STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India challenges order dated 5.11.2007 (P-1), passed by the State Information Commission, Punjab (for brevity, 'the Commission'), holding that Shri Faquir Chand Sharma-respondent No. 2 is entitled to the information sought by him. The Executive Engineer, Provincial Division No. 1, PWD (B&R), Patiala-petitioner No. 3 has been directed to deliver copies of his ACRs for the period from 1.4.2000 to 31.3.2006 within a period of 15 days to him.

(2.) Brief facts of the case are that on 18.7.2006, Shri Faquir Chand Sharma-respondent No. 2, filed an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (for brevity, 'the Act'), with the Public Information Officer-petitioner No. 3 for supply of copies of Annual Confidential Reports for the period from 1.4.2000 to 31.3.2006. The Public Information Officer-petitioner No. 3 referred the matter to the Appellate Authority i.e. Superintendent Executive Patiala Circle-I, PWD (B&R) Branch, Patiala. After considering the matter, the Appellate Authority vide order dated 8.8.2006 declined the request on the ground that the information demanded by respondent No. 2 is confidential and the same is exempted from disclosure under Section 8 of the Act.

(3.) Feeling aggrieved, Shri Faquir Chand Sharmarespondent No. 2 filed an appeal before the Commission.