Order from RTI commissioner's office sparks off debate

Prasad Kulkarni, TNN, Sep 30, 2010; PUNE:

An order given by the state Right to Information (RTI) commissioner office saying that information available on public domains should not be demanded under the RTI Act has sparked off a debate among activists.

Appellant Bhagvan Nivadekar of Kothrud had demanded information regarding the rules related to the records of 7/12 abstract at the tehsil office, Haveli. Speaking to TOI, Nivadekar said, "As per the RTI Act, the information that I was seeking should have been available at the tehsil office, but it was not so. Which is why I took recourse of the RTI Act, but even then the information was not given to me. Consequently, I appealed to the higher authorities and then to the RTI commissioner. I was shocked by their reply where I was duly advised not to seek information available on a public domain. This is not right or in accordance with the law."

He said he is pursuing the issue with the governor's office. "It should be probed how such an order could be given by the RTI commissioner's office. I have requested the governor to look into the matter."

Activist Vivek Velankar said, "The order hints that an appellant should not seek information, which most activists, including me, feel is against the basic aim of the RTI Act."

Echoing Velankar's sentiment, activist Vijay Kumbhar said that such an order, which prevents citizens from seeking information, is incorrect, "There is no provision in the law that prevents the public from seeking information available on the public domain. In fact, it is easier to give out information already available on a public domain."

When contacted, RTI commissioner Vijay Kuvalekar said, "Whatever I had to say, I have said it in the order. Commenting on it will not be right on my part."