Thread by @barandbench

Delhi High Court begins hearing a challenge to CIC order directing the disclosure of information pertaining to foreign visits by PM Narendra Modi and former PM Manmohan Singh.

@PMOIndia @DefenceMinIndia @narendramodi @IAF_MCC

#RTI #NarendraModi

The challenge is by Central Public Information Officer, Directorate of Personal Services Air Headquarters, Indian Air Force.

@IAF_MCC @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia

Petitioner begins.

Adv Rahul Sharma: The CIC order is full ot dichotomy. The info sought is in relation to two PMs.

The special flight returns has the exact name of the passengers, their designation, organization and the intending agency: Sharma

These are SPG personnel. These are confidential. They are exempted under RTI Act: Sharma

Sharma urges court to see Section 10.

There is nothing good for the benefit of the RTI Applicant: Sharma

Sharma reads Section 8 RTI Act.

You are asking for info on persons involved in the security of PMs: Sharma

Part 1 info on details of flights.. this we've already supplied. Next info in on details of passengers: Sharma

Severance of the information cannot be done. Bad elements can strategize their next move: Sharma

My case is under Section 8 (1): Sharma

We can say give info which is not confidential and not against the interest of the country
Why can't you give number of passengers: Court

Counsel for petitoner drops out of hearing.

Matter to be taken in a while.

Sharma joins back. Hearing resumes before Justice Navin Chawla.

Part 2 deals with number of passengers and their names. Once this info under severability clause is given, it would be detrimental. The security apparatus would be exposed : Sharma

You are presuming that it would only have security personnel. There can be Ministry persons, journalists. You can this detail..one or two you can not disclose: Court

Numbers of passengers can be severed. But will it satisfy the applicant : Sharma

That is for the applicant to see. The CIC sent the ball to your court to see what can be given: Chawla

I can take instructions on this point: Sharma

This order was issued on July 8, 2020 and uploaded on August 4, 2020. CIC gave 15 days to comply. If it is so important, is this the way : Adv Prasanna S for respondent/applicant.

CIC order was after they undertook to disclose: Prasanna S

The order was at their instance. The writ petition is misconceived: Prasanna

In the severance.. if you see part 2, it will be only the number of passengers: Court

It was the job of CIC to be clear on this is the info that can be disclosed: Court

SPG is already exempted. But at the same time, there are other bodies. Their ranks etc. Why should that be disclosed. At best you will get the numbers: Court

Court issues notice.

Four weeks time to file a reply.

There shall be a stay on the CIC order : Court

Hearing adjourned.

Delhi High Court stays CIC order directing disclosure of information pertaining to foreign visits by PM Narendra Modi and former PM Manmohan Singh.

@PMOIndia @DefenceMinIndia @narendramodi @IAF_MCC

#RTI #NarendraModi

[BREAKING] Delhi High Court stays CIC order directing disclosure of information on foreign visits by PM Narendra Modi, Manmohan Singh

reports @aditi2118

#rti #delhihighcourt

@narendramodi @INCIndia @BJP4India

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