Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Multiple RTI applications were filed seeking information about Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960) and related data. He submitted that there is no coordination among AWBI, APEDA, FSSAI, CPCB, and Police, because the halal process of slaughtering without stunning, is very cruel, violating IPC 47, 120-B, 188, 268, 289, 428, 429, read with section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty Act, 1960, and article 51 A(g) of the Indian Constitution. The CPIO replied that the Animal Welfare Board of India has not received any fine amount from any States/UTs as per the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Application of fines) Rules. 1965 during the last three years. Hence, no information is available with the Board. The CIC observed that the instant matter is a mere extension of the earlier cases filed by the Complainant on the same grievance regarding ill treatment/ alleged cruelty committed on the animals which cannot be redressed under the mandate of RTI Act. Thus, no action is warranted with respect to the replies of the CPIOs’. The Appellant/Complainant was advised to desist from filing repetitive RTI Applications on the same grievance as his future appeals/complaint on the same matter are liable to be summarily dismissed.

Comments

Many public spirited individuals tend to ignore the definition of “Information” as per section 2(f) of the RTI Act and as such, it only burdens the system with multiple RTI applications with no benefit. In some situations, proper drafting of the RTI Application may elicit a response.

Citation: Naresh Kadyan v. Animal Welfare Board of India, Food Products Export Development Authority, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, CIC/AWBIC/C/2022/646924, +/650976, +/662035, +/664500, +/652694, +/652661, +/662113, +/662114; Date of Decision: 21/07/2023

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com