RTI Applications were filed seeking information in matters related to inquiry conducted relating to the death of an officer (I.C. No.81948P Captain Abhishek Mishra) by the father of the said deceased officer in Border Roads Task Force (BRTF). The appellant apprehended foul play and alleged corruption charge in the matter of death of his son. The CIC observed that the information sought concerns the death of an employee while in service, which directly attracts the human rights exception and in this matter, the appellant is not a stranger but the father of the deceased.
Comments
The appellant had lost his young son who was an army officer and was making efforts in pursuit of justice for his deceased son. The CIC has consistently held that next of kin (NOK) are entitled to inquiry records relating to death of the deceased officer in an organisation, which otherwise is exempted under 2nd schedule of RTI Act and in the instant matter as well, the Commission would reiterate that even the organisations listed in the Second Schedule are bound to disclose such information.
Citation: Santosh Kumar Mishra v. Ministry of Defence HQ 50 BRTF, File No: CIC/DODEF/A/2024/119747 with CIC/IARMY/A/2024/117327; Date of Decision: 23.01.2026
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is an accomplished Right to Information (RTI) consultant who has worked for organisations such as IIM Indore, IIM Mumbai, IIM Visakhapatnam and ICAI. She is the co-author of two widely acclaimed books, PIO's Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. She conducts training programmes, workshops, and capacity-building sessions on the RTI Act. She also provides consultancy services on RTI implementation, compliance, and third-party audits. Her weekly article has been published on this website since 2008. Other articles and publications can be accessed on the RTI Foundation website at: www.rtifoundationofindia.com