Wealth of IAS is covered under RTI

Gujarat Global News Network, Ahmedabad, 2008-06-11 15:58:39

In a significant decision the Gujarat Information Commission has
allowed access to annual property returns (APRs) of government
officers to any citizen under the Right to Information (RTI) act.

The ruling came after activist Harinesh Pandya sought details under
the RTI of property of IAS officer Rajiv Gupta. Pandya wanted to know
the details of Gupta's property since he assumed office. He had also
sought to know the source of income for acquiring the property and
whether any of property was sold. The Public Information Officer had
refused to disclose the details on the ground that the information was
available with them in "fiduciary relationship" and there was no
larger public interest warranting disclosure.

Pandya filed appeal before the GAD and the appellate authority too
upheld the PIO's decision. However the GIC noted that CIC's decisions
on property disclosure were to bring transparency. But it directed the
GAD to inform Gupta that the details of his property are being
disclosed and to hear him.