De-classifying Netaji Bose files: RTI activist seeks compensation

New Delhi, Oct 19: An RTI activist who was denied information about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the ground that it would strain foreign relations has now sought compensation from the Prime Minister's Office. The activist Subhash Chandra Agarwal he was denied information relating to Netaji by the PMO and this was wrong.

He cites the assurance given by the Prime Minister during a meeting with the family members of Bose. The PM had said during the meeting the de-classification of the files relating to Netaji would start from January 2016 onwards and India would also seek information from foreign countries on this subject.

Agarwal had moved the Chief Information Commissioner seeking information relating to Netaji. However during the hearing the PMO said that the information being sought could not be released as it would hamper relations with foreign countries.

He says that he needs to be compensated as he was refused information.

Agarwal had moved the CIC under Section 19 of the Right to Information Act seeking a directive to the competent authority to hand out information relating to the death of Netaji Bose.

Agarwal now says that the refusal has cost him mentally agony and he had also invested a lot of time and money while moving the CIC.

In his plea he has said that he ought to be compensated and the amount be deposited in the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. He has also sought a receipt to this effect.

OneIndia News