RTI-Approval of a particular location for setting up a petrol station is a matter of larger public interest

Central Information Commission (CIC): “Approval of a particular location for setting up a petrol station is a matter of larger public interest, particularly since the criteria and factors taken into account for approval of a particular location should be completely transparent,” held CIC while hearing an appeal filed by an RTI applicant who was denied the said information on the pretext that disclosure of such information would harm the competitive position of a third party. Central Public Information Officer, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. denied providing the information under Section 8 (1) (d) of the RTI Act and First Appellate Authority also upheld the decision. Feeling aggrieved applicant filed second appeal before CIC. After hearing the parties, CIC observed that there was no specific ground for invoking Section 8 (1) (d) of the RTI Act and directed CPIO to provide information to the applicant in three weeks. (Rajender Kumar v. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., File No. CIC/SS/A/2013/002646/SH, decided on March 3, 2014)

Central Information Commission

Mr.Rajendra Kumar vs Indian Oil Corporation Limited ... on 3 March, 2014

On behalf of the Respondents, Shri P. K. Bhatnagar, Sr. Manager was present. Information Commissioner : Shri Sharat Sabharwal According to the appeal, the Appellant filed an RTI application on 9.7.2013, seeking  information regarding approval of a location for  setting up a petrol pump.   The CPIO  responded on 1.8.2013, denying the information under Section 8 (1) (d) of the RTI Act.  Not satisfied with the reply of the CPIO, the Appellant filed an appeal to the First Appellate  Authority on 19.8.2013.  In his order dated 4.9.2013, the FAA upheld the decision of the  CPIO.  The Appellant approached the CIC in second appeal on 23.9.2013.

2.  We heard the submissions of the Appellant and the Respondents.  The Appellant  stated that he had not received the information sought by him.  The Respondents did not  cite any specific ground for invoking Section 8 (1) (d) of the RTI Act, with the exception of  making   a   general   assertion   that   disclosure   of   such   information   would   harm   the  competitive   position   of   a   third   party.     However,   we   are   not   in   agreement   with   this  argument.   Approval of a particular location for setting up a petrol station is a matter of  larger   public   interest,   particularly   since   the   criteria   and   factors   taken   into   account   for  approval of a particular location should be completely transparent.  Accordingly, the CPIO  is directed to provide the information sought by the Appellant to him, within three weeks  from the receipt of this order, under intimation to the Commission.

3.  With the above direction, the appeal is disposed of.

4.  Copies of this order be given free of cost to the parties. Sd/­

(Sharat Sabharwal)

Information Commissioner

Authenticated true copy.  Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against application  and payment of the charges prescribed under the Act to the CPIO of this Commission. (Vijay Bhalla)

      Deputy Registrar

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