new Delhi. The Central Information Commission (CIC) told the Army that seeking a signed copy of the online RTI application fails the entire purpose of such a mechanism. The army should avoid such practice. Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha said that in the case of demanding sensitive information, it is justified to ask for proof of citizenship. However, it does not seem appropriate to ask for a signed copy of the application, as online portal does not make it mandatory to upload the signature.
Sinha was hearing a petition filed by an RTI applicant from Odisha. He had sought information from the Army about the implementation of all rules under the Sexual Harassment of Women (Prevention, Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2013 at workplace in defense establishments. The CIC noted that the Army did not provide any information to the applicant.
Caution instructions
The applicant complained to the Commission that the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of the Army had demanded a signed copy of the online RTI application and identity certificate before providing the records. Sinha said that it does not seem appropriate to ask for a signed copy of the online RTI application, as the online portal does not make it mandatory to upload the signature. Sinha directed the CPIO to be cautious in the case of online RTI applications in future.
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