Information in Embassy is not exempted

The DELHI HIGH COURT  in W.P.(C) 8993/2017  (DOMINC SIMON Vs CPIO, RIYADH)  has considered this matter in depth and brushed away the contentions of then PIO and held as below

15. It is once clear that if the information as sought for by the petitioner is available with the Indian Embassy, the same is not covered under any of the provisions of Section 8(1)(a) of the Act. …….

16. The CIC had observed that “the disclosure of the embassy files relating to the official communication with Saudi Govt. will impinge upon the friendly relations with a foreign country”. This observation is, plainly, unmerited. The question whether disclosure of any communication with a Foreign State would adversely affect the relationship with that Foreign State would depend on the nature of the information and whether the same is expected to be treated as confidential.