Question paper along with answer sheet of JIPMER-MBBS Entrance Examination, directed to be disclosed

Central Information Commission (CIC): While coming down heavily upon the officials of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) for their casual attitude in dealing with RTI applications, CIC directed them to provide the question paper and the answer sheet of JIPMER-MBBS Entrance Examination to the appellant. Earlier, the appellant sought for the question paper, answer sheet and key of JIPMER-MBBS Entrance Examination, held on 08.06.2014 but was informed that as per the decision of the Academic Committee, JIPMER does not disclose the said information and thus, the information was denied to the appellant. JIPMER further referred to a decision of the Delhi High Court in AIIMS v. Vikrant Bhuria LPA No. 487 of 2011, wherein the court had denied disclosure of such information. After perusing the said judgment, CIC observed that ratio of the Delhi High Court’s decision does not apply in the instant case as the appellant in the present case sought for the question paper of JIPMER-MBBS Entrance Examination, held on 08.06.2014, which is not similar to the super-speciality entrance examination, discussed by the Delhi High Court in the above mentioned decision. While directing the public authority to take due cognizance of provisions of the RTI Act, CIC also cautioned them to refrain from dealing with RTI applications in a casual manner and to strictly follow provisions of the RTI Act while disposing of appeals and pass a speaking order after taking due cognizance of merits of each case. S. Winston Samuel v. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, 2015 SCC OnLine CIC 2378, decided on 20.07.2015