Automatic Compliance with ss7(6)

[jiwateshwar]

Most of my RTI applications pertain to a particular PA in Chandigarh. The previous CPIO tried his level best to never reveal information to me and I have a couple of Second Appeals pending against him. I always threatened him with dire consequences etc etc and he never really bothered until I sent him a copy of the Second Appeals which I had filed against him. This CPIO retired shortly after receiving a copy of my second appeal (the FAA didnt hold a first hearing).However to my suprise yesterday I received three letters from 3 different government officials explaining to me how they had nothing to do with the denial of information. These letters were highly apologetic and go on tell me that how the CPIO was hiding facts. It turns out that the CPIO panicked after having received a copy of my second appeal. Thus before he retired, he issued some letters to these officers blaming them for everything. Now a new CPIO joined the same PA. I had filed an RTI with him as well. Today I was suprised to find a parcel lying in my letter-box. Inside it was the information requested, complete 107 pages of it delivered to me totally free of cost and in compliance with 7(6). The information had become due on 24th of August 2008. The letter inside is signed 27th of August 2008. Just 3 days of delay and the CPIO has automatically invoked 7(6).

Thus end of the day, it can be said, that when people start knowing their rights and demanding for compliance, then no one shall be able to deny them long enough. Things are changing and will continue to change for good. This "victory" is not of a single person, but of a community of people dedicating themselves to a citizens right to information. RTIIndia.org Zindabad!

[jps50]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I was helping a friend for getting info from a nationalised bank. CPIO/FAA evaded replies to four RTI applns. When second appeals were filed, the bank came forward with a compromise and waived loans of nearly 3.00 lacs and one of the conditions was to withdraw appeals with CIC, to save their senior executives!!! PA knows that all wrong doings will come out open and bank will face music in high court.

[colnrkurup]

The effectiveness of the RTI Act appears directly proportional to the efficiency of the Information Commission. The CIC seems picked up momendum. I consider that they have become quite effective recently. Naturally it started reflecting on every public authority under the jurisdictionof the CIC. The SICs have no Mai-baap and naturally ......

[jiwateshwar]

Nothing much to add, just to let you all know that the same thing repeated itself again. To present a summary:-
1. had filed an RTI application 1.5 months back
2. received no communication for 1.5 months
3. yesterday received a parcel (20 pages) from the CPIO.

Again an automatic compliance with 7(6). Really amazed with this. By the way, this is a different PA and a different PIO as well. Things are really improving!