[IAC#RG] Citizens to attach ID proof with RTI applications: HC

Please find enclosed a news regarding an order of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana. This news is available at the following link:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Jalandhar/Citizens-to-attach-ID-proof-with-RTI-applications-HC/SP-Article1-984553.aspx

The citizens will now have to attach their identity (ID) proof along with the applications seeking information under the Right to Information (RTI) act from the public authorities, the Punjab and Haryana high court has ruled. Justice Rajesh Bindal while disposing off a case between Fruit and Merchant union, Amritsar and the state information commission (SIC), Punjab, recently said that it has come to the notice of this court that in some cases, the RTI applicants were not identifiable.

"Further, in all the complaints before the public information officer, the appeal before the first appellate authority or any proceedings before the state information commission, Punjab, it should be ensured that the applicant files his or her proof of identity along with the application. It will ensure that only genuine persons file applications," the court said.

Besides, the court directed the registry to send a copy of the order to the Central Information Commission, New Delhi, State Information Commission, Haryana and the Chandigarh home secretary for compliance.

Meanwhile, the SIC, Punjab authorities were contemplating on issuing a list of the ID proofs, which would be admissible for lodging second appeal or complaint cases with the commission. "The passport, photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India and ration card are amongst the other official documents currently being considered as ID proofs in this regard even as a final decision will be taken soon. The same will be notified accordingly," the sources said.

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Dr. Sandeep Kumar Gupta
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