BCI must maintain annual records under RTI, Central Information Commission

Just over ten days ago, the Central Information Commission passed an order directing the Bar Council of India (BCI) to furnish an annual report in compliance with 4(1)(b) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act).Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act requires every public authority to maintain a set of 17 specified categories of information concerning the functioning of the authority, which must be published on it’s website, and through other methods, on an annual basis..The case relates to a request made by the appellant, K.R. Chitra, to the BCI seeking information relating to inspection of all law colleges, universities and institutions and other meetings by the members of the BCI during the period from April 1, 2010 to 2015..K.R. Chitra had requested for the names of the members of the BCI, names of all law colleges/Universities and institutions inspected by each member, date/month/years of inspection etc..BCI had responded to the request by submitting that unless the appellant focuses on a specific institution or period which she refused, it would be impossible to furnish the information as there are thousands of colleges..The Commission termed the appellant’s request as “unnecessary”. However, it did not ignore the fact that the BCI has failed to comply with Section 4(1)(b)..Therefore, the Commission directed the BCI to submit an affidavit stating the date of compliance. The Commission further slammed the BCI by saying.“The Commission directs the public authority to furnish annual report in compliance with 4(1)(b), as required under section 19(8)(1)(vi) and directs the PIO to show cause why maximum penalty should not be imposed for this breach of RTI.“.The deadline provided by the Commission to the BCI is 9 May 2016, failing which:.“Commission will be compelled to initiate appropriate action against the Chairman, BCI for non-compliance of section 4(1)(b), which was sought under section 3 by the appellant in this case as that amounts to denial of information attracting penalties.“.It is unlikely that the May 9 deadline can be met. BCI Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra told Bar & Bench:.“BCI would be filing a review with the Commission. BCI doesn’t have enough funds nor the infrastructure to provide such huge data of information. If there is only specific information needed then it is possible to give the details.“.You may read the order here: