Central Information Commission
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Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi – 110 066
Website: www.cic.gov.in
Decision No.4167/IC(A)/2009
F. No.CIC/MA/A/2009/000474
Dated, the 13th July, 2009
Name of the Appellant: Ms. Vikita Vishanji Soni
Name of the Public Authority: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Facts:
1. The appellant was heard on 13/7/2009 through a representative.
2. The appellant has asked for a copy of the evaluated answer sheets in respect of a final examination, in which she appeared.
3. The CPIO and the Appellate Authority have replied but refused to provide the requested information, without indicating the provisions of the RTI Act under which exemption from disclosure of answer sheets has been claimed by the respondent.
4. During the hearing, the appellant cited a few decisions of this Commission, whereby the disclosure of evaluated answer sheets has been allowed. He also presented a news report, which confirmed that a Commission’s decision challenged by the respondent before the High Court of Delhi in an identical case of disclosure of answer sheets has been upheld.
Decision:
5. The appellant has asked for a copy of her own evaluated answer sheet. The CPIO and the Appellate Authority have not indicated the provisions under which they have claimed exemption from disclosure of the information. An examinee has the right to access the evaluated answer sheets so as to make self assessment of her performance. In view of this, there is no justification for denial of the requested information. The CPIO is, therefore, directed to furnish the requested information within 15 working days from the date of issue of this decision, failing which penalty u/s 20(1) of the Act would be imposed.
6. The appeal is thus disposed of.
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