India, April 7 -- Central Information Commission issued text of the following decision on March 7:

Information sought and background of the case:

The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 15.11.2023 seeking information on following points:-

1. "Please refer to page no. 8 & 9, in the Gazette of India dated 01.01.2016 for information regarding The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act 2015 enacted by Parliament." Which is mentioned as follows:

"After chapter IV of the principal Act, the following chapter shall be inserted. CHAPTER IVA RIGHTS OF VICTIMS & WITNESSES

15A (10) All proceedings relating to offences under this Act shall be video recorded". (Copy attached)

In this connection, provide photocopies of the following documents:

I. Provide copies of the documents that have been prepared, executed, and issued, allowing for the placement of Section 15A (10) in Chapter IV of The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989."

II. Provide copies of the documents that have been prepared, executed, and issued after the placement of Section 15A (10) in Chapter IV of The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989."

The CPIO, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment vide letter dated 05.12.2023 replied as under:-

"With reference to the amendment done in the SC/ST (POA) Act, 1989, a D.O letter was issued on 19.05.2016 to all the States (except J&K) and UTs. Copy of the D.O letter is attached.

In addition to this, no other information is available to furnish with this CPIO in relation to your RTI."

Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 24.12.2023. The FAA vide order dated 05.01.2024 stated as under:-

"The matter has been examined and found that CPIO has already provided the requisite information. The appeal may be treated as disposed of."

Aggrieved and dissatisfied, the Appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.

Facts emerging in Course of Hearing:

A written submission dated 23.02.2025 has been received from the Appellant seeking information sought by him and stating that his written statement dated 23.02.2025 for case no. CIC/MOSJE/A/2024/604950 be read as part and parcel of his contentions in this case. The same is duly taken on record.

Hearing was scheduled after giving prior notice to both the parties.

Appellant: Present through video conference

Respondent: Shri Sunil Bhatia - CPIO/Under Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment was present during hearing.

Both parties reiterated their respective contentions as mentioned in the records referred hereinabove, with the Respondent stating information available on record had been duly provided in response to the queries raised by the Appellant.

Decision

Perusal of records of the case reveals that the information available on record with the public authority and defined as information under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, has been duly provided to the Appellant. Thus it is noted that information which exists on record with respect to the Appellant's queries have been duly disseminated.

Since the response of the PIO is found appropriate and in consonance with the spirit of the RTI Act, no further intervention is warranted in this case, under the RTI Act.

The appeal is disposed off accordingly.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.