RTI can't be invoked for Army's data: CIC

[ganpat1956]

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has disposed of a RTI appeal wherein the appellant sought a formal apology from the President of India over Indian Army's alleged failure to acknowledge the heroics of his late Brigadier father during a military operation in Kashmir, on grounds that it beyond its purview.

Jugvir Inder Singh in his appeal sought amendments to Army's historical records or conducting a fresh research into the contributions of his father, Brigadier Rajendra Singh during Army's military operation during 1947-48 conflict in Kashmir.

"It may be stated straight-away that under the RTI Act, it is not possible for this Commission to direct the Ministry of Defence to carry out amendments or to mount fresh research on the contributions of Brigadier Rajendra Singh", said Information Commissioner AN Tiwari.

Taking note of Singh's grievance against the Ministry of Defence, the Commission expressed that the RTI Act is not the proper avenue to realise his objectives.

"The appellant nurtures a sense of grievance against the respondents for what he considers to be their failure to give his father late Brig Rajendra Singh his rightful due...He also seems to think that history as recorded now has done scant justice to late Brig Rajendra Singh", said the CIC.

Over the issue of access to historical records, maps, war diaries, as also sought in the RTI appeal, the Commission has permitted Singh to approach the Army Headquarters to permit him access to historical records kept by the Historical Division of the Ministry of Defence.

RTI can't be invoked for Army's data: CIC : HindustanTimes.com