Special branch of Mumbai police exempt from RTI, claims CID

NGO 'National Counsel for Civil Liberties' had sought from Maharashtra Home Department details as to how many Pakistani film artists such as actors, directors, producers, singer, musicians and so on are working illegally in Mumbai.

The Home department had forwarded the RTI application to the Special Branch of CID.

However, the Public Information Officer of CID refused to divulge information on the grounds that CID does not come under the ambit of RTI.

"The special branch of CID is looking into the matter of Pakistani nationals working in Mumbai. But the details regarding this cannot be given as the state government as per a notification dated October 11, 2005 has exempted CID from giving information under RTI," the reply by PIO and assistant commissioner of police (CID) Ambadas Gadade said.

Following this, V K Saxena, president of the NGO, has appealed before the appellate officer of CID and sought information.

"The information was sought first from the Home department which is not exempted from RTI. Pakistani nationals working illegally in Mumbai should be sent back immediately. This is necessary to help our own citizens who are struggling to get a job in the film industry," the appeal states.

Stating that the information sought is neither classified nor confidential in nature, Saxena said he would file a petition against the home department if the appellate officer too rejects his RTI application.