Under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, a public authority is only required to furnish information that exists in its records and is not obligated to create, collate, or provide advice/opinions not already available in material form.

Relevant facts emerging from Second Appeal/Complaint:

Information sought:

1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 06/06/2025 before the CPIO, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi seeking the following information:

“I am writing this application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 to seek information regarding the status of my seat withdrawal and the subsequent refund for the ICAR 2024 admission process.

Details of the Case Name: Pranjal Sharma

Application Number / Registration ID: UG0002*****6101

Mobile Number: 70****1205

Email ID: mohits*****a.bbl@gmail.com

Date of Seat Withdrawal Requested: 21-09-2024 (Monday)

Last Date of Withdrawal as per ICAR Guidelines: 28-09-2024 (Saturday)

Amount Expected as Refund: Rs. 9000

Mode of Withdrawal Request: Online (as per ICAR portal instructions)

Follow-up: Multiple emails sent to ICAR for clarification and refund status, but no response received till date.

1. Kindly provide the status of my refund for the seat withdrawal request made on 21-09-2024.

2. Please provide the reason for the delay in processing the refund, if any.

3. Kindly inform whether my withdrawal request was accepted within the eligible timeline as per ICAR rules.

4. Provide the exact date when my refund of Rs. 9000 will be processed or was processed.

5. Details of the officer(s)/department(s) responsible for handling refund requests of ICAR 2024.

6. Contact details of the nodal officer/authority responsible for addressing refund-related grievances in ICAR admissions.”

2. The CPIO has furnished a reply to the appellant dated 27/06/2025 stated as under:

“The ICAR counselling for academic year 2024-25 has concluded on Feb.19, 2025. The refund of all candidates who participated in the ICAR counselling is under process. The eligible candidates will be refunded the amount as per refund rules.”

3. Aggrieved and dissatisfied, the appellant filed the First Appeal with the first Appellate Authority. The First Appellate Authority vide order dated 05/08/2025 is stated as under:

“WHEREAS I have considered the Appeal and facts of the case on record as explained in the preceding paras. It is evident that the CPIO had provided the information vide letter no. Agril. Edn.06/45/2025-Exam Cell dated 27.06.2025 to the appellant as per the provisions laid down under RTI Act, 2005. The CPIO has provided information as available. The appeal stands disposed off, accordingly.”

4. Being aggrieved, the Appellant filed the Instant Second Appeal on 01/10/2025.

Written Submission of the Respondent is taken on record

5. Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:

The following were present:-

Appellant: Absent

Respondent: Mr. S R Sharma PS/CPIO (HRD Section & Exam Cell), and Mr. R.K Jha Dy. Secretary participated in the hearing in person

6. The Appellant has not availed the opportunity to participate in the hearing despite due notice of hearing

7. The Respondent submits that the Appellant Shri Pranjal Sharma was duly provided the information and status of refund against his RTI application dated 06.06.2025 by the CPIO within time. Further his First Appeal dated 10.07.2025 was also considered and disposed of by the First Appellate Authority within time. He further apprises the bench that the counselling process for ICAR AIQ seats fo