Disclose details about Anderson extradition: CIC to MEA

The External Affairs Ministry had objected to the disclosure of correspondence exchanged between it and the CBI,saying it could adversely affect the Anderson extradition case as the matter is still subjudice. The Ministry also said it has not spent any money in the case.

Information Commissioner Annapurna Dixit said the matter is of significance to the general public especially to families of the victims who have been awaiting justice for the past 26 years.

The CIC’s direction came on an RTI application filed by Delhi’s Batla House resident Afroz Alam ‘Sahil’ who wanted details of the communication exchanged between the Ministry and the CBI on Anderson’s extradition and the details of the money spent till date by the Ministry in the Bhopal case.

“It is also a matter of general awareness that the case related to the extradition of Mr Warren Anderson has been heard and judgment reserved by the Supreme Court recently. Therefore,there is no question of impeding the process of extradition,” Dixit said in her order.

“The commission directs the public authority to provide all information as available with them in their official records relating to the matter,and as sought by the complainant,by or within June 10,2011,” she said.