Timing of PIO availability — CIC
Quick Reply: PIO must be available during working hours; 'Friday only' or 'only mornings' schedules are §5 non-compliant. PIO must be reachable during standard working hours;.
Central Information Commission · 2019-01-01 · Citation awaited
PIO must be reachable during standard working hours; limited 'slot' availability is §5 non-compliance.
Case details
| Court | Central Information Commission |
|---|---|
| Decided | 2019-01-01 |
| Citation | Citation awaited |
| Petitioner | RTI applicant |
| Respondent | PIO |
| RTI Act sections | §5, §7 |
| Outcome | Guidance / other |
Outcome
PIO must be available during working hours; 'Friday only' or 'only mornings' schedules are §5 non-compliant.
Ratio decidendi
The designation of a PIO under §5 contemplates availability during normal working hours of the public authority — not restricted slots like 'only Fridays' or 'only 10-11 am'. Such restrictions impede §6 and §2(j) inspection rights and are actionable.
Keywords
PIO availability, §5, CIC, working hours
Similar cases in the corpus
- PIO designation and accountability — Delhi HC (HC-DEL 2016)
- Inspection charges — Delhi HC (HC-DEL 2014)
- PIO transfer during pendency — Calcutta HC (HC-CAL 2019)
- Arvind Kejriwal v. CPIO (HC-DEL 2010)
Related
Editorial summary, not a certified report. The ratio here is an editorial compression. Before citing this ruling in a PIO order, FAA speaking order, or any appellate filing, verify against the full reported decision. RTI Wiki is not a legal service.
Editorial summary · last reviewed 21 April 2026.