Provide info on Anderson's ‘safe exit' by Nov 30: CIC to MEA

PTI, Sep 20, 2010,

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission has directed the external affairs ministry to "provide information" on the alleged safe passage promised to Bhopal gas tragedy accused Warren Anderson during his visit to the country in the aftermath of the world's worst industrial disaster.

The transparency panel, acting on a complaint against the ministry, passed the order giving it time till November 30 to comply with the directive. "The commission...directs the public information officer, ministry of external affairs to provide the information sought by the complainant by November 30, 2010.

"The complainant may also be allowed inspection of relevant filed and be provided with the attested copies of documents, including file notings, if required, keeping in view provisions of...the RTI Act, free of cost," information commissioner Annapurna Dixit held in her order. Applicant Abhishek Shukla had sought to know from the external affairs ministry if it promised any safe passage to Anderson during his visit to India.

"Was any assurance given to US government for not initiating any legal action against Anderson during his visit to India during December 2-10, 1984," he sought to know.