New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) The Delhi High Court on Friday stayed till further orders a Central Information Commission (CIC) order directing the Indian Air Force (IAF) to provide information regarding Special Flight Returns (SRF)-II of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's entourage on his foreign trips.

On Wednesday, the IAF had filed a petition before the HC saying that it can’t share the details relating to the Prime Minister’s security apparatus as the details related to the entire entourage names of Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel accompanying the PM on foreign tours for his personal safety and the same if disclosed can potentially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Justice Navin Chawla on Friday asserted that the information sought by Commodore (retd) Lokesh K Batra under RTI Act (Right to Information Act, 2005) with regard to details of the ministry or department officials who accompanied the PM on a trip cannot be disclosed.

However, the court observed that there is no harm in providing the number of passengers on flights. "What is the problem in giving the number of passengers? You may not give the names. But how does it affect the sovereignty of the country if the number is given?", the court asked.

Certified copies of SRF-I and SRF-II with regard to each foreign visit of former PM Manmohan Singh and also Prime Minister Narendera Modi from April 2013 onward was sought by Mr Batra.

During the course of hearing, IAF, represented by central government senior panel counsel Rahul Sharma and advocate CK Bhatt contended that the CIC has failed to appreciate and consider that the information sought cannot be disclosed as it is extremely sensitive in nature.

The court said that it was the job of the CIC to specify the information which has to be disclosed. It also said that at best the numbers of passengers could be given without any other details.

The court further posted the matter to be heard on April 12.

UNI JW SHK1751