“Delhi HC Seeks Response from IFS Officer in CBI’s RTI Plea Over AIIMS Corruption Probe”

The High Court of Delhi has initiated proceedings in response to a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), challenging an order mandating the release of information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act concerning alleged corruption within the AIIMS trauma center. The CBI’s appeal contests a decision by a single judge rejecting interference with the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) directive from November 2019.

The plea in question pertains to former Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of AIIMS, Sanjeev Chaturvedi, who had sought information regarding purported corruption in the procurement of disinfectants and fogging solutions for the medical store of Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center, AIIMS. Chaturvedi, during his tenure as the chief vigilance officer, had reported alleged malpractices in the center’s procurement procedures.

Subsequently, when the CBI did not take action on the information provided by Chaturvedi, he sought recourse through the RTI route. The CIC then directed the CBI to furnish the requested details, prompting the agency to approach the high court.

The single judge, in a January 30 order, opined that the CBI was not entirely exempt from RTI scrutiny, stressing that the agency’s investigations into corruption and human rights violations were subject to disclosure under the Act. However, the CBI’s contention is that Section 24 of the RTI Act acts as a complete bar, shielding the agency from disclosing information that could potentially jeopardize ongoing investigations and endanger informants.

In response to the CBI’s appeal, the Delhi High Court has sought a counter affidavit from Sanjeev Chaturvedi within four weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 29. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for the applicability of RTI provisions to sensitive investigations conducted by agencies like the CBI, balancing the imperative of transparency with the need to protect ongoing inquiries.

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