Many students and researchers in India often wonder about accessing academic work completed at universities. The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, but its application to academic documents like research theses can be a grey area. This case from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) sheds light on whether you can obtain copies of M.Phil, Ph.D., and D.Litt theses through an RTI application and what the Central Information Commission (CIC) has ruled.
Background: What Information Was Sought
An applicant filed an RTI application with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The applicant’s primary request was for details concerning M.Phil, Ph.D., and D.Litt degrees awarded to scholars, particularly in subjects like Sanskrit. Crucially, the applicant also sought copies of the actual theses submitted scholars for their degrees. The Public Information Officer (PIO) of JNU responded a list of scholars who had been awarded M.Phil and Ph.D degrees. For D.Litt degrees, the PIO stated that no such degrees had been awarded university.
How the Public Authority Responded
While the PIO provided some information regarding awarded degrees, the core of the applicant’s request – the copies of the theses – was met with a different response. The university, through its PIO, indicated that providing physical copies of all requested theses might not be feasible. This is a common scenario where the sheer volume of information or the nature of the record can pose challenges for public authorities.
The CIC Hearing: What Happened
The matter eventually reached the Central Information Commission (CIC) for a hearing. During the proceedings, the university’s representative argued that supplying copies of numerous theses would place an “undue strain on the resources of the University.” They emphasized the practical difficulties in fulfilling such a request. However, the university did offer a compromise: they were willing to allow the applicant to inspect the theses in the University’s Central Library. This inspection would be scheduled on a mutually convenient date and time, ensuring the applicant could still access the information, albeit not physical copies home.
The CIC Order and Its Significance
The Central Information Commission, after considering the arguments from both sides, delivered its decision. The Commission acknowledged the impracticality of supplying copies of a large number of dissertations. It recognized that these theses are valuable academic resources maintained for the benefit of future generations of scholars. Therefore, the CIC ruled that it was not practically possible to provide the copies as requested. However, the Commission upheld the university’s offer, stating that the appellant had the liberty to visit the Central Library to consult these dissertations. This decision highlights a balance between the right to information and the practical limitations of public authorities in handling large volumes of sensitive or resource-intensive documents.
Key Lessons for RTI Applicants
- Lesson 1: Understand Practical Limitations: While the RTI Act grants broad access to information, be aware that some requests, especially those involving large volumes of physical documents like numerous research theses, might be deemed impractical CIC. The authorities can deny such requests if they can demonstrate genuine resource constraints.
- Lesson 2: Explore Inspection as an Alternative: If direct copies are not feasible, consider requesting an inspection of the documents. As seen in this case, public authorities are often willing to allow inspection, which can still fulfill your informational needs. Section 7(9) of the RTI Act mentions that information may be denied if it would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority.
- Lesson 3: Focus on Specificity: While this case involved a broad request for multiple theses, for future applications, being more specific about the exact thesis you need (e.g., , year, or specific research topic) might lead to a more manageable and fulfillable request, if the university has a system for easy retrieval.
How to File a Similar RTI Application
- Identify the Public Authority: Determine the specific university or educational institution holding the research theses you are interested in.
- Draft Your Application: Clearly state the information you are seeking. If you want copies of theses, mention this explicitly. If a large number is involved, acknowledge the potential volume and suggest inspection as an alternative if copies are not possible.
- Pay the Fee: Attach the required RTI application fee (typically ₹10) through the prescribed mode (demand draft, IPO, or online payment where available).
- Submit and Follow Up: Submit the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned university. Keep a copy for your records and note the date of submission for tracking purposes. If you don’t receive a response within 30 days (or 35 days if the PIO’s office is outside the jurisdiction), you can file a First Appeal under Section 19 of the RTI Act.
Sample RTI question you can use:
Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, please provide details of M.Phil/Ph.D/D.Litt theses submitted and awarded in [Specific Subject/Department] during the years [Start Year] to [End Year]. If providing copies of these theses is not feasible due to volume, please inform me of the procedure and availability for inspecting these theses at the university’s library or designated archive.
Conclusion
The RTI Act is a powerful tool for transparency and accountability. While it may not always grant direct access to every single document in its entirety, it opens avenues for information. This case demonstrates that while obtaining physical copies of numerous research theses might be challenging, the right to inspect these valuable academic resources is generally upheld. the nuances and practical aspects, citizens can effectively use the RTI Act to access the information they need for their academic pursuits and research.
