The case of Panjab University asking a law student, Varun Malik, to deposit Rs 12 lakh for information he had sought under the RTI Act sparked off a debate at a seminar held on the implementation of the law on Tuesday. Malik had sought information regarding hostel funds taken from students under 19 heads, including the total amount collected in the last five years and its utilisation.

Former Chief Information Commissioner of Punjab Rajan Kashyap said under Section 7(9) of the Act, information should be provided in the form in which it is sought, unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the records. This allows the PIO to adjust the form of information.

He said if the reply to the application of the student had required the public authority to print six lakh pages, they should have informed him and asked him to inspect the records or take a CD.

PU’s Finance and Development Officer Vikram Nayyar said there was a difference between data and information. “Applicants expect us to analyse and compile the data, which we may not have in the form desired by them.”

Arvind Kejriwal, Ramon Magsaysay award winner and social activist, also said that in this case, the authority should have allowed the applicant to inspect the records.

Punjab State Information Commissioner Rupan Deol Bajaj said Section 7(3)b of the Act gives the applicant the right to seek review of the form of access provided. So if it is not possible to make photocopies, then inspection could be allowed.

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