RTI Application:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application dated 03.09.2013 seeking information/guidelines issued by Home Ministry for those who convert their religion from Hinduism to Buddhism and related matters. The CPIO responded on 17.10.2013. The appellant filed an appeal dated 08.10.2013 with the first appellate authority. The FAA responded on 23.10.2013. The appellant filed second appeal dated 12.11.2013 with the Commission. Hearing:
2. The respondent participated in the hearing personally.
3. The respondent referred to the appellants RTI application and stated that the appellant sought the following information:
i) whether there are any guidelines issued by Home Ministry for those who convert their religion from Hinduism to Buddhism; ii) whether there are any laws which are relied on by Home Ministry for those who convert their religion from Hinduism to Buddhism; and iii) whether there is any settled procedure or guidelines in Home Ministry for those who convert their religion from Hinduism to Buddhism.
4. The respondent stated that public order is a State subject as per list II, Entry No.1 of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. There is no central legislation. The respondent said that the Right to Freedom of Religion has been guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which reads as follows: Article 25, Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion (1) Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.
5. The respondent stated that they vide letters dated 17.10.2013 and 21.11.2013 replied to the appellant in response to his RTI applications dated 03.09.2013 and 21.10.2013.
6. The appellant did not participate in the hearing.
7. The action taken by the respondent is in conformity with the RTI Act. Decision:
8. Commissions intervention is not required in the matter. The appeal is disposed of. Copy of the decision be given free of cost to the parties. (Vijai Sharma) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy (V.K. Sharma) Designated Officer
Comments