Jhirga Tirkey v. The Deputy Commissioner And ANR.

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

[ CIRCUIT BENCH AT PORT BLAIR ] ...

WPA/72/2022 Jhirga Tirkey ... Petitioner Vs.

The Deputy Commissioner and another ... Respondents Mr. K Sabir ... for the petitioner Mr. Salim Mohammed ... for the respondents April 25, 2022 [GNC] Item No.6 The writ has been filed challenging non-compliance of the order dated March 10, 2021 passed by the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District under the Right to Information Act, 2005 being the first appellate authority. By the said order the Public Information Officer/Additional District Magistrate, Port Blair was directed to provide the requisite information to the petitioner as available with the authority, but in accordance with law. It was further clarified that the personal information relating to third party information within the meaning of Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, shall not be granted.

The allegation is that despite having passed such an order, the Deputy Commissioner has not taken steps to ensure that the order is enforced. It is further submitted that despite receiving such direction dated March 10, 2021 from the first appellate authority, the Public Information

Officer/Additional District Magistrate, Port Blair has failed and neglected to provide the necessary information sought by the petitioner.

Under such circumstances, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction upon the Public Information Officer/Additional District Magistrate, Port Blair to mandatorily comply with the order dated March 10, 2021 within a period of four weeks from the date of the communication of this order. A reply to that effect shall be furnished to the Public Information Officer/Additional District Magistrate, Port Blair within the aforementioned period.

The writ petition stands disposed of.

The parties are directed to act on the server copy of this order.

(Shampa Sarkar, J.)