(Image source from: Priyanka Vadra's Shimla Deal to be in the public domain})

The Information Commission of Himachal Pradesh has directed the Public Information Officer (PIO) to disclose the information on the Congress president Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s land deal in Shimla, which is sought under the Right to Information Act.

After hearing the appeal of RTI activist Devashish Bhatacharya, the Information Commission directed the Public Information Officer to provide the 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 the public interest and the information regarding the properties should be provided within 10 days,” he added.

 “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,” Priyanka Gandhi’s advocate Gautam Sood said.

By Premji