PIO removing Information from file before yr Inspection

[vijendra singh]

If PIO or the CIC allows /directs the applicant to inspect the related office files ;& cunningly the PIO removes knowingly some important papers from those files[to deny the info indirectly] , is there any remedy left for the applicant then? Secondly, if applicant is 1000 kms away from the PIO , & expresses his inability for longer tour ;& the PIO is having branch in applicant's city ;Is then the PIO bound to accede applicant's request ? Pl tell Rules.

[colnrkurup]

Firstly, this is a common practice I have observed in many cases where I had resorted to the inspection of files. In normal cource, this could be caught by scrutinsing the Noting as it is not easy to fabricate the notes which speak the truth though in one case I have found that the entire notes are recast using sheets of paper appearing old. Nothing could be done in that case. In one of the cases, on identifying this trick, I had sought copies of certain selected pages of the Office note and proved that it does not corraborate with the reply and complained to the SIC that the PIO has malafidely denied me the information by removing the information which otherwise should have been existing in the file as per the file notings(copy produced) Of course this is still pending with the SIC
You are at liberty to inspect document where it is kept/held by the public authority. The PIO is not duty bound to arrange to transport the document to the office near your home. In legal terms you can inspect them where it is held. If the applicant expresses his inability for longer tour, as for as the PIO is concerned ' you may not take longer tour' and 'may not inspect - after all it is your requirement and the PIO has nothing to do with it. He is also right. Why should the public authority incur expenditure and efforts to fulfill your wish ? The catch word is "HELD"