[Assam] CIC calls for list of secret Netaji files to decide on disclosure

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

        CIC calls for list of secret Netaji files to decide on disclosure
   
  CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Appeal No.CIC/WB/A/2007/00129 dated 8.2.2007
Right to Information Act 2005 - Section 19

  
Appellant - Shri Anuj Dhar 
Respondent - Prime Minister's Office (PMO) 

Facts:


  By an application of 3.9.06 Shri Anuj Dhar of Vikas Puri New Delhi applied to the CPIO, PMO seeking the following information: 

  "I gathered that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), which reports to the Prime Minister, hold several classified records on Subhas Chandra Bose. 

1. Would you kindly let me know whether this information is true or not. 

2. If yes, please provide me with a descriptive list of all records and materials (classified and unclassified) on or related to Subhas Chandra Bose the PMO and R&AW are holding, or are in control of; and; 

3. Whether the PMO has any plan to transfer these records/ materials to the National Archives?" 


To this he received a response on 3.11.06 from Shri Kamal Dayani Director PMO and CPIO as follows: 

  1. "There are 11 unclassified files in PMO relating to Shri Subhas Chandra Bose. To obtain a copy of the list, you may deposit an amount Rs. 2/- with Cashier, PMO (to be deposited in person)/ or through DD/ Banker's cheque/ Postal Order drawn in favour of Section Officer, PMO. 

2. As regards classifieds files held by PMO on the subject an exercise is being undertaken to review them for declassification. Files which are declassified after review would then be sent to National Archives of India. 

3. As regards records held by Research and Analysis Wing your application is transferred to them for appropriate action. You may contact them for further information in the matter." 


While thanking CPIO for his response, Shri Anuj Dhar has nevertheless moved a first appeal on 8.11.2006 before Shri Javed Usmani, Jt. Secretary and First Appellate Authority, PMO pleading that the CPIO Shri Dayani has dealt with unclassified records but has not responded to the portion about classified records/materials. Upon this Shri Sanjay Mitra, Jt. Secretary and First Appellate Authority, PMO in his order of 15.12.'06 directed as follows: 

  "On verification of the classified files held by PMO, it is held that their disclosure will prejudicially affect relations with foreign countries. In view of this, there is no obligation to disclose the information under Section 8(1)(a) and (f) read with Section 8(2) and 8(3) of the RTI Act. No further action is, therefore, called for on your appeal and it is accordingly disposed of." 

   
  
  


   
  For complete informations visit:
  http://www.missionnetaji.org/page/cicdecision_25jan2008.html
   
   
  www.missionnetaji.org 

       
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