It is not merely the denial of information that disturbs the citizens. It is the subversion of the Central Information Commission through the reasoning it has chosen to give which convinces me that the Act in its implementation is a complete farce. Let me narrate the reasons for denial of this information.

I wanted to obtain copies of the communication between CBI and the Crown Prosecution Service. I wanted to know the reasons recorded on the file as to why two erroneous judgments were not appealed against. The Commission informed me that “A large number of files relating to this case are housed in two large rooms in safe cupboards. Any attempt to compile voluminous information will disproportionately divert public resources”.

My request to obtain a few pages of information on the Bofors case would be a burden on the National Exchequer. I have thus been denied my right to information.

The further reasons given to me by the Commission for denial of the information make out a poor alibi. I am told that the matter is pending adjudication in various courts. This is factually incorrect. The matter relating to why two erroneous judgements have not been appealed against and correspondence relating to freezing of Quattrocchi’s accounts and is subsequent defreezing is not pending in any court.

I am further informed that investigations in the matter are inconclusive. How does this affect accounts earlier frozen and subsequently defrozen? Quattrocchi has withdrawn the money. Nothing in relation to that money is under investigation today. The further reasons make a curious reading.

... contd.