The Central Information Commission has directed the Tihar Jail authorities to provide the certified copy of death warrant issued for execution of Afzal Guru. Giving the order in response to an RTI petition, the CIC, however, refused to call for a video-recording of the execution.
In an order issued on Tuesday, Information Commissioner M. Sridhar Acharyulu partly allowed the appeal of Paras Nath Singh, who sought details of Afzal Guru’s execution. He had also directed that the authorities inform the process of fixation of date for execution and time provided for the communication about the same, as the petitioner raised doubts over sufficient time having been given to family members ahead of the execution.
The Commission also felt that authorities could not refuse information taking shelter under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act and suggested that authorities should desist from rejecting RTI applications without giving any reason or justifying the exemption claimed.
Tihar Jail authorities had argued that release of any information about the execution of Afzal Guru could endanger the security, integrity and sovereignty of the country. However, the commission felt that it was a question of law and order.
The CIC held recordings should not be released as also the names of officers who fixed the date of execution lest it endanger their life.
