Prime Minister and Appellate Authority on his part responded on 25.10.07, as below:
“In transferring your said application to the Ministry of Home Affairs & to the Government of Andhra Pradesh u/s 6 (3) of the RTI Act, the Central Public Information Offer of the PMO has followed the prescribed statutory provisions and has appropriately dealt with your said application.’
In the meantime, Shri Durga Prasad received responses from other Departments to whom the application had been transferred by MHA, as follows:
1) From the Crime Records Bureau on 16.8.07 as follows:
“The requisite details under 498A IPC (Cruelty by husband or His relatives) for last five years from 2001 to 2005 are enclosed. The details include Cases Reported, Persons Arrested, Total Cases for Investigation, Cases found False, True Cases, Cases compounded or withdrawn, Cases in which Trials completed, cases convicted and conviction rate during 2001 to 2005.’
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2) From CPIO Shri N. N. Perumal, Director, Judicial, Judicial Cell of the Ministry of Home Affairs. On the other hand, Shri Kollu Durga Prasad received a more exhaustive reply dated 12.11.07 as below:
“Reply to Question Nos. (i) & (iii): The criteria/ guidelines followed in registering a case under section 498A is similar to registering any other cognizable offence as laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Particularly, Chapter V & VI are applicable as far as arrest of persons or processes to compel appearance.
Reply to Question No. (ii): Section 182 and 211 of Indian Penal Code provide punishment for making wrong complaint and false charges of offence. Similarly Section 358 of Code of Criminal Procedure, deals with cases of groundless arrests.
Reply to Question No. (iv): Acceptance/ implementation of the recommendation/ suggestions made by the Mallimath Committee would require amendments to the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 through an amendment Bill. Since the Criminal Law and the Criminal Procedure are on the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and criminal laws are administered by the State Governments, any amendment to them requires consultation with the States. The report is being processed in consultation with the State Governments and no time frame can be fixed.
Reply to Question No. (v): The Malimath Committee on Reforms of Criminal Justice System in its Report has inter-alia recommended to make Section 498A bailable and compoundable. Acceptance/ implementation of the recommendation/ suggestions made by the Mallimath Committee would require amendments to the Indian Penal Code 1860. Any amendment to the Indian Penal Code requires consultation with the States. The report is being processed in consultation with State Governments and no time frame can be fixed.
Reply to Question No. (vi): The decision/ judgment of a particular High Court is not applicable to the entire country as in the case of a judgment/ decision of the Supreme Court of India. However such decision / judgment of a High Court has a persuasive value in respect of other High Courts.”
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The latter reply was, as can be seen, received by Shri Kollu Durga Prasad after he had received orders on the first appeal from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This information has not been challenged in appeal. The response received from the National Crime Bureau, however, was challenged in an appeal on 27.8.07 addressed to Jt. Secretary (CS) Shri K. Skandan, MHA received in NCRB on 29.8.07 from MHA to which a reply was sent by Shri AC Awasthy Dy. Director (ANT), Appellate Authority, NCRB on 1.10.07 providing the following information:
“Data on Section 498A IPC is available with NCRB from the year 1995. The State/ UT wise and year wise details of cases reported, persons arrested total cases for investigation, cases found false, true cases, cases compounded or withdrawn, cases in which trial completed cases convicted and conviction rate from 1995 to 2005 are enclosed herewith.’
This decision in first appeal has not been challenged.
The application to the President’s Sectt. was on its part transferred on 5.10.07 to the MHA and the Deptt. of Legal Affairs. MHA in turn transferred the matter to the Dy. Secy., Legal Affairs, which in turn through its letter of 15.10.07 further transferred the matter to the MHA Judicial Cell, which in turn responded to the application of Shri Kollu Durga Prasad on 12.11.07, through a letter of CPIO Shri NM Perumal, Director as follows :
“Reply to Question No. (1)
Acceptance / implementation of the recommendation / suggestions made by the Mallimath Committee would require amendments to the Indian Penal Code 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 through an amendment Bill. Since the Crime Law and the Criminal Procedure are on the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and criminal laws are administered by the State Governments, any amendment to them requires consultation with the States. The report is being processed in consultation with the State Governments and no time frame can be fixed.
Reply to Question Nos. (5) & (8)
No guidelines were received by this Ministry relating to section 298A.
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Reply to Question No. (3) :
The decision / judgment of a particular High Court is not applicable to the entire country as in the case of a judgment / decision of the Supreme Court of India. However, such decision / judgment of a High Court have a persuasive value in respect of other High Courts.
Reply to Question Nos. (6) & (7)
The criteria / guidelines followed in registering a case under section 498A is similar to registering any other cognizable offence as laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Chapter V & VI are applicable as far as arrest of persons or processes to compel appearance.
Section 182 & 211 of Indian Penal Code provide punishment for making wrong complaint and false charges of offence. Similarly Section 358 of Code of Criminal Procedure deals with cases of groundless arrests.”
Appellant’s prayer before us in second appeal is as below:
“I would like CIC, Second appellate authority to consider my appeal and my first application in its entirely and directs the CPIO’s to provide information for each point as detailed as possible and also why they have not provided the required information on time.
Supreme Court and high courts have commented many times about misuse of these cases and forwarded the Judgments to Government and concerned government authority but it seems government has just ignored these judgments and still continuing these gender biased laws which are highly misused and thousands of innocent people suffering. So I would like CIC to look into my appeal with kindness and direct the PIO to provide detailed information and also direct the government take necessary action on my application.”
In response to our appeal notice CPIO Shri S. K. Bhatnagar, Dy. Secy. Submitted his letter of 25.3.09 pleading as follows:
“Shri Prasad has alleged in his second appeal to CIC that the reply received by him from Shri Perumal is vague and casual. It is requested that the hearing may be attended by the present CPIO to present the case in respect of Judicial Division.’
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The appeal was heard through videoconference on 24.4.2009. The following are present:
Appellant at NIC Studio, Hyderabad
Sh. Durga Prasad
Respondents at CIC Studio, New Delhi
Sh. M. K. Sharma, Addl. LA & CPIO MoL
Sh. R. K.Srivastava, ALA & CPIO MoL
Sh. A. K. Srivastava, S.O. MoL
Sh. R. P. Nath, Jt. Secy., MHA
Sh. S. K. Bhatnagar, D.S., MHA
Sh. K.K. Majumdar, U.S., MHA
Sh. Mohinder Singh, Dir. , MHA
Sh. R. B. Singh, S.O., NCRB
Sh. Amit Agrawal, Director & CPIO, PMO
We noted that the portion concerning PMO has already been resolved and the CPIO of that public authority is not required. Shri Agrawal, Director, PMO was, therefore, permitted to leave.
Appellant Shri Durga Prasad submitted that there are court orders enjoining certain action on Govt. with regard to implementation of Sec. 498A IPC i.e. harassment of the wife by the husband and his relative and inadequate dowry or non-fulfillment of demands of dowry. He submitted that what he wanted to know was what had been done in compliance of the orders of the Courts. In this matter he has specifically quoted the judgment of Hon’ble J.D. Kapoor J. of the Delhi High Court in CRL R 462/2002 of 19.5.03, Savitri Devi vs. Ramesh Chand & Ors in which the Hon’ble Justice has held as follows:
“31. there is growing tendency to come out with inflated and exaggerated allegations roping in each and every relation of the husband and if one of them happens to be of higher status or of vulnerable standing, he or she becomes an easy prey for better bargaining and blackmailing.
32. These ground realities have persuaded this court to recommend to the authorities and lawmakers to have a review of the situation and legal provision.
33. Copy of the order is sent to Law Secretary, Union of India.”
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Shri Kollu Durga Prasad has quoted very extensively from the following judgments in his application before the President’s Secretariat:
“IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI CRL. M. 7262/2006
Date of Decision: February 23, 2007 Shiv Narayan Dhingra J.”
“IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI CRL. R / 2002
Date of Decision: May 19, 2003
Savitri Devi Versus Ramesh Chand and Ors. J. D. Kapoor J.”
“IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA Criminal Petition no.4121/2003
Date of Decision April 15, 2005
AC Kabbin J
In his argument, however, he has specifically relied on the decision in CRL R 426/2002 Savitri Devi vs. Ram Chander & Ors. of the High Court of Delhi. He was aggrieved with the response from MHA, which he found to be of general nature and does not address the specific question raised by him. However, PIO Sh. Mohinder Singh, Director, Judicial Cell, MHA submitted that such information as is held by the Judicial Cell, which is the nodal office in matters of this nature has been provided to appellant. In addition, Shri M. K. Verma, Addl. L.A. & CPIO Deptt. of Legal Affairs submitted that since the decision of the Delhi High Court pertains to a question concerning women, the matter had been referred to the Ministry of Women & Child Development on 6.2.08. Shri Kollu Durga Prasad, however, submitted that he had received a response from MOW&CD in which the latter has informed him that they have no information in this matter. A copy of this response was shown to us in the hearing.
DECISION NOTICE
Having heard the arguments and examined the records, we find that all information that is held by the public authorities impleaded in the appeal and present in the hearing, has indeed been provided to Shri Kollu Durga Prasad. In response to his question, as to which Ministry is to be held responsible for compliance with the orders of the High Court of Delhi in CRL R 426/2002 –
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Savitri Devi vs. Ram Chander & Ors., we have examined the complete decision of Hon’ble J. D. Kapoor J. In this judgment the learned Judge has dealt extensively with matters relating to dowry death and cases registered u/s 498A/406/306 IPC arising out of domestic violence. He has come to the following conclusion:
“27. It is rightly said sometimes that the remedies are worse than the perils or disease. Having seen and experienced the enforcement of these laws for decades, time has come to take stock and review them as thousands of marriages have been sacrificed at the altar of this provision. In one metropolis alone, thousands divorce cases arising from the cases under Section 498A/406 IPC are pending in Courts. There are equal or more numbers of marriages which are in limbo. What else is it if not a social catastrophe? This should be a matter of concern for social scientists, lawmakers and Judges also. Sterner provisions have failed to make any dent. Menace and evil of dowry is till looming large. In he words of Supreme Court (Pawan Kumar’s case AIR 1998 SC 958) in spite of stringent measures, sections of society are still boldly pursuing this chronic evil to fulfill their greedy desires.
28. It does not mean that the wolves masquerading in the human flesh should be given a free hand. They should rather be dealt with iron hand. Again it is because of tendency to involve innocent persons that the Supreme Court has cautioned the court.
29. To start with, marital offences under Sections 498A/406 IPC be made bail able, if no grave physical injury is inflicted and necessarily compoundable. If the parties decide to either settle their disputes amicably to salvage the marriage or decide to put an end to their marriage by mutual divorce, they should be allowed to compound the offences so that criminal proceedings don’t chase them if they want to start their marital life afresh or otherwise. The past should not haunt them nor the hatred they have buried should be allowed to be dug up and mar their present life or future married life.
30. Lastly in view of sensitivity of such offences and in order to avoid clumsiness in human relations and viewing this problem from human and social point of view, and the law, as it stands today it is required that the investigation into these offices be vested in civil authorities like Executive Magistrates and after his finding as to the commission of the offence, cognizance should be taken. Till such a mechanism is evolved, no police officer below the rank of ACP for the offences under sec. 498A/406 IPC and D.C.P. for the offence
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under Sec. 304-B IPC i.e. dowry death should be vested with investigation and where minor school going children are named, they shall not be arrested and be sent to the court for taking cognizance and further proceedings. Their arrest ruins their future life and lower them in their self-esteem. This fact that their names also figured in the complaint lodged by the wife. In certain cases even grand parents of the husband who are in their eighties and nineties suffer this traumatic situation.
31. There is growing tendency to come out with inflated and exaggerated allegations roping in each and every relation of the husband and if one of them happens to be of higher status or of vulnerable standing, he or she becomes an easy prey for better bargaining and blackmailing.
32. These ground realities have persuaded this court to recommend to the authorities and law makers to have a review of the situation and legal provision.”
As will be clear from the above, the orders of the High Court of Delhi are of general nature. As is also clear from the processing of the RTI application of Sh. Kollu Durga Prasad no complete legislation has resulted there from. The information sought by appellant Sh. Kollu Durga Prasad is now in his possession, which he may use for whatever legal recourse he wishes. The mandate of the RTI Act 2005 however, stands fulfilled. We, therefore, find no merit in this appeal, which is hereby dismissed.
Reserved in the hearing, this decision is announced in the open chamber on this 28th day of April, 2009. Notice of this decision be given free of cost to the parties.
(Wajahat Habibullah)
Chief Information Commissioner
28.4.2009
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Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against application and payment of the charges, prescribed under the Act, to the CPIO of this Commission.
(Pankaj Shreyaskar)
Joint Registrar
27.4.2009
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CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

Block IV, 5th Floor, Old JNU Campus
New Delhi 110067

Appeal No.CIC/AT/A/2006/00074 dated 21.4.’06
Appeal No.CIC/WB/A/07/00679 dated 22.5.’07

Complainant/Appellants:
Mrs. Guninder Kaur Gill
Shri Prabhakar, DCP EOW


Respondents:
Shri Prabhakar, DCP EOW
Shri Jai Parakash APIO
Smt. Bimla Maken, ADJ

Date of Hearing: 31.07.2007
Date of Decision: 02.08.2007

Facts:
By an application of 29-12-‘05 Ms. Guninder Gill of Safdarjung Enclave,
New Delhi applied to the Additional Commissioner Police (Crime) Delhi Police
Hqrs. seeking information on 3 sets of requests:
“1. In the charge sheet submitted by the Crime Branch in the above
court the Crime Branch had taken to investigate the role of
Deutsche Bank to determine their complicity in the crime in
question and to investigate that angle further as some
discrepancies with respect to the statement of Deutsche Bank were
noted. (“Correspondence of the lawyers of Deutsche Bank with
accused BN Singhvi even after the said full and final settlement had
arrived at remain unexplained. Clarification of these points may be
sought from the bank in due course”)
Hence, under the RTI Act please inform to the undersigned:
i. Was any investigation conducted as stated in the charge
sheet to ascertain the complicity of DB?
ii. If yes, what were the results?
2. Vide the undersigned’s letter dated 20.06.05 addressed to Jt CP
(Crime), it was mentioned that the procedure in German Courts is
that the claimant or representative can also sell the claim in the
third party’s name-in this regard- the undersigned requested the
Crime Branch to re-write to Deutsche Bank to obtain the written
statement of their German HO officials on this point.
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Hence under the RTI please inform the undersigned:
i. Was any clarification sought by the Crime Branch on this
point from Deutsche Bank German officials?
ii. If so, a certified copy of the letter and the reply of the
Deutsche Bank officials be provided.
3. As per the Indian Evidence Act, a statement of the German
officials regarding filing of a case in Germany by BN Singhvi
(accused is required to be filed in the trial court. The undersigned,
hence requested as per letter dated 22.08.05 addressed to Joint
Commissioner (Crime) to request Kanga & Co solicitors, who had
replied vide letter dated 25.04.05 on behalf of Deutsche Bank to
provide a copy of the statement of the German officers of Deutsche
Bank as they were holding.
Under the Right to Information Act please inform me:
i. Did Crime Branch write to Kanga & Co/Deutsche
Bank to obtain the statements of the German officials of
Deutsche Bank held by them?
ii. If so, a copy of the letter be certified and provided to
the undersigned.
iii. A copy of the reply of Deutsche Bank/Kanga & Co. in
this regard be certified and provided to the undersigned.
The said requests led to the following questions:
“Under the Right to Information Act, please inform the undersigned:
1. If any investigation was done by the Crime Branch with respect
to these allegations concerning Sh Rajat Singhvi and Smt Asha
Singhvi or not?
2. If yes, what was the conclusion of the investigation?
3. Certified copy of report/findings/investigation of Crime Branch
be provided.
4. Were any specimen signatures of Sh Rajat Singhvi and Smt
Asha Singhvi obtained for purposes of examination and
comparison with the fabricated documents?
5. if yes, certified copies of the same to be supplied to undersigned
including copy of the FSL expert opinion with respect to the
same.
6. The charge sheet made by the Crime Branch relies solely on
the reply of certain officials of Deutsche Bank India who have
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clarified that they have based their reply solely on some records
provided by their Singapore Branch vide their letters dated
6.12.05 and 25.04.05.
Under the Right to Information Act, kindly inform me:
i) Did the Crime Branch send any letter of rogatory to
Deutsche Bank in Germany to obtain the answers in a
format that is legally admissible as evidence as per
the Indian Evidence Act?
ii) If yes, certified copy of the same and reply thereof be
provided to the undersigned.
iii) If not, what is the legal basis of the administrative
decision not to send the letter rogatory in terms of the
Indian Evidence Act?
iv) What is the evidential value of the statement of
Deutsche bank Mumbai officials based on records
solely of Deutsche Bank Singapore Branch with
respect to filing of a case against Deutsche Bank in
Germany? Would it be considered as “proved”,
“disproved or “unproved” as per the Indian Evidence
Act?
v) In this regard, if the crime branch has taken any legal
opinion of the Public Prosecutor, the same be
supplied.
On complaining about the role of Sh. Rajat Singhvi, son of accused
in the above crime, the undersigned had requested the Crime
Branch to seize the computer used in the office of BN Singhvi and
send it for analysis.
Under the Right to Information Act, kindly inform me if the Crime
Branch sent the hard disk of the computer used in the office of BN
Singhvi for analysis to the Forensic Science Laboratory as
requested?
i) if yes, a certified copy of the report may be provided to the
undersigned.
ii) A certified copy of the dump of the hard drive may also be
provided to ascertain if the accused, BN Singhvi engaged in any
correspondence with Deutsche Bank, their solicitors Messrs Rajah
or any third party negotiating on behalf of Deutsche Bank.
1. The undersigned vide
her letter dated 26.09.05 addressed to Jt. CP (Crime) had
requested the Crime Branch
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To file a certified copy of the correspondence with Deutsche Bank
in the trial court to enable the complicity of Deutsche Bank to be
established.
Under the Right to Information Act-please provide with the following
information:
i) Was the correspondence with Deutsche Bank as
requested filed by the Crime Branch in the trial court?
ii) If not kindly provide the basis of the administrative
decision, not to do so.
2. Vide letter dated
21.09.04 addressed to Jt. CP (Crime), the undersigned had
mentioned that the accounts and assets of BN Singhvi be frozen.
In this regard the following information be supplied under the RTI
Act to the undersigned.
i) Whether any account and assets of BN Singhvi was frozen?
ii) If yes, details thereof.
3. Vide letter dated 16-
8-05 the undersigned had requested that the Bar Council of
Maharashtra be intimated where accused BN Singhvi is registered
as advocate vide membership No.560, to take appropriate action
against him.
4. Under RTI Act kindly
inform the undersigned:
i) Whether Bar Council of Maharashtra was intimated by the Crime
Branch or not?
ii) If yes, what action has the Bar Council of Maharashtra taken?
Certified copies of the same be provided.”
In his response of 19-1-2006 Shri Muktesh Chander stated as follows:
“It is to inform you that case FIR No. 395/2004 u/s
406/409/420/467/468/471 IPC PS Connaught Place was registered
on your complaint. After investigation of the case, charge sheet was
filed in the Hon’ble trial court of MM, Patiala House, where the case
is pending trial and is at prosecution evidence stage. The next date
of hearing in the case is fixed for 31-1-2006. The EOW has
informed that throughout the investigation of the above FIR, you
were kept informed of the developments in investigation.
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The information/documents sought for pertaining to the above case
fall under the “Exemptions from disclosure of information. Thus,
the information/documents sought for by you cannot be provided
u/s 8 (1) (h) of the RTI Act 2005.
Against this denial you may file an appeal to the Appellate Authority
i.e. Jt. Commissioner of Police, Crime, Delhi Police Hqrs. IP Estate,
New Delhi within the stipulated time as per provisions in the above
said Act, if so desired.”
In short, the PIO has sought protection of Section 8 (1) (h) in refusing
disclosure of the information sought. Appellant Ms. Guninder Gill therefore,
moved her first appeal on 9-3-2006 before the Jt. Commissioner, Police (Crime)
PHQ New Delhi in which she has disputed that the information sought is
exempted from disclosure u/s 8 (1) (h) arguing as follows:
“Firstly the information asked for by the appellant/complainant is not
covered under this clause as investigation as per EOW is over the
moment they filed the charge-sheet in the Court, it is also not
covered under the second clause of the prosecution of offenders as
the accused is being prosecuted in the trial court where the
examination of the complainant is underway and is fixed for 31-3-
2006, for further examination and the information asked for by the
appellant/complainant would rather help the appellant to get the
accused prosecuted properly and also to ensure that the role of the
other accused persons is brought to the attention of the concerned
court.”
She also pleaded that the denial of the information sought would in fact
help the accused Shri B.N. Singhvi to “get away with the crime”.
The appellate authority Shri Ranjit Narayan, Jt. Commr. Of Police, Crime
had observed as follows:
“With regard to the investigation in respect of Shri Rajat Singhvi,
comments have already been given above. As regards seizure of
computers from the office/residence of the accused, it may be
mentioned that two computers were seized during investigation.
Hard disk of the said computers along with the questioned
writing/material were sent to GEQD, Hyderabad for comparison.
Opinion of GEQD has since been received which had
positively supported the case of Prosecution.1 The said
1 Emphasis ours
6
GEQD’s opinion and the connected records are being submitted in
the court through supplementary challan.
It has already been stated above that during investigation no
evidence to establish the complicity of the Deutsche Bank officials
in the commission of the crime was noticed.”
However, he concluded by stating as follows:
“All the details/documents sought for pertaining to the above
case cannot be provided under the exemption clause 8 (1) (h)
of the RTI Act, 2005.”
Aggrieved by this decision Ms. Gill has moved her second appeal before
us on 19-4-06 in which her prayer was as follows:
“In the light of above facts and grounds, it is, therefore, most
respectfully prayed that the order dated 21-3-06 of Shri Ranjit
Narayan, Jt. Commissioner of Police (Crime) Police Hqrs, New
Delhi may kindly be struck down and they be directed to provide the
information asked for in the enclosed application and appeal, to the
appellant/complainant at the earliest.”
In response to the appeal notice Shri Ranjit Narayan through his letter of
17-5-‘06 responded to each of the grounds of appeal, but re-asserted the
application of Section 8 (1) (h) in this case while stating that “a speaking order
was passed addressing the possible queries of the appellant vis-à-vis the
referred case.”
On this basis the appeal was heard on 8-6-06 by a double Member Bench
consisting of Information Commissioner Shri A.N. Tiwari and Information
Commissioner Prof. M.M. Ansari who in a decision notice dated 8-6-06 had
directed as follows:
“Upon hearing the arguments in the case we notice that there is a
certain lack of clarity regarding what exact information the appellant
now needs after what she has already received from the public
authority through its CPIO. The appellant may, therefore, send a
clarificatory letter to the CPIO listing the exact information she
requires. The CPIO shall process the appellant’s communication
within 10 days of its receipt as per the provisions of the RTI Act and
make a suitable response.”
7
Accordingly, in her letter of 4-8-06 Ms. Guninder Gill detailed the
information that she has sought to Shri Mukhtesh Chander, Addl. Commnr.
Crime and CPIO categorized under the following heads:
i) Hard drive
ii) Deutsche Bank
iii) Other Accused
To this she received a response from Addl. Commr. Crime and PIO in
which although some information has been given under each head, it is stated
that the GEQD, Hyderabad’s opinion, to whom the hard discs have been sent,
has been submitted in the learned Trial Court and hard discs stand deposited in
the Police Station Malkhana. However, information sought has again been
argued to be exempt u/s 8 (1) (h) of the RTI Act under all three heads. Pleading
non-compliance and therefore contempt towards orders of the Central
Information Commission by the Crime Branch of Police Hqrs. Ms. Guninder Gill
moved a further petition before us on 13-9-‘06 in which her prayer repeated the
request made in her first appeal. She followed this up with another letter of 15-
12-‘06 accusing respondents of misrepresenting the facts before the Commission
and of an effort at intimidation. In the meantime Information Commissioner Shri
A.N. Tiwari constituting the bench hearing the case reported through a note on
file on 11-6-2007 as follows:
“There is no doubt that the behavior of the appellant in this case
was offensive and contemptuous. In the absence of specific
powers of the Commission to deal with such outbursts of anger and
offensive behavior by appellants during hearings, no precise action
could be taken at that moment against the appellant, or even later.
I was not inclined to initiate any action, which would later on turn
out to be indefensible, or could even be embarrassing to the
Commission.
After careful consideration, I have decided to desist from pursuing
any action against the appellant. However, I would like to that this
appeal is better heard by another Bench, preferably a Division
Bench, on a date considered convenient to the Bench.”
Accordingly since the Chief Information Commissioner constitutes the
present Bench for Delhi Police a full bench was constituted for hearing this case
8
comprised of Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, Information
Commissioner Prof. M.M. Ansari and Information Commissioner Mrs. Padma
Balasubramanian.
In the meantime, we were approached by Shri Prabhakar, DCP & PIO
EOW Crime, Delhi with an appeal against the order passed by Smt. Bimla Makin,
A.D.J. in the office of District & Session Judge, Delhi and First Appellate
Authority under the RTI Act: The appellant appeared personally and he was
heard by the CIC on 5-7-07. The appellant has prayed staying of an impugned
order passed by the FAA.
In this appeal petition, the appellant had submitted as follows:
i) “Subject matter being a hard disk has been seized in
connection with a criminal case and that the trial court has
rejected giving a copy of the said hard disk.
ii) RTI application in the instant case was moved before the
Director of Prosecution and that neither the Director of
Prosecution nor the office of the District & Sessions Judge,
Delhi, are the appropriate public authorities for entertaining
the RTI application.
In regard to a similar matter, an appeal has already been
pending before the CIC which was listed for hearing today by the
Full Bench and the hearing has been adjourned at the request of
appellant Smt. Guninder Gill.”
In this case appellant has challenged the order dated 2-6-2007 passed by
Ms. Bimla Makin, 1st Appellate Authority of the office of District & Sessions Judge
under the RTI Act. The appeal was to be heard on 17-7-07 and notices to that
effect were issued to the appellant as well as to the FAA. The appellant
appeared again and produced a copy of the order passed by the FAA whereby
the appellant had been directed to appear before the SHO, PS Sarojini Nagar on
13-7-2007 for the purpose of handing over copies of the hard disc that is the
subject matter of appeal. The appellant had also submitted that if stay is not
granted, the appeal petition filed by him will be rendered infructuous.
9
Under these circumstances, the Commission was satisfied that this is a fit
case that justifies grant of a stay. Accordingly, it was ordered that the operation
of the impugned orders dated 2-6-07 and 13-7-07 passed by the FAA shall
remain stayed till the 2nd appeal submitted before this Commission is heard and
decided.
Accordingly, both the cases were clubbed for a hearing on 31-7-2007.
The case was heard by full Bench and following are present
Appellant:
Ms. Guninder Kaur Gill (observer in case No 000679)
Respondents:
Shri Prabhakar, DCP/EOW, PIO (appellant in case No 00679)
Shri Rajinder Singh Ghumman, DCP, Legal Cell (-do-)
Shri R.S. Chauhan ACP/IO, EOW Crime (-do-)
APIO, Patiala House Court
Shri Ajit Singh, APIO/Supdt, District court, Tis Hazari, Delhi
Mr. Iqbal Khan, Sr. Asstt, Tis Hazari Delhi
Shri A.K. Gupta, PIO of Director of Prosecution
Observers:
Mr. M.K. Tyagi,
Ms. Jasbir Gill
Submissions by Appellant:
Opening the argument, the appellant Ms. Guninder Gill raised strong
objection to the presence of Shri Prabhakar, DCP EOW and said that the matter
has already been decided and disposed of by the Central Information
Commission and as per the said order; the information had to be provided within
10 days of the order. The duty of the police is to assist the citizens. Appellant
had suffered a huge theft of money, information about which is contained in the
hard disk that is in the Malkhana of PS Sarojini Nagar in the form of case
property. Unless the case property is disclosed, she would not be able to get her
money.
The appellant said when the order of the appellate authority was not
complied, she had to file contempt petition. She therefore argued that PIO has a
10
personal liability and he has to appear himself rather than DCP Prabhakar EOW
or DCP (Law) PHQ appearing on his behalf.
Ms. Gill produced a copy of a note addressed by Shri Shantanu
Sen, OSD, Public Grievances to the Lieutenant Governor, Delhi addressed to the
Commissioner of Police Delhi dated 20-6-07, which concludes as follows:
“Shri R.S. Chauhan ACP declaring himself as “Crl. (Criminal)
Counsel, GNCT of Delhi” has filed a criminal writ against this order
in the Delhi High Court and obtained interim ex parte stay. He
appeared himself in the Hon’ble High Court. The State Govt.
consent in a State Appeal is sacrosanct. This prima-facie could be
misconduct and after due examination and deliberation, a report
may be sent for LG’s perusal.”
Ms Gill therefore argued that Mr. Prabhakar DCP EOW or Shri R.S.
Ghumman, DCP (Law) are not entitled to represent the State as they have no
authority to be present. They have been continuously disregarding the orders of
the Director of Prosecution as well as of the LG of Delhi. These officers having
been rejected by the High Court should not be entertained by the CIC. She
wanted them to show their vakalatnama for the appearance on behalf of the
State.
Appellant Ms. Guninder Gill said that they had submitted the report before
the trial court only after one and a half years of receiving the same. As per
section 25 Cr.P.C. once challan is filed in the court, the jurisdiction of the
investigating agency is over. The respondent opposed her application for
information before the court but the public prosecutor who represents the State
supported her application before the court. Filing of 261 pages of the hard disc
before the trial court as mentioned in the order of the Metropolitan Magistrate is
only a misstatement by respondents. The prosecution is not relying on 261
pages but on all the 3 hard discs in their entirety. The police is only being
recalcitrant saying that the prosecution is relying only on 261 pages.
11
Appellant submitted that the respondents have only on 13.3.2007 at 5 PM
rushed to the Malkhana and sent the hard discs hurriedly to Hyderabad so that
the appellant should not get copy of the hard discs. She also objected to the
respondents saying that they would place before the trial court “only documents
relevant to the case”.
Appellant submitted that on the asking of the respondents, she
approached the trial court where instead of supporting the appellant, they
opposed her. She also approached two agencies for copies of evidence at any
stage of trial under the High Court Rules. She only wanted electronic documents
of the hard discs and not printouts because in the electronic documents she
could be sure that they had not been tampered with. Appellant said that
therefore she is not asking for any case property. She is only asking for its
copies in electronic form.
Appellant submitted that the Investigating Officer (IO) before depositing
the case property in Malkhana should have taken permission of the Trial Court
for doing so. The case property is now the property of the court and not the
property of the respondents. She said that if the police wishes to keep an object
in Malkhana, it has to apply to the court for permission and the permission is
granted only on an indemnity being executed by the police to the effect that as
and when the same is required by the court, it should be produced before it.
Appellant also raised objection as to why the police have removed the
case property from Malkhana of PS Sarojini Nagar when there is order not to
move the case property from the said Malkhana.
Submissions by Respondents:
To appellant’s argument regarding orders of the OSD , LG’s office Shri
Ranjit Narain Jt Commissioner has responded through a letter of 18-7-07 in
which he has addressed each of the questions placed before Lt. Governor and
also requested Secretary to LG to look into the circumstances in which an official
reference emanating the office of LG and addressed to the Commissioner of
12
Police came into the possession of Ms. Guninder Gill, which in his view was “to
the detriment to the investigating agency and to the writ petition filed in the High
Court by the investigating agency leading to dismissal on technical grounds”.
We observed that the respondents have continuously denied information
to the appellant on the ground of 8(1) (h) of the RTI Act. Considering that the
case was initiated on the basis of an FIR filed by appellant Ms Gill, respondents
were asked to justify how 8(1) (h) applies in this case. In response respondents
submitted that the information contained in 3 hard discs and 3 cases are
registered against the same persons, B.M. Singhvi, Advocate. These properties
belonged to B.N. Singhvi. If we open the seal and disclose the information to Ms.
Guninder Gill, the only person who is going to be benefited will be the accused.
In the process, the hard disc if opened may be destroyed and can spoil the
prosecution case.
We asked the respondents that, if disclosing the contents of the hard
disc would compromise the case of the appellant, then why did they not simply
tell her so instead of denying information under 8(1) (h). Respondents submitted
that firstly, the information sought was about giving of hard disc, later it was
changed to a request for image of those hard discs. We had to send that hard
disc to Hyderabad after formulating certain questionnaires and filed the same
before the trial court.
Respondents submitted that Ms. Guninder Gill had already approached the
trial court for the same information but the trial court had rejected her request.
Prosecution relied only on 261 pages, which were report based on the
questionnaire formulated by them. Even now, they do not know what exactly is
contained in the hard disc. Ms. Guninder Gill subsequently engaged an
Advocate B.N. Singhvi who misrepresented by showing certain forged
documents and said that he was pursuing the matter in a German court and
defrauded her of huge sum of money. The said B.N. Singhvi was arrested and
has been in jail for 3 years now.
13
When asked that since the information was not held by respondents, why
did they not transfer the same to the authority that held it, respondents said that
they have no conflict with the Directorate of Prosecution but the disclosure of
information would impede the prosecution.
Respondents further submitted that the Investigating Agencies do not take
any order from the Directorate of Prosecution. In this connection, Shri Prabhakar
PIO relied on the judgment of the Supreme Court in `R. Sarala vs. T.S. Velu &
ors.’ Reported in 2000 II AD (Cr.) SC 237 which held that
“The power of the Officer-in-Charge of the police station is subject
only to the supervision of superior police officers in rank as
envisaged in Section 36 of the Criminal Procedure Code. There is
no stage during which the investigating officer is legally
obliged to take the opinion of a Public Prosecutor or any
authority, except the aforesaid superior police officer in rank.”
2
But the detailed judgment in this case also explained as follows:
“Investigation and prosecution are two different facets in the
administration of criminal justice. The role of Public Prosecutor is
inside the court, whereas investigation is outside the court.
Normally the role of Public Prosecutor commences after
investigating agency presents the case in the court on culmination
of investigation. Its exception is that Public Prosecutor may have to
deal with bail applications moved by the parties concerned at any
stage. Involving the Public Prosecutor in investigation is
unjudicious as well as pernicious in law. At any rate no
investigating agency can be compelled to seek opinion of a Public
Prosecutor under the orders of court. Here is a case wherein the
investigator officer concerned is directed by the High Court to take
back the case from the court whereas it was laid by him after
completing the investigation and he is further directed to consult the
Public Prosecutor and submit a fresh charge-sheet in tune with the
opinion of the Public Prosecutor, is such a course permissible in
law?”
Respondents submitted that they are here to help the complainant and not the
accused. They will do every thing possible within the four walls of law to help
2 Emphasis ours
14
Ms. Guninder Gill as they have already done. They have sent all the 3 hard
discs to the Hyderabad laboratory on 17.7.’06 and are waiting for their print-out.
Once they have received the printouts, they will decide what documents out of
those printouts are relevant to the case and then they will produce the same
before the trial court.
Respondents submitted that the appellant submitted her first application on
10th October, 2006. On 18th November, the then Directorate of Prosecution
treated this application under the RTI Act and asked the appellant to deposit
fees. PIO of the prosecution bifurcated the RTI request of the appellant and sent
one copy to DCP, New Delhi and another to PIO of District Courts Tis Hazari,
which cannot exercise the jurisdiction of an appellate authority over the
jurisdiction of another public authority. He said that two parallel proceedings
under the RTI Act cannot take place simultaneously at two places.
Shri Prabhakar clarified that the moment an item involved in a crime
is seized, it becomes case property. Release order for this case property
can be passed only by the trial court. This is no longer the property either
of respondent or Director of Prosecutions. Respondents further submitted
that the information asked by the appellant is contained in hard disc that is a
case property that is kept in Malkhana as documents are kept as documents in
judicial files.
Director of Prosecution was and is aware of the order of the trial court
dated 16th October, 2006. The prosecution itself knows that once a case
property is seized through seizure memo, neither the investigating Agency nor
the Prosecution is owner thereof except the trial court. The Metropolitan
Magistrate, New Delhi in his order dated 16-1-2006 has directed as follows:
“However, after hearing the submissions and going through the file
I am of the view that she is not entitled to get the certified
copies of the said Hard Discs as sought in the present
application, as she is entitled only to the documents which are
15
relied upon by the prosecution whereas the alleged Hard Disc,
recovered from the accused in some other matter, also contain
some personal information of the accused. 3 In the facts of the
case the prosecution is relying upon a set of 259 computer
generated pages technically stated as images of the in stored text
of the Hard discs recovered whose copies have already been
supplied to the complainant and thus she is not entitled to get more
than that relied upon. Moreover the apprehension of the IO that the
same may be corrupted during the whole process and it is quite
risky to de seal the same unless the same is proved by the GEQD
is justified.”
Respondents are holding this information for the trial court. The order
passed by the APIO, Patiala House, therefore, constitutes contempt of the trial
court.
Respondents submitted that APIO is not empowered to entertain RTI
applications. He is to discharge only certain responsibility in the absence of the
PIO. He himself says that he is not custodian of the case property. He therefore
has no authority to direct the case property to be given to Ms. Guninder Gill.
Respondents further reiterated that neither they nor the Directorate of
Prosecution has any power under the Cr.P.C. to decide the fate of the case
property. He wanted the prosecution to cite one single precedent where the
Directorate of Prosecution has asked the Investigating Officer to disclose case
property to the complainant.
Arguments of Prosecution Branch, Patiala House:
Mr. Khan of the Prosecution Branch, New Delhi Courts, Patiala House
submitted that the application of Ms. Guninder Gill was forwarded to them by the
Directorate of Prosecution. One copy of it was sent to PIO of District & Sessions
Court and another copy to DCP New Delhi District. It was thus sent to two
Public Authorities. He cited the provisions of Sec 6 (3) the RTI Act, whereby if
one Public Authority does not have the information sought, he forwards it to
another Public Authority who holds that information. Therefore, this Public
3 Highlighted by us
16
Authority sent the request to APIO of the Trial Court, New Delhi Courts, Patiala
House where the trial was being held. They also wrote to the Ahlmad of the
court asking him that copy of the hard disc be prepared and supplied to the
appellant. However, he did not supply the same. Instead, the Ahlmad said that
hard discs are not deposited in the court and is still lying with the Malkhana. In
this connection, Smt. Mamta Sehgal and DCP were also approached. They did
not give this information to the appellant because they did not have this
information.
APIO, Patiala House Court has not ordered disclosure but has observed that,
“In view of the above facts it is directed that a copy of this order
along with copy of application dated 12-12-2006 be sent to Ms.
Mamta Sehgal, Ld. Appellate Authority and the Ld. District &
Sessions Judge, Delhi, seeking further instructions/directions in
the matter. A copy of the order be also sent to Shri Paul, PIO, Dte.
Of Prosecution and DCP/PIO, New Delhi District for information
and further action under intimation to this office.”
PIO Directorate of Prosecution:
PIO, Directorate of Prosecution who was present in the hearing raised the
following objections on a point of law: he referred to Section 19(1) of the RTI Act
and submitted that the said section does not empower any PIO or APIO to file an
appeal before the CIC and as per the said provision, it is only the aggrieved
‘person’ who is the information seeker who can file such appeal. He further
submitted that if PIO or CPIO starts filing appeal before the CIC, the entire
purpose of RTI Act will become infructuous.
Points:
- Respondents made no submission on the maintainability of their appeal.
In fact, they were silent when the PIO, Prosecution referred to provisions
of Section 19 of the RTI Act according to which only information seeker
has the right to prefer appeal before the CIC.
- It was not specifically pleaded whether the case property can be disclosed
to the appellant.
17
- The appellant also did not make submission on vacation of stay or
compliance of the order of Smt. Bimla Maken.
The issues to be decided, inter-alia, are —
1. Whether the information sought by the appellant Ms. Guninder Gill falls
under the exclusion clause of Section 8(1) (h) of the RTI Act?
2. Whether the petition moved before us by Ms Gill is to be treated as a
further hearing of the appeal or as a contempt petition
3. Whether the CPIO, who represents a public authority has the authority u/s
19 (1) to move an appeal against the orders of an appellate authority of
another public authority?
DECISION NOTICE:
Issue No.1:
It is quite clear that this is a prosecution initiated at the behest of appellant
Ms. Guninder Gill. It is also clear that investigation has been completed and the
matter is at the stage of prosecution. The judgment cited by respondents in
support of their argument is “R. Sarla vs. T.S. Velu & Ors.” But the detailed
judgment in this case also explained as follows:
“Investigation and prosecution are two different facets in the
administration of criminal justice. The role of Public Prosecutor is
inside the court, whereas investigation is outside the court.
Normally the role of Public Prosecutor commences after
investigating agency presents the case in the court on culmination
of investigation. Its exception is that Public Prosecutor may have to
deal with bail applications moved by the parties concerned at any
stage. Involving the Public Prosecutor in investigation is
unjudicious as well as pernicious in law. At any rate no
investigating agency can be compelled to seek opinion of a
Public Prosecutor under the orders of court. Here is a case
wherein the investigation officer concerned is directed by the High
Court to take back the case from the court whereas it was laid by
him after completing the investigation and he is further directed to
consult the Public Prosecutor and submit a fresh charge-sheet in
tune with the opinion of the Public Prosecutor, is such a course
permissible in law?”
18
This decision will apply quite understandably at the investigation level, but
not at the level of prosecution. As explained by appellant in the hearing she
needs to satisfy herself that the police is not seeking to cover up for the accused
in this case as a result of suspicion having aroused for the reasons mentioned in
her petition to the LG. We can, therefore, find no grounds for respondents
denying information sought to appellant on the basis of Section 8 (1) (h)
when she herself is the initiator of the prosecution and the director of prosecution
agreeing that this is not the case. It will be clear from the above that this matter
had been referred to GEQD, Hyderabad whose report had also been received.
This was, in fact, made clear in the order of the First Appellate Authority on 21-3-
06. We find however that as admitted by respondent in the hearing they have
again sent the impugned document/discs to GEQD Hyderabad on 17-7-2007,
after the issue of stay order by us at their request. Although, Shri Prabhakar,
CPIO apologized for this contempt during the hearing this has led us to suspect
the bonafides of the Delhi Police (Crime branch) in pursuing this case.
This brings us to the argument that the documents sought are the property
of the court and moreover in light of the orders of trial court their disclosure will
amount to contempt of court. They have contested the authority of the Ahlmad in
stating that the information is not the property of the Court. Even if this argument
is accepted, in that case the request for information should have been transferred
to the trial court u/s 6 (3) (i). This has not been done. Instead respondents have
repeatedly denied access to appellant Ms Gill on the grounds of Sec 8(1) (h).
The appellate authority under RTI in the office of the trial court has
ordered disclosure on which respondents have not moved for contempt in light of
their stand that the order was passed by Judge Ms Bimla Maken as appellate
authority under RTI and not in her judicial capacity as Additional District &
Sessions Judge. They have instead moved the Hon’ble High Court where their
plea for stay has failed. We therefore see no reason to interfere in the orders of
appellate authority Additional District & Sessions Judge Ms Bimla Maken. The
19
stay order 13.7.’07 is vacated. The information sought by the appellant be
made available to her as directed by appellate authority, Office of the
District & Sessions Judge within 10 days of the date of issue of this
decision notice under intimation to us. As per 7 (6) this information will be
provided free of charge
This disposes of issue no 1.
Issue No. 2
Appellant’s case is that the Decision of 1.6.’06 by CIC was in her favour
and information was to be provided to her within ten days of the date of the
Decision of 1.6.’06. Therefore her petition is of contempt and certain individuals
present have no right to appear in a contempt petition directed against specific
individuals Shri Ranjit Narayan, Jt Commissioner (Crimes) and Shri Muktesh
Chander Additional Commissioner Police (Crimes). We have perused the order
cited which is quoted above. It only requires that the CPIO process appellant’s
communication within ten days of its receipt. That communication dated 4.8.’06
has in fact been responded to on 14.8.’06 well within the time limit postulated.
The petition has therefore been treated as an extension of appellant Ms Gill’s
appeal, and it is in that context that the hearing is held. In that context it is open
to CPIO to “seek the assistance of any other officer as he or she considers it
necessary for the proper discharge of his or her duties” [sec 5(4)]. The CPIO was
therefore within his rights to seek the assistance of those present as designated
by the Commissioner of Police by Notification XXIV/29/SPL./C&T[AC-1]PHQ
issued on 7.12.’06 read with Addendum of 19.12.’06. This issue thus stands
disposed of.
Issue No. 3
The appeal No. CIC/WB/A/2007/00679 before us stands decided in light of
the above decision. However, it raises a basic issue, which is whether a public
20
authority can appeal the decision of a PIO/Appellate Authority under the RTI Act.
We have therefore proceeded to address this issue.
Section 19(2) recognizes the right of a third party to submit an appeal
before the First Appellate Authority. Section 19(2) reads as under:
“19(2) where an appeal is preferred against an order made by a
Central Public Information Officer or a State Public
Information Officer, as the case may be, under section 11 to
disclose third party information, the appeal by the concerned
third party shall be made within thirty days from the date of
the order.”
The definition of “third party” as given under Section 2(n) includes a Public
Authority. Section 2(n) is reproduced as under:
“2(n) "third party" means a person other than the citizen making a
request for information and includes a public authority.”
. Section 2(n) is a definition clause and definition clause under the Rules of
Interpretation is one that defines a concept and insofar as that particular
enactment is concerned, the meaning is applicable to the term wherever it is
used in that enactment. Thus, the term “third party” wherever it occurs in the RTI
Act shall ipso facto include a Public Authority. Over and above the definition of
“third party” is an inclusive one, which makes it’s meaning wide and extensive.
. In this context, Section 11(1) is pertinent. Under Section 11(1), whenever
a CPIO intends to disclose an information or record —
(i) which relates to and has been treated as confidential by that
`third party’; or
(ii) which has been supplied by a third party and has been
treated as confidential by that third party
the CPIO shall give a written notice to such third party of the request and of his
intention to disclose the information.
21
. Section 19(2) confers a right on a Public Authority of preferring an appeal
before the First Appellate Authority against the decision of CPIO. Thus, if the
CPIO decides to disclose information that relates to a Public Authority and if the
Public Authority has treated the information as confidential, it can submit an
appeal before the First Appellate Authority under Section 19(2) of the RTI Act.
. The issue still remains as to whether a Public Authority can appeal against
the decision of its own CPIO. In this context, the opening words of Section 19(1)
are important. It says that any person can prefer an appeal who —
(i) does not receive a decision within time specified; or
(ii) is aggrieved by a decision of the CPIO
It may be mentioned that the word `person’ has not been defined in the Act
but it is wide enough to include a Public Authority, which is a juristic entity and as
such is a “person” in the eye of law.
The right of appeal is a legal right and is available to every aggrieved party
to a proceeding and this right cannot be taken away unless law explicitly provides
it.
Insofar as an appeal before the CIC is concerned, Section 19(3) of the Act
refers, which reads as under:
“19(3) A second appeal against the decision under sub-section (1) shall lie
within ninety days from the date on which the decision should have
been made or was actually received, with the Central Information
Commission or the State Information Commission;
Provided that the Central Information Commission or the State
Information Commission, as the case may be, may admit the
appeal after the expiry of the period of ninety days if it is satisfied
that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the
appeal in time.”
The opening words of the sub-section makes it clear that the 2nd appeal is
against the decision passed by the First Appellate Authority and it can be
preferred by any of the aggrieved parties. Issue No 3 is so disposed of.
22
Announced on 2.8.’07. Notice of this decision be given free of cost to the
parties.
(Wajahat Habibullah) (Padma Balasubramanian)
Chief Information Commissioner Information Commissioner
2-8-2007 2-8-2007
(Prof. M. M. Ansari)
Information Commissioner
2-8-2007
Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against
application and payment of the charges prescribed under the Act to the CPIO of
this Commission.
(L.C.Singhi)
Addl. Registrar
3-8-2007
http://cic.gov.in/CIC-Orders/Decision_02082007_02.pdf