The Information Commission of Himachal Pradesh has directed the Public Information Officer (PIO) to reveal the details of Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s land in Shimla, sought under the Right to Information Act.
Hearing the appeal of RTI activist Devashish Bhatacharya, the court of the Information Commission directed the Public Information Officer to provide the sought information in 10 days’ time.
“He (Devashish) wanted details of the properties that have been bought by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the past few years. They had given an RTI application, which had been allowed by the ADM, Shimla, but had been set aside by the DC Shimla and said that the information cannot be provided,” said K.D. Batish, Information Commissioner, Himachal Pradesh.
“Against that, Devashish had approached the Commission. After listening to both the parties, we decided that this information is in public interest and the information regarding the properties should be provided within 10 days,” he added.
A notice has also been issued to the DC of Shimla and the ADM asking why they should not be penalized as they tried to obstruct the information. The next date for hearing has been set as July 23.
Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi’s advocate Gautam Sood said it remained to be seen whether they prefer an appeal or writ petition against the said order or not.
“The decision has been given by the learned State Commission. So, we will see whether we have to prefer an appeal or writ petition against the said order or not. So, I will be able to tell you any further information after I have the discussion with my client,” said Sood.
PTI