CIC pulls up IRCTC over RTI denial on Rail Neer scam disclosures in tenders

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has pulled up the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for denying information under a Right to Information (RTI) plea seeking disclosure of whether bidders in railway tenders revealed their alleged links to the Rail Neer scam and related investigations by central agencies, according to reports. The Commission termed the response inadequate and directed the public authority to provide a fresh, reasoned reply.

The RTI application had specifically sought details on whether companies participating in tenders disclosed if they were accused in the Rail Neer scam and whether cases had been registered against them by agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), according to reports. It also asked whether bidders informed authorities about developments like FIRs, raids, seizures, and filing of charge sheets.

According to reports, IRCTC denied the information citing Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, which exempts disclosure of information involving commercial confidence or trade secrets that could harm the competitive position of third parties. The applicant challenged this denial, arguing that the information was sought in larger public interest and should be disclosed to ensure transparency in government procurement processes.

Examining the case, the CIC observed that the response provided by IRCTC merely invoked the exemption clause without offering any justification or explanation. The Commission emphasised that a “bare or mechanical reference” to an exemption does not constitute a valid reply under the RTI framework and that authorities must provide cogent reasons while denying information.

The CIC concluded that the response was not in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act and directed IRCTC to revisit the application and issue a detailed, reasoned response. The matter highlights ongoing concerns around transparency and accountability in public tenders, especially in cases linked to past corruption investigations like the Rail Neer scam.