PIO refusal for account freeze information
My account was frozen by the bank due to some suspicious transactions. I filed an RTI to the bank to know the reason for freezing my account, but the PIO refused to provide the information, citing §8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. Is this correct? Can I appeal against this decision?
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Discussion
3 repliesThe PIO's refusal to provide information, citing §8(1)(j), may not be correct in this case. As per the RTI Act, §8(1)(j) exemption is applicable only if the information is related to personal information of a third party. In this case, the information is related to your own account, so you have a right to know the reason for freezing your account.
You can appeal against the PIO's decision to the Appellate Authority, citing §19(1) of the RTI Act. In the appeal, you should mention that the information is related to your own account and that you have a right to know the reason for freezing your account.
Before appealing, you can try to get the information from the bank directly. Sometimes, banks provide the reasons for account freeze if you ask them. If they don't provide the information, then you can appeal to the Appellate Authority, as suggested by the other members.