PIO cited 8(1)(j) for employee personal information, is it correct?
I filed an RTI application to get the information about the employees of a government department. The PIO denied the information citing section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, saying that it's personal information. Is this correct? Can I appeal?
Know the practical answer?
Share the record to ask for, the authority to approach, or the next appeal step.
Discussion
4 repliesThe PIO is correct in denying the information if it's personal information that is not publicly available. However, if the information is already publicly available, you can file an appeal under section 19(1) of the RTI Act.
Section 8(1)(j) is meant to protect the personal information of employees. The PIO is correct in denying the information.
You can try to get the information under section 10 of the RTI Act, which allows for severability of information. If the PIO can separate the personal information from the rest, they may be able to provide you with the required information.
You should have filed the application under the right category, personal information is not accessible under RTI.