Dear Rakesh If there is no loose end in the law in this point, then why have IC(PB), C'IC(WH) and IC(T) all delivered decisions recognising that 7(3) allows a CPIO unbridled discretion to further fees representing cost of providing the information which are in addition to those prescribed for 7(1) or 7(5)? Further Fees such as Rs. 4 Lakhs, and Rs 40,000 where the copying charges are only about Rs.600 or so.
Let us examine IC(PB)'s role. In 2006 she circulated a note in CIC raising the 7(3) issue. It was discussed on 7.3.2006 and 14.3.200 as recorded in CIC minutes of meeting. In July 2006 she was the first IC to pass an order (Krishan Aggarwal) allowing 7(3) fees. Bhagat Singh does not apply here since there is no denial of information. In fact all these ICs are saying provide the information BUT charge HIM EXORBITANTLY for it. IC(T) goes out of his way to coach / tutor PIOs on how to go about doing this. Read his orders. He orders PIOs' - compute 7(3) fees even for granting inspection to applicants. Are we - the so-called great RTI activists of India - prepared to concede this battle to them? Are they Gods whose knowledg of English or legal experience is better than ours? If after 3 years of RTI Act and this group we cannot fight such battles we should consider disbanding ourselves. Sarbajit On 11/30/08, RAKESH GUPTA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
