Can the copies of evaluated answer books can be furnished?

Furnishing Copies of Evaluated Answer Books under RTI Act

Yes, copies of evaluated answer books can be furnished under the RTI Act. This right was affirmed by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark case of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay. Here are the key details:

Supreme Court Judgment: CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay

In this case, the Supreme Court held that evaluated answer books fall within the definition of "information" under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act. Therefore, examinees have the right to inspect their evaluated answer books and obtain certified copies of them.

Key Points of the Judgment

1. Evaluated Answer Books as Information

   The Supreme Court ruled that evaluated answer books are considered "information" under the RTI Act and are subject to disclosure unless specifically exempted.

2. Right to Inspect and Obtain Copies

   Examinees have the right to inspect their evaluated answer books and obtain certified copies. This right is subject to the payment of the prescribed fee and compliance with other procedural requirements.

3. Public Interest

   The Court emphasized that the disclosure of evaluated answer books serves the larger public interest by promoting transparency and accountability in the examination process.

Practical Steps for Examinees

1. Submit an RTI Application

   The examinee should submit a formal RTI application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the examining body, clearly stating the information sought.

2. Pay the Prescribed Fee

   The examinee must pay the prescribed fee for accessing the information. The fee structure is usually specified by the examining body or the RTI regulations.

3. Follow Up

   If the examining body does not respond within the stipulated time frame (usually 30 days), the examinee can file a first appeal with the designated appellate authority within the examining body.

4. Second Appeal

   If the examinee is not satisfied with the decision of the first appellate authority, they can file a second appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC).

Conclusion

The right to obtain copies of evaluated answer books under the RTI Act is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the examination process. By understanding and exercising this right, examinees can ensure the integrity of the evaluation system.

If you have any further questions or need more detailed information, feel free to ask!