Thread by @internetfreedom

In 2018, we sought transparency on the incoming Data Law. @Gov_Meity refused but the Information Commission directed them to revisit. MeitY reproduced the response CIC had rejected. We’ve now filed a complaint to ensure compliance & acquire information
1/n
internetfreedom.in/meity-response…

The Personal Data Protection Bill (2018) was widely criticised for a lack of diverse expertise in its drafting committee. We filed an RTI requesting copies of the comments the public provided to it and the details of how the committee operated. 2/n
epw.in/engage/article…

The MeitY refused disclosure, without even quoting any provision of the RTI Act! We filed an appeal. The First Appellate Authority sought exemption under S.8(1)(i) of the RTI Act, which states that cabinet papers are exempt from disclosure. Unconvinced, we approached the CIC. 3/n

Before the CIC, the CPIO sought exemption under S.8(1)(c) of the RTI Act (exempts disclosure of info. relating to parliamentary privilege). IFF's @VrindaBhandari assisted by @krishnesh78 argued that both these exemptions are inapplicable & the CPIO failed her burden of proof. 4/n

In a triumph for transparency through RTIs, the CIC held that the reply of the CPIO was grossly improper, incomplete and unjustified. CPIO directed her to provide a revised reply and to provide the desired information, if she is unable to justify the exemptions so claimed. 5/n

Shockingly, the CPIO has simply altered the grammar in a few spots and returned the same reply to us which was rejected by CIC. No additional justification has been provided for claiming exemption under S.8(1)(c). This means the information should have been disclosed to us. 6/n

To bring this malafide denial of information & disregard of the CIC's orders by the CPIO, we're filing a complaint under S.18(1) of the RTI Act, praying for action against the CPIO. Let alone the information itself, we still don't know why the information is being denied! 7/n

India's incoming Data Law is going to be a huge step in the field of your privacy. Thus, the MeitY must be more forthcoming in making information accessible, so as to analyse the PDPB. We'll keep you updated on this issue, seeking and advocating transparency! ✊ 8/n