The Central Information Commission (Management) Regulations, 2007

CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION Block No. IV (5th Floor), Old JNU CampusNew Delhi-110067

NOTIFICATIONNo.CIC/Legal/2007/006 Dated: 21st June, 2007

It is notified for general information that the Central Information Commission (Management) Regulations, 2007 framed under Section 12(4) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 shall come into force with immediate effect.

( L.C. Singhi )Joint Secretary (Law) andAdditional Registrar

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The Central Information Commission (Management) Regulations, 2007

New Delhi dated June 13, 2007

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 12(4) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (Act 22 of 2005) and all other provisions in the Act enabling in this behalf, the Chief Information Commissioner hereby makes the following Regulations for management of the affairs of the Central Information Commission so as to enable it to function effectively.

Chapter-1:

Short Title and Commencement:-

(i) These Regulations may be called "the Central Information Commission (Management) Regulations, 2007.

(ii) They shall come into force with effect from such date as the Chief Information Commissioner may by order specify.

(iii) Appeals and Complaints which have already been filed before the date of commencement of these Regulations and have been found in order and are already registered before this date will be proceeded with as before and shall not abate for any infirmity therein but these regulations will be applicable for any prospective action even in regard to such pending appeals and complaints.

2. Definitions:-

In these Regulations unless the context otherwise requires, -

(a) "Act" means the Right to Information Act, 2005 (Act 22 of 2005);

(b) "Appellant" includes a complainant.

(c) "Commission" means the Central Information Commission;

(d) "Chief Information Commissioner" means the Chief Information Commissioner appointed under the Act.

(e) "CPIO" ("PIO" in case of the Union Territories and the State of Delhi) means an officer designated by a public authority under Section 5(1) of the Act and includes an Assistant CPIO/PIO so designated or notified under Section 5(2) of the Act and it also includes —

(i) an officer to whom an application submitted under the Right to Information Act seeking certain information is transferred under Section 5(4) of the Act; and

(ii) any officer to whom the request for information from an applicant is submitted by the CPIO/PIO either for approval or for orders or for disposal; and

(iii) the Head of the public authority in case no CPIO/PIO is appointed or notified;

(f) "Decision" includes an order, direction or determination of an issue.

(g) "First Appellate Authority" means an authority so appointed or notified by the public authority under the Act and includes a head of the office or the head of the public authority if no first appellate authority is appointed or notified.

(h) "Information Commissioner" means an Information Commissioner appointed under the Act and a "Designated Commissioner" means an Information Commissioner designated by the Chief Information Commissioner to deal with appeals or complaints assigned to him by a general or special order.

(i) "Prescribed" means prescribed by or under the Act or under the Rules or Regulations.

(j) "Records" mean the aggregate of papers relating to an appeal or complaint including pleadings, rejoinders, comments, proceedings, documentary or oral evidence, decision, orders and all other documents filed with or annexed to an appeal or complaint or submitted subsequently in connection with such appeal or complaint.

(k) "Registry" means the Registry of the Commission comprising the Registrar(s), Additional Registrar(s), Joint Registrar(s), Deputy Registrar(s) or Assistant Registrar(s).

(l) "Registrar" means the Registrar of the Commission and unless the context otherwise requires includes an Additional Registrar, a Joint Registrar, a Deputy Registrar or an Assistant Registrar.

(m) "Regulation" means Regulation framed herein;

(n) "Representative" means a person duly authorized by or on behalf of any of the parties to the proceedings or interveners and may include a Legal Practitioner.

(o) "Respondent" includes an intervener or a third party or a party impleaded by the Commission.

(p) "Rules" mean the Rules framed by the Central Government under Section 27 of the Act;

(r) "Section" means section of the Act;

(s) Words and expressions used herein but not defined shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Act or in the Rules.

CHAPTER-II: Officers of the Commission and their functions

3. Appointment of Registrar:-

The Commission may designate one or more of its officers in the Commission to function as Registrar(s) of the Commission. It may also designate other officers of the Commission to act as Additional Registrar(s), Joint Registrar(s), Deputy Registrar(s) or Assistant Registrar(s) and provide other staff that may be necessary to assist the Registrars in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

4. Powers and functions of the Registrar:-

(i) The Registrar shall be the Chief Executive of the Commission on the judicial side. Any communication addressed to him will be deemed to be addressed to the Commission and the Commission will be represented by him in all judicial matters.
(ii) The Registrar shall discharge his functions under the control and superintendence of the Chief Information Commissioner.
(iii) All records of the Commission shall be in the custody of the Registrar.
(iv) The Official Seal of the Commission shall be kept in the custody of the Registrar.
(v) Subject to any general or special directions of the Chief Information Commissioner, the Official Seal of the Commission shall be affixed to any order, summons or other process under the authority of the Registrar.
(vi) The Official Seal of the Commission shall not be affixed to any certified copy issued by the Commission save under the authority of the Registrar.
(vii) The office of the Registrar shall receive all applications, appeals, counter statements, replies and other documents.
(viii) The Registrar shall decide all questions arising out of the scrutiny of the appeals and complaints before these are registered.
(ix) The Registrar may require any application, appeal, counter statement, replies presented to the Commission to be amended in accordance with these Regulations and direct any formal amendment of such records.
(x) The Registrar shall fix the date of hearing of appeal, complaint or other proceedings and may prepare and notify in advance a cause list in respect of the cases listed for hearing.
(xi) The Registrar will decide questions relating to extension of time in respect of filing of counter statement, reply, rejoinder, etc.
(xii) The Registrar may, on payment of a fee prescribed for the purpose, grant leave to a party to the proceedings to inspect the record of the Commission under supervision and in presence of an officer of the Commission.
(xiii) Copies of documents authenticated or certified shall be provided to the parties to the proceedings only under the authority of the Registrar.
(xiv) The Registrar shall communicate the decisions, orders or directions of the Commission to the concerned person/persons, and all such communications signed or authenticated by the Registrar or under his authority shall be deemed to be the communication from the Commission.
(xv) The Registrar shall be responsible for ensuring compliance of the orders, directions or decisions passed by the Commission and to take all necessary steps in this regard.
(xvi) The Registrar shall ensure that decency, decorum and order is maintained during hearing of an appeal, complaint or any other proceedings maintained and shall take all necessary steps in this regard.
(xviii) The Registrar shall exercise all such powers and discharge all such functions as are assigned to him by these Regulations or by the Chief Information Commissioner from time to time.
(xix) The Registrar shall assist all Information Commissioners in discharge of their functions. (xx) The Additional Registrar shall have all the powers conferred on a Registrar and will exercise all the functions of the Registrar under his guidance.
(xxi) The Registrar may with the approval of the Chief Information Commissioner delegate to a Joint Registrar, Deputy Registrar or Assistant Registrar any function required to be performed under these Regulations.

Chapter III: Working Hours, sittings and vacations etc.

5. Subject to any order by the Chief Information Commission, the office of the Commission will be open on all working days from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM with a lunch break of an hour from 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM.

6. The Commission may have Summer vacation of 2 to 4 weeks during June-July and a winter vacation of two weeks during December-January, as notified by the Chief Information Commission. The office of the Commission will, however, remain open during vacation except on gazetted holidays. The Chief Information Commissioner may make appropriate arrangements to deal with matters of urgent nature during vacations.

CHAPTER – IV:

Registration, Abatement or Return of Appeal.

7. Appeal or complaint etc. to be in writing:-

Every appeal, complaint, application, statement, rejoinder, reply or any other document filed before the Commission shall be typed, printed or written neatly and legibly and in double line spacing and the language used therein shall be formal and civilised and should not be in any way indecent or abusive. The appeal, complaint or an application shall be presented in at least two sets in a paper-book form

8. Contents of appeal or complaint:-

(1) An appeal or a complaint to the Commission shall contain the following information, namely:-
(i) name, address and other particulars of the appellant or complainant, as the case may be;
(ii) name and address of the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or the Central Assistant Public Information Officer (CAPIO) against whom a complaint is made under Section 18 of the Act, and the name and address of the First Appellate Authority before whom the first appeal was preferred under Section 19(1) of the Act.
(iii) particulars of the decision or order, if any, including its number and the date it was pronounced, against which the appeal is preferred;
(iv) brief facts leading to the appeal or the complaint;
(v) if the appeal or complaint is preferred against refusal or deemed refusal of the information, the particulars of the application, including number and date and name and address of the Central Public Information Officer to whom the application was made and name and address of the First Appellate Authority before whom the appeal was filed;
(vi) prayer or relief sought;
(vii) grounds for the prayer or relief;
(viii) verification by the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be; and
(ix) any other information which may be deemed as necessary and helpful for the Commission to decide the appeal or complaint.

(2) The contents of the complaint shall be in the same form as prescribed for the appeal with such changes as may be deemed necessary or appropriate.

9. Documents to accompany appeal or complaint:-

Every appeal or complaint made to the Commission shall be accompanied by self attested copies/photo copies of the following documents, namely:-

(i) The RTI application submitted before the CPIO along with documentary proof as regards payment of fee under the RTI Act;
(ii) The order, or decision or response, if any, from the CPIO to whom the application under the RTI Act was submitted.
(iii) The First appeal submitted before the First Appellate Authority with documentary proof of fling the First Appeal.
(iv) The Orders or decision or response, if any, from the First Appellate Authority against which the appeal or complaint is being preferred;
(v) The documents relied upon and referred to in the appeal or complaint;
(vi) A certificate stating that the matters under appeal or complaint have not been previously filed, or are pending, with any court or tribunal or with any other authority;
(vii) An index of the documents referred to in the appeal or complaint; and
(viii) A list of dates briefly indicating in chronological order the progress of the matter up to the date of filing the appeal or complaint to be placed at the top of all the documents filed.

10. Service of copies of Appeal/Complaint: -

Before submitting an appeal or complaint to the Commission, the appellant or the complainant shall cause a copy of the appeal or complaint, as the case may be, to be served on the CPIO/PIO and the Appellate Authorities and shall submit a proof of such service to the Commission. Provided that if a complainant does not know the name, address and other particulars of the CPIO or of the First Appellate Authority and if he approaches the Commission under Section 18 of the Act, he shall cause a copy of his complaint petition to be served on the concerned Public Authority or the Head of the Office and proof of such service shall be annexed along with the complaint petition.

11. Presentation and scrutiny of appeal or complaint:-

(i) The Registrar shall receive any appeal or complaint petition addressed to the Commission and ensure that
(a) the appeal or the complaint, as the case may be, is submitted in prescribed format;
(b) that all its contents are duly verified by the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be;
(c) that the appeal or the complaint is in accordance with the Regulations.

(ii) The Registrar shall also ensure that the appeal or the complaint petition contains copies of all required documents such as (i) RTI application (ii) Receipt of the RTI Application (iii) Proof in regard to payment of fee/cost, if any; (iv) Decision/reply etc. from the CPIO, if any; (v) Appeal to the 1st Appellate Authority; (vi) Decision of the 1st Appellate Authority, if any.

(iii) The Registrar shall scrutinize every appeal/complaint received and will ensure —
(a) that the appeal or the complaint petition is duly verified and required number of copies are submitted;
(b) That all the documents annexed are duly paginated and attested by the appellant or the complainant.
(c) That the copies of the documents filed and submitted are clear, distinct and legible;

(iv) That the Registrar will return any such appeal or the complaint if it does not meet the requirement or conform to the standard as set out above and permit its resubmission in proper form.

(v) The Registrar may reject any such appeal or complaint petition —

(a) if it is time-barred; or
(b) if it is otherwise inadmissible; or
(c) if it is not in accordance with these Regulations. Provided that no such appeal or complaint petition shall be rejected by the Registry unless the concerned appellant or the complainant is given an opportunity of being heard.The decision of the Registrar in regard to the issue of maintainability of an appeal or a complaint shall be final.

(vi) All appeals and Complaints not rejected or returned as above and found in order shall be registered and a specific number will be allocated.

(vii) The Registrar or any other officer authorized by the Commission shall endorse on every appeal or complaint the date on which it is presented.

(viii) The appeals and complaints shall bear separate serial numbers so that they can be easily identified under separate heads.

(ix) If any appeal or complaint is found to be defective and the defect noticed is formal in nature, the Registrar may allow the appellant or complainant to rectify the same in his presence or may allow two weeks time to rectify the defect. If the appeal or complaint has been received by post and found to be defective, the Registrar may communicate the defect(s) to the appellant or complainant and allow him two weeks time from the date of receipt of communication from the Registrar to rectify the defects.

(x) If the appellant or complainant fails to rectify the defects within the time allowed in clause

(xi) above, the appeal or complaint shall be deemed to have been withdrawn.(xi) An appeal or complaint which is not in order and is found to be defective or is not as per prescribed format is liable to be rejected. Provided that the Registrar may, at his discretion, allow an appellant or complainant to file a fresh appeal or complaint in proper form.

12. Filing of Counter Statement by the Central Public Information Officer or the First Appellate Authority:-

After receipt of a copy of the appeal or complaint, the Central Public Information Officer or the First Appellate Authority or the Public Authority shall file counter statement along with documents, if any, pertaining to the case. A copy of the counter statement(s) so filed shall be served to the appellant or complainant by the CPIO, the First Appellate Authority or the Public Authority, as the case may be.

13. Posting of appeal or complaint before the Information Commissioner:-

(i) An appeal or a complaint, or a class or categories of appeals or complaints, shall be heard either by a Single Information Commissioner or a Division Bench of two Information Commissioners, or a Full Bench of three or more Information Commissioners, as decided by the Chief Information Commissioner by a special or general order issued for this purpose from time to time.

(ii) Where in the course of the hearing of an appeal or complaint or other proceeding before a Single Information Commissioner, the Commissioner considers that the matter should be dealt with by a Division or Full Bench, he shall refer the matter to the Chief Information Commissioner who may thereupon constitute such a Bench for the hearing and disposal of the matter.

(iii) Similarly, where during the course of the hearing of a matter before a Division Bench, the Bench considers that the matter should be dealt with by a Full Bench, or where a Full Bench considers that a matter should be dealt with by a larger Bench, it shall refer the matter to the Chief Information Commissioner who may thereupon constitute such a Bench for the hearing and disposal of the matter.

14. Amendment or withdrawal of an Appeal or Complaint:

The Commission may in its discretion allow a prayer for any amendment or withdrawal of an appeal or complaint during the course of its hearing if such a prayer is made by the appellant or complainant on an application made in writing. However, no such prayer may be entertained by the Commission after the matter has been finally heard or a decision or order has been pronounced by the Commission. 15. Personal presence of the appellant or complainant:-

(i) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, shall be informed of the date of hearing at lest seven clear days before that date.

(ii) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may at his discretion be present in person or through his duly authorized representative at the time of hearing of the appeal or complaint by the Commission, or may opt not to be present.

(iii) Where the Commission is satisfied that circumstances exist due to which the appellant or the complainant is being prevented from attending the hearing of the Commission, the Commission may afford the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, another opportunity of being heard before a final decision is taken or take any other appropriate action as it may deem fit.

(iv) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may seek the assistance of any person while presenting his case before the Commission and the person representing him may not be a legal practitioner.

(v) If an appellant or complainant at his discretion decides not to be present either personally or through his duly authorized representative during the hearing of an appeal or complaint before the Commission, the Commission may pronounce its decision or order in the matter ex parte, 16. Date of hearing to be notified:- The Commission shall notify the parties the date and place of hearing of the appeal or complaint in such manner as the Chief Information Commissioner may by general or special order direct.

17. Adjournment of Hearing:-

The appellant or the complainant or any of the respondents may, for just and sufficient reasons, make an application for adjournment of the hearing. The Commission may consider the said application and pass such orders as it deems fit.

18. Evidence before the Commission:-

In deciding an appeal or a complaint, the Commission may:-

(i) receive oral or written evidence on oath or on affidavit from concerned person or persons;

(ii) peruse or inspect documents, public records or copies thereof;

(iii) inquire through authorized officer further details or facts;

(iv) examine or hear in person or receive evidence on affidavit from Central Public Information Officer, Central assistant Public Information Officer or such Senior Officer who decided the first appeal or such person or persons against whom the complaint is made as the case may be; or

(v) examine or hear or receive evidence on affidavit from a third party, or an intervener or any other person or persons, whose evidence is considered necessary or relevant.

19. Issue of summons: -

Summons to the parties or to the witnesses for appearance or for production of documents or records or things shall be issued by the Registrar under the authority of the Commission, and it shall be in such form as may be prescribed by the Commission.

20. Conduct of an enquiry: -

The Commission may entrust an enquiry in connection with any appeal or complaint pending before it to the Registrar or any other officer for the purpose and the Registrar or such other officer while conducting the enquiry shall have all the necessary powers including power to —

(i) summon and enforce attendance of persons;

(ii) compel production of documents or things;

(iii) administer oath and to take oral evidence or to receive affidavits or written evidence on solemn affirmation;

(iv) inspect documents and require discovery of documents; and

(v) requisition any public record or documents from any public authority.

21. Award of costs by the Commission:-

The Commission may award such costs or compensation to the parties as it deems fit having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case.

22. Communication of decisions and Orders:-

(i) Every decision or order of the Commission shall be signed and dated by the Commissioner or Commissioners who have heard the appeal or the complaint or have decided the matter.

(ii) Every decision/order of the Commission may either be pronounced in one of the sittings of the Commission, or may be placed on its web site, or may be communicated to the parties under authentication by the Registrar or any other officer authorized by the Commission in this regard.

(iii) Every such decision or order, whenever pronounced by a Single Information Commissioner or by a Division Bench or by a Full Bench of three or more Information Commissioners, shall be deemed to be the decision or order by the Commission under the Act.

23. Finality of Decision:-

(1) A decision or an order once pronounced by the Commission shall be final

(2) An appellant or a complainant or a respondent may, however, make an application to the Chief Information Commissioner for special leave to appeal or review of a decision or order of the case and mention the grounds for such a request;

(3) The Chief Information Commissioner, on receipt of such a request, may consider and decide the matter as he thinks fit. 24. Abatement of an Appeal/Complaint:The proceedings pending before the Commission shall abate on the death of the appellant or complainant.

CHAPTER-V:

MISCELLANEOUS

25. Seal and Emblem:-

The Official Seal and Emblem of the Commission shall be such as the Commission may specify.

26. Language of the Commission:-

(i) An appeal or a complaint may be filed in English or in Hindi and all the documents or copies thereof shall also be filed in English or in Hindi. Where a document, in original, is in a language other than English or in Hindi, a certified authenticated copy of its translated version in English or in Hindi shall also be filed along with the original. This shall also apply in the case of a counter statement, rejoinder, reply or any other document or documents filed before the Commission.

(ii) The proceedings of the Commission shall be conducted in English or in Hindi.
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Comments on Hum Janenge

Rajesh Darak (Mumbai):

Regarding The CIC (Mgt.) Regulations, 2007, the following clauses are of particular concern :
CHAPTER – IV: Registration, Abatement or Return of Appeal.7. Appeal or complaint etc. to be in writing:- Every appeal, complaint, application, statement, rejoinder, reply or any other document filed before the Commission shall be typed, printed or written neatly and legibly and in double line spacing and the language used therein shall be formal and civilised and should not be in any way indecent or abusive. The appeal, complaint or an application shall be presented in at least two sets in a paper-book form

Comment - Even simple communications such as inability to attend hearings or unwillingness to file rejoinders will have to be sent by post or hand delivery and not by EMAIL. This is a retrogressive step meant to cause unnecessary burden on appellants.
9. Documents to accompany appeal or complaint:-Every appeal or complaint made to the Commission shall be accompanied by self attested copies/photo copies of the following documents, namely:-

(vi) A certificate stating that the matters under appeal or complaint have not been previously filed, or are pending, with any court or tribunal or with any other authority;

Comments - I wonder what purpose this will serve? How will an appellant come to know whether matters have been previously filed by someone else or are pending with any court or tribunal, etc. Even if these are pending with the court, wherein the appellant is one of the parties, what purpose will it serve apart from creating a bias in the minds of the CIC towards exemption under section 8 (h)

15. Personal presence of the appellant or complainant:-(i) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, shall be informed of the date of hearing at lest seven clear days before that date.

Comments - 7 days are insufficient. At least 15 days advance notice must be given.
22. Communication of decisions and Orders:-

(ii) Every decision/order of the Commission may either be pronounced in one of the sittings of the Commission, or may be placed on its web site, or may be communicated to the parties under authentication by the Registrar or any other officer authorized by the Commission in this regard.

Comments - This is retrograde. The CIC is not bound to communicate its decision / order to the parties but may simply pronounce it or place it on website. From the appellants / complainants the CIC wants everything in writing but the CIC itself is free not to send its orders at all or simply send them by email. What if someone aggrieved by the order wishes to go to court? How will he prove the verbal pronouncement?

24. Abatement of an Appeal/Complaint: The proceedings pending before the Commission shall abate on the death of the appellant or complainant.

Comments - Since CIC has recognised non-individuals such as trusts, ngos, corporates, firms, etc. as bona fide applicants, death in such cases should imply winding up of company, dissolution of firm, etc.RD--Rajesh Darak {+91-(0)-98206-83005}

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Veeresh Malik (Delhi-Pune) :

a) This definition is well overdue:- "CPIO = (iii) the Head of the public authority in case no CPIO/PIO is appointed or notified. "Also:-""and includes a head of the office or the head of the public authority if no first appellate authority is appointed or notified."

"b) "Designated Commissioner" has now been defined too. Check it out!! I can see some people going "yum-yum" already.

c) Respondent includes a 3rd party as well as intervenor and can also include a party impleaded by the CIC. Which does mean that the CIC can try and force/compel anybody to attend? And legal practitioners have been included as "representatives".

d) This is not in keeping with the spirit of the RTI Act'05:- "Appeal or complaint etc. to be in writing:- Every appeal, complaint, application, statement, rejoinder, reply or any other document filed before the Commission shall be typed, printed or written neatly and legibly and in double line spacing and the language used therein shall be formal and civilised and should not be in any way indecent or abusive. The appeal, complaint or an application shall be presented in at least two sets in a paper-book form."

In this day and age, even the correspondence from the President of India is not in "double spacing". And paper book form? There go the binding expenses, through the roof.

e) A Section 18 complaint just became even more complicated - applicants will have to provide proof and a copy of the complaint served to the Public Authority. This is Catch-22 at its best - if I could serve an RTI Application in the first case, why would I come to CIC under Section 18 to complaint?

f) A "defective complaint" can be deemed to be withdrawn under yet another complicated clause. Brilliant!!! Kafka rides again here.

g) Proceedings pending before the Commission shall abate on the death of the appellant or complainant, clause 24.. This is very dangerous and I can not understand why the CIC would have included this clause, it is against all natural justice and also gives a motive to a variety of people to cause the death of the complainant/appellant. CIC must be approached to change this clause, before any RTI applicants get killed. Furthermore, in many cases, the consequential effects of an RTI Application will survive post-demise, so what is the logic for this one?

h) The language clause, English or Hindi only, has also been introduced. A provision for translations is there, but again it is at the cost of the applicant. Anti poor, certainly, and anti most of India, by definition.

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Manoj Kamra: (Bikaner)

Dear Sh.Veeresh Malik,As per your detailed analysis,Induction of Clause 24 will result in criminalisation of RTI by govt deptts and this should be strongly resisted.They(govt officials) will prefer "SUPAARI" to avoid facing commission to terminate the appeal.As society can not file RTI application and only single citizen can file it in one decision of cic.

For example-It may be against me to avoid revealation of scam by RTI.

u/s 18,I donot find any difficulty,if we file application by speedpost.If CPIO return it,copy of returned envelope will be sufficient proof.I have been using this method successfully(so far 7- 8 returned envelopes collected and sent as complaint). regardsManoj Kamra

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Shailesh Gandhi (Mumbai):

Dear Wajahat,

I Was distressed at the announcement of rules which are to come into effect immediately. I am sure you will appreciate that it would take a minimum of three months or more before most Citizens can even know about these. It would be fair to issue them as guidelines for some months, and also allow suggestions before they are finalised.

A sudden announcement of rules with immediate effect will harm the interests of the Citizens and RTI. Also, inspired by this, perhaps other Commissions will also start announcing such initaitives which could certainly make most second appeals and complaints defective. I agree this could silence the issue of pendencies.

I have had a hurried look at the rules, and feel they seem to be aspiring to make the Commission like Courts- the crematoriums of the law they are suppposed to safeguard. A number of additinal conditions have been imposed on submissions of second appeals which will make it a number second appeals and complaints defective. This is supposed to be a law where the Citzens have een promised, " Provided that where such request cannot be made in writing, the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer, as the case may be, shall render all reasonable assistance to the person making the request orally to reduce the same in writing. " If the Commissions adopt such a rigid formats and rules, it will make it very difficult for common people to appeal.

I beg of you, please consider this plea and transparently work out a solution, which could make the work of the Commission easy as also be simple to follow.

Secondly, please accept that if any changes are to be made in your procedures, at least six months should be given for Citizens to get educated. Various Commissions, have allowed major lapses on the part of PIOs and Appellate Authorities' on the plea that the Act was new. You will certainly appreciate that Citizens will also need time to understand and get educated on any changes.

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Col N R Kurup (Tellicherry) :

I doubt that the Central Information Commission (Amendment) Regulation 2007 is not in the good interest of RTI. Following are my observations:

1. The powers vested with CIC in Section 12(4) of the Act is "general superintendence, direction and management of the affairs of CIC" whereas the above orders is a Regulation means "a Rule" or "Order" prescribed for management. Power to make Rules is not in Section 12(4) but in Section 27, 28 and 29 for which the CIC has no powers. Naturally the above Regulation is not maintainable under RTI Act 2005.

2. The above Regulation is not commensurate with the principles of the RTI Act. It is in the lines
of old British Raj Acts and Rules and appear to be the first step to make the RTI at par with other Acts

3. The glory of the RTI Act is its shifting of accountability to the respondent from the appellant whereas the above Regulation tries to shift the responsibility to the appellant. Eg., Sn.10 & 12 of the above Regulation. Section 10 stipulate that the Appellant cause to serve copies of his Appeal to the CPIO and AA and shall submit a PROOF OF SUCH SERVICE to the Commission whereas no such stipulation is made in Section 12 when the CPIO/AA where they are required to sent copy of their counter to the Appellant.

4. The definition of various terms given in the "Regulation" varies from that given in the Act. I doubt whether the CIC is vested with any power to amend the definition the way he desire and enforce it. Whatever the definition the CIC give should be the same as given in the Act

5.In Section 2(n)of the CIC's Regulation, "Representative " is defined as a person duly authorised by or on behalf of any of the parties to the proceedings and may INCLUDE A LEGAL PRACTITIONER, whereas in Section 15(iv) it says that the person representing him may not be a LEGAL PRACTITIONER

6. One of the dangerous clause introduced by the CIC is in Section 9(vi) that the appeal should have a "certificate stating that the MATTER under appeal or comnplaint have not been previously filed or are pending with ANY COURT or TRIBUNAL or WITH ANY OTHER AUTHORITY.An appellant seek copy of a particular document or information to help him in MATTERS PENDING WITH ANY COURT OR TRIBUNAL OR WITH ANYT OTHER AUTHORITY. Forbiding such such information will defeat the aim of the RTI Act and the CPIOs or AAs will get away on this plea.

7. Section 11(v)(a) of the Regulation states that "The Registrar may reject any such appeal or complaint petetion if it is time-barred. This is in contravention to proviso to Section 19(3) of the Act which stipulate that " the CIC may admit the appeal after the expiry of the period of 90 days if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing he appeal in time.

8. As p[er the CIC'sregulation there is requirement for the Appellant to come to CIC's office many times. It become impossible for an appellant coming from far away places like Kerala to avail the privilege of the Act.

9. Presently the Appellant is given an opportunity to file a Rejoinder and even Notes of arguments. That find no place in the new Regulation 10. It is worthwhile to compare the simplicity of the Act envisaged in Section 6 of the Act with the complexity of CIC's regulation which cannot be pursued without assistance of competent persons thus defeating the very aim of the RTI Act.I feel that this is the first step to take the RTI Act to the grave.

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Col N R Kurup ((Tellicherry) :

Reply received from the CIC on the above issue is given below: I defenitly feel that the above Regulation is not maintainable under the RTI Act 2005Col NR Kurup (Retd)---------- Forwarded message ----------From: whabibullah@nic.in
Date: Jun 24, 2007 12:59 PMSubject: Re: Fwd: THE CENTRAL INFORMATIONCOMMISSION (MANAGEMENT)REGULATIONS 2007 -REGTo: Col colnrkurup <colnrkurup@gmail.com>Cc: profkknigam@gmail.com, lcsinghi@nic.in

Thanks. This will be examined. But the power to regulate the working of the Commission itself is firmly within the definition of management of the Commission's own affairs Wajahat

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Anoop Kumar (Secunderabad):

I am in agreement with Col. NR Kurup. The RTI Act in it's present form is simple, convenient and user friendly. CIC is unnecessarily meddling with it while CIC has no such powers to formulate the rules.

The intention of the CIC may be to reduce down the burden on CIC by minimising the 2nd appeals and complaints filed before them. This can be more effectively achieved by strictly imposing penalties on the erring CPIO's as per the present provisions of the act. I find efforts are underway to make the simple user friendly RTI act more complex. Efforts are underway to add to the difficulties of the citizen/information seeker and also to increase the cost. Efforts are underway to discourage the public from seeking information from the government departments. Efforts are underway to dilute the act make it more government friendly.

Finally, efforts are underway to wash down the RTI act down the drain. Let us all object to the framing of independent rules by the authorities who have to ensure implementation in letter and spirit of the act. Let us all file our protests with the CIC & DOPT. Let us atleast not allow the RTI Act to be weakened from it's present form if we cannot strengthen it further.Regards - S.

Anoop Kumar.

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Divya Jyoti Jaipuriar (Delhi):

I also hope that the functioning of CIC will improve after this notification.

I see one more good change in the approach of the CIC is thatit has made the personal hearing a compulsory one. Earlier, some of the commissioners were of the habit of passing an order without giving hearing to any of the parties. But now as Rule 15 of the new regulation provides that the appellant/ complainent shall be informed about the date and venue of the hearing. In case he could not make to the hearing in the first time for some reason, he must be given a second opportunity to be heard before any order is passed. I suppose, this will certainly help in improving the functioning of the commission.

I suppose that the group remembers that in a number of cases, as one in Yoga Rangatia versus CIC and others, the Delhi High Court has set aside the order of the CIC which was passed without giving any personal hearing to the complainant. After this judgment coupled with rule, it will be difficult for the commissioners to dispose off the cases without giving any personal hearing

Rule 15 is reproduced below:15. Personal presence of the appellant or complainant:-(i) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, shall be informed of the date of hearing at lest seven clear days before that date.(ii) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may at his discretion be present in person or through his duly authorized representative at the time of hearing of the appeal or complaint by the Commission, or may opt not to be present.(iii) Where the Commission is satisfied that circumstances exist due to which the appellant or the complainant is being prevented from attending the hearing of the Commission, the Commission may afford the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, another opportunity of being heard before a final decision is takenor take any other appropriate action as it may deem fit.(iv) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may seek the assistance of any person while presenting his case before the Commission and the person representing him may not be a legal practitioner.(iv) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may seek the assistance of any person while presenting his case before the Commission and the person representing him may not be a legal practitioner.(iv) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may seek the assistance of any person while presenting his case before the Commission and the person representing him may not be a legal practitioner.(v) If an appellant or complainant at his discretion decides not to be present either personally or through his duly authorized representative during the hearing of an appeal or complaint before the Commission, the Commission may pronounce its decision ororder in the matter ex parte,

Thanks and Regards.Divya Jyoti JaipuriarPublic Cause Research Foundation
(A Parivartan Initiative)

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Manoj Pai (Ahmedabad):

Dear Manoj (Kamra),

Well you are right, it will certainly reduce the time limit of seeking parawise replies from the respondent. But it is very well known that most PIOs dont respond to application until and unless the First Appeal is file. Now, they will not respond until the Second Appeal is filed. Like correctly pointed out by you, there is again no time limit fixed for their reply. In this case, the earlier method of the Commission sending the copies of the appeal/complain to the respondent fortheir comments and fix a time limit of 15 days, was more effective.

If you further check out Para 11. "Presentation and scrutiny of appeal or complaint " properly there is no clause which states that the appeal can be rejected if no proof of having served the copy of the appeal /complain to the CPIO is annexed with the appeal /complain.Now does it means the registrar cannot reject your appeal if you havent served the copy to the PIO/AA?

Manoj PaiAhmedabad

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Manoj Kamra (Bikaner):

Dear Mr.Pai,

Without time limit on PIO to file comments to CIC,It will be unnecessary burden on appellents of two undue speedposts, hitherto sent by CIC.As suggested by you,its previous pattern of time limit of 15 days should be preserved.Overall,it seems that it has been framed for the betterment but in hurry having severe inconsistencies(devoting full paras like 10 but ignoring in summery of all documents to be submitted).We should hope that they will make changes after our persistent requests with supporting reasons for which there should be brainstorming in the group.Please suggest strategy to attract the attention of CIC for such inconsistencies.
regards
Manoj K.Kamra

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