CIC asks for MEA files on recall of high commissioner to N Zealand

New Delhi, Jun 29 (UNI) The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) has been directed by the Central Information Commission to show to it the files relating to the recall of Mr Harish K. Dogra, erstwhile High Commissioner of India to New Zealand.

The Commission asked the Ministry to send a senior official with the relevant files under sealed cover before July 15.

The CIC directive came on an application by S K Sahijpal of Gurgaon, who had filed an RTI Application with the PIO of the MEA on 28.9.2006 through which he wanted copies of correspondence and notings pertaining to the racall of the High Commissioner.

However, the PIO denied the information under section 8(1)(a) and (f) of the RTI Act, 2005. The Applicant was dissatisfied with the reply and moved a first appeal before the first Appellate Authority.

But failing to get a satisfactory reply again, he approached the Commission.

The Commission after hearing both sides directed the respondents to show to the Commission the documents concerned and explain how the case was covered under these two Sections.

During the hearing, the MEA said the case of Mr Dogra was before the High Court and therefore they could not disclose the information, a submission which was not acceptable to the Commission.

UNI