Are you confused about whether you can ask several questions in a single RTI application? Many citizens face this dilemma, wondering if they should file multiple applications or combine all their queries. This case sheds light on this common concern and clarifies the rights of RTI applicants.
Background: What Information Was Sought
An applicant submitted an RTI application to Indian Rare Earths Ltd. The application contained several queries. The primary request was for details about cars hired in 2011 for senior officials. Additionally, the applicant sought clarification on discrepancies between tax invoices submitted to the RTO office and those provided under RTI. They also wanted information about payments made for “choice numbers,” which were unclear in the application.
How the Public Authority Responded
The Public Information Officer (PIO) of Indian Rare Earths Ltd. refused to provide information, stating that the RTI application contained multiple queries on various subjects and could not be processed as a single application.
The CIC Hearing: What Happened
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the applicant argued for their right to ask multiple questions. The CIC acknowledged that while the applicant had posed several queries, only one was clearly actionable without further explanation: the details of hired vehicles. The other queries, concerning tax invoices and “choice numbers,” lacked specific context. The CIC noted that the PIO could not have understood these queries without additional clarification from the applicant. The Commission emphasized that the PIO’s duty is to provide information, not to guess the applicant’s intent.
The CIC Order and Its Significance
The CIC ruled that a PIO cannot refuse to disclose information simply because an RTI application contains more than one request. The Commission directed the PIO to provide specific details regarding the hiring of outside vehicles for highly placed officials in 2011. This included the names of the officials, their designations, the dates the cars were hired, and the associated costs. This order reinforces the principle that multiple, distinct queries can be part of a single RTI application, as long as they are presented clearly.
Key Lessons for RTI Applicants
- Lesson 1: Clarity is Crucial: While you can ask multiple questions, ensure each query is specific and understandable on its own. Vague or ambiguous questions might lead to delays or refusals, as seen with the “choice numbers” query in this case.
- Lesson 2: Don’t Be Discouraged Refusals: A PIO cannot reject an RTI application solely because it contains multiple requests. If you believe your application is valid and your queries are clear, pursue it.
- Lesson 3: Understand the Scope: Focus your queries on information that the public authority is obligated to hold and disclose under the RTI Act. Ensure your questions are directly related to the functions and activities of the department.
How to File a Similar RTI Application
- Identify the Public Authority: Determine which government department or public sector undertaking holds the information you need.
- Draft Your Application: Clearly state your request for information. Use numbered points for each distinct query.
- Be Specific: For each query, provide as much detail as possible to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of asking about “expenses,” specify “expenses related to vehicle hiring during the financial year 2023-24.”
- Submit and Pay Fee: Submit your application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned authority and pay the required RTI fee.
Sample RTI question you can use:
Please provide details of all vehicles hired department/organization for official use during the period [Start Date] to [End Date], including the names of the officials for whom the vehicles were hired, their designations, the purpose of hiring, and the total cost incurred for each hiring instance.
Conclusion
This case is a valuable reminder that the RTI Act is designed to empower citizens. You have the right to seek diverse information through a single application, provided your queries are presented with clarity and specificity. Don’t hesitate to use the RTI Act to its full potential to get the information you are entitled to.
