TAKAR GOI Vs. ARUNACHAL PRADESH STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) All the aforesaid 4(four) number of interlocutory applications have been filed for modification / alteration / vacation of the ex-parte interim orders qua the applicant, who was arrayed as the respondent no. 5 in WP(C) 144 (AP)2022,WP(C)145(AP)2022,WP(C) 146(AP)2022 and respondent no.3 in WP(C) 149(AP)2022.The subject matter and the interim order being exactly similar, all the aforesaid 4 (four) numbers of interlocutory applications are taken up together for hearing and being disposed of by this common order.

(2.) The applicant herein is an LLB graduate and a resident of East Siang District. He is an RTI activist. Apprehending that there has been large scale anomalies including instances of bias and nepotism in matters of allotment of contracts which are of immense public interest, the applicant had made applications under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (hereinafter the Act), seeking information about the credentials of certain numbers of firms and contractors including the writ petitioners. It is the case of the applicant that in most of the cases for allotment, there is compromise and the kith and kin of the Officers are being favoured with the work, which ultimately has adverse effects on the quality.

(3.) On the application seeking information, the Arunachal Pradesh State Information Commission had passed an order directing for furnishing the necessary information. The petitioners of whom information is sought for, alleged that such information amounts to their trade secrets and without hearing them, the direction ought not to have been passed. Accordingly, the instant writ petitions had been filed by the writ petitioners.