Prez Sect to furnish file notings on Election petition: CIC

[ganpat1956]

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the President's Secretariat to furnish 'file notings' on its decision to seek Election Commission's opinion on a petition against a Cabinet Minister.

A Delhi-based society 'Dr B R Ambedkar Vichar Manch' had filed an application seeking disclosure of file notings relating to a petition against Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar in which she was accused of holding an 'Office of Profit'.

The CIC in its order on Wednesday asked the President Secretariat to provide within 10 days the file notings to the Societies' General Secretary R L Kain, who had also sought information on several counts including queries raised by the President on the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Bill of 2006.

Denying disclosure of the file notings, Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO) of the President's Secretariat had said "... the Competent Authority has decided not to give the notings until a final view is taken by DoPT on the issue."

Rejecting the President's Secretariat's stand to deny disclosure of the file notings, the Commission referred to its full-bench decision of January 29 this year which had brought disclosure of notings under the purview of the RTI Act.

"The plea that DoPT has not taken a final view is immaterial in this matter since DoPT itself is a public authority whereas under the provisions of RTI Act the decision of CIC is final." the panel headed by Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said.

Prez Sect to furnish file notings on Election petition: CIC-India-The Times of India

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