ANJALI SETH Vs. CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION AND ORS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) None for the respondents. Notice in this petition was issued on 29.05.2015 and four weeks' time was granted to the respondents to file the counter affidavit. On 06.05.2016, a final opportunity was granted to the respondents to file the counter affidavit within a period of one week from that date and it was clarified that failing the same, their right to file the counter affidavit would stand closed. However despite sufficient time, no such counter affidavit was filed to oppose the present petition. In the circumstances, this Court did not consider it apposite to defer the hearing and the petition has been heard in the absence of any representation on behalf of the respondents.

(2.) The petitioner has filed the present petition, inter alia, impugning an order dated 11.03.2015 (hereafter "the impugned order") passed by the Central Information Commission (hereinafter "the CIC"). The petitioner claims that a plot bearing Municipal no.5, Feroz Gandhi Marg, Lajpat Nagar-III, New Delhi was allotted to the petitioner's grandmother, Smt. Raj Kumari Seth. There is some dispute as to the said allotment because the said plot was also allotted to another person. In the aforesaid context, the petitioner required certain information regarding the said allotment and, therefore, filed an application dated 27.05.2014 under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (hereafter 'the Act') with respondent no.3. By way of the said application, the petitioner requested for the following information:-

(3.) The petitioner also sought inspection of the relevant records. The respondent no.3 (hereafter 'the CPIO') responded to the petitioner's request by a letter dated 18.06.2014 denying the petitioner's request for inspection of the files and information sought by her. The only reason provided by the CPIO for denial of information was that it was conclusively established as to who was the rightful owner of the property in question.