RTI: Security cover info denied
AS Reported in
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com 13 Jun 2008,
CHANDIGARH: The concern for "security" and utilization of public money
forced a Panchkula resident to move an application under the Right to
Information Act seeking details regarding deployment of Punjab cops on
VIP security duties. He also wanted to know the reasons for providing
security cover to "significant" persons, daily expenditure incurred on
such security and more importantly who was bearing the cost.
Shakti Paul Sharma, the appellant, added that he didn't intend to know
the details of security cover given to CM, governor, cabinet
ministers, judges, government buildings, state-owned buildings etc.
Despite this, the authorities concerned replied that as per a
government notification, the
RTI Act did not apply to their security
wing. Following this, Sharma's lawyer Sapan Dhir moved second appeal
and chief information commissioner, Punjab, has fixed the case for
July 9.
The application raised significant queries regarding the number of
police personnel deputed on security duties and names and designations
of the officers on whose orders the cover was provided. Also, posers
were taken up on the names and status enjoyed by the people to whom
security cover was given. Moreover, the
RTI plea also focused on the
reason for providing security and total expenses incurred till date.
The experts point out that though under the Article 21 of the
Constitution it was the state's duty to protect its citizens along
with maintaining law and order by providing security cover to a
person, who is having threat to his life, however, it could not be
claimed to flaunt it as a status symbol. The threat to life should be
real.
Even if the security was provided immediately on demand, authorities
are entitled to inquire into the correctness of facts stated by the
person seeking security cover. The aim to file this application was
that on public money is being spent on the such security covers
provided by the state government," said Dhir.
RTI: Security cover info denied-Chandigarh-Cities-The Times of India