CIC wants to know rules for action against dowry seekers

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked Andhra Bank to disclose if they have any rules under which action can be taken against an employee for giving or encouraging giving dowry.

The direction came after one Surendra Myneni sought information regarding property details of his father-in-law, an employee with the same bank, using the Right to Information (RTI) Act. But when the bank denied information, he approached the CIC.

“We have consistently held that the property returns filed by an employee are in the nature of personal information and cannot be disclosed unless it would serve a larger public interest,” information commissioner Satyananda Mishra said.

Myneni had also sought information relating to the disciplinary proceedings against the same employee. On which, Mishra said: “Information regarding the disciplinary proceedings or departmental action against the employees  cannot be classified as personal. Therefore, we direct the CPIO [Andhra Bank] to provide to the appellant a photocopy of the entire file regarding any action taken against the said employee. We also direct the CPIO to provide to the appellant the copy of the relevant rules, if any, under which action can be taken against an employee for giving or encouraging giving of dowry,” Mishra said.