The petitioner wanted the following information:

1. From January 2004 to August 2006 in Dhubri Forest Division how many illegally operated pull-carts, bullock carts and boats had been detected - list thereof with the names of the operators.
2. The quantity of timber caught in these illegal transports and their present condition.
3. In the Dhubri District how many furniture making shops are there legally or illegally established range wise list.
4. During that period in Dhubri Forest Division what were the projects taken up and the amount involved therein.

The petitioner sent his petition to the Divisional Forest Officer, Dhubri on 1.9.2006 but it was not accepted because the prescribed fee of Rs.10/- was not enclosed. It was, on record, accepted by the PIO on 19.9.2006 along with the application fee.

The PIO of the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Dhubri, furnished the information to the petitioner on 17.10.2006. It is thus seen that the information was furnished to him on time.

The petitioner should have waited for the information till the end of time limit prescribed under section 7 (1) of the RTI Act, but he submitted a complaint to the Commission on 25.9.2006. The Commission acted on the complaint and issued notice to
the DFO, Dhubri and the petitioner for hearing today. The petitioner admitted that he has received the information and he was satisfied with.


Decision of the Commission:

The Commission observed that the petitioner should have waited for 30 days from the date his petition was received by the PIO along with application fee instead submitting the complaint prematurely. The DFO and the PIO of the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Dhubri have also been advised that the petitions from the public should be accepted even if they are submitted without the application fee, but the information should be furnished only on receipt of the prescribed application fee along with other fees if any after the petitioners are informed of the same.

As the petitioner is satisfied with the information which was furnished to him within the time limit the matter stands closed.