CIC slaps Rs 25,000 fine on officer for delay in RTI reply

[sidmis]

CIC slaps Rs 25,000 fine on officer for delay in RTI reply

As Reported in PTI


New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The Central Information Commission (CIC) has imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on a Delhi government official who failed to furnishing information to an RTI applicant on time.
"In this case the delay is undisputed and the cause as shown for the same cannot be deemed reasonable," Central Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said.

Finding no substance in the official's defence that the delay was caused due to his excessive workload, the Commission directed the Divisional Commissioner to recover the fine from the official either directly or from his salary.

The Commission's order came on an appeal filed by Anil Sood who was denied information by the revenue department official allegedly in contravention of the Right to Information Act earlier this year.
A K Kaushal, Additional District Magistrate (New Delhi), pleaded that it was due to his work load, "dual responsibility, meetings, continuous appearances in the Delhi High Court, shortage of staff" that the information could not be provided to the applicant on time.
However, Sood asked the Commission to take action against the Delhi government officer for withholding information and showing disrespect to its order.

Habibullah had directed the ADM to furnish replies to determine if there was a failure on the part of his office in supplying information and had also sought an explanation as to why a penalty should not be imposed on it. PTI

CIC slaps Rs 25,000 fine on officer for delay in RTI reply

[nukebomb]

Well done . penalty shall be charged on each and every delay or non supply of information

[Anil Sood]

ADM also said that Mr sood did not remind me regarding his application is pending and he did not remind me and I thought that he do not want the information.
In this case there were 1 appeal and 1 complaint. Penality is imposed for Rs.25000/- so penalty should be 50,000/-, should I go for review for penality on both application.

[sidmis]

should I go for review for penality on both application.

That would be an overkill. Take some pity on him.

[abhi987]

I think you have proved your point so you may not pursue it further, but no question of mercy or pity.

The whole country is suffering due to the inefficiency of bureaucrats / administration.

The fact that you had to go right upto second appeal means the PIO / AA are taking their job lightly. The moment you file the first appeal the AA must have discussed with the PIO that he has recd the appeal, this message must have passed on with great efficiency within 24 hrs, but the PIO does not find time over the next 30 days to give the information either because of callous attitude or vested interests.

After sixty years of independence we are way way behind the developed countries because of inefficiency of public servants.

Well done once again.

[sagginyou]

He has denied such an invaluable information.
The CIC should have power to punish for denial of information.