CIC disapproves "blanket ban" on disclosure of information

[sidmis]

CIC disapproves "blanket ban" on disclosure of information

As reported in OutLook India, NEW DELHI, JULY 30 (PTI)

Disapproving of the "blanket ban" imposed on disclosure of information collected by the Intelligence Bureau, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider revealing parts of such information to serve the purpose of RTI applicants.

"To apply a blanket ban of disclosure is a matter of wide public concern, because it is handled by an agency outside the jurisdiction of RTI, does not, in our view, appear to be in full conformity with the objective of the Act," Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said.

The Commission said that the MHA could part with the information depending on its nature under the Act when required.

"We recommend to the MHA that it may obtain or hold at least part of the information, of the nature sought by appellant Ashok Mehta, for disclosure under the act when required," the Commissioner said.

The CIC passed the decision while perusing the documents submitted by Mehta, a Gurgaon resident, seeking information regarding Bangladeshi and Pakistani illegal immigrants from the Immigration and Citizenship wing of the MHA.

After being disappointed with the treatment meted out to his RTI application, Mehta approached the CIC contending that the public has a right to know the details of illegal immigrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Commission dismissed his appeal citing that the Intelligence Bureau was exempted under the Act and any information furnished by it to the government is excluded from disclosure.

It disagreed with Mehta's contention that the information sought was related to public interest.

outlookindia.com | wired