The matter does not end with that. Mr.V V Giry, IC of
SIC, Kerala in his power point presentation during
CIC's Conference on 17-10-2007 (availablein
CIC's site) had brought out that
" resistance of PAs to provide information related illegal practices is one of theproblem faced by them ". But this appears to be a disinformation. Cityzens often ask information which if disclosed can expose serious acts of corruption/illegal practices. The government officials are found not comfortable with such application. Such information is invariably denied and the appellant prefer first appeal followed by complaint/second appeal to the
SIC. Nothing stop the
SIC in dispossing such cases strictly as per the
RTI Act. But it is found that the
SIC seggregate such cases and keep them in abeyance. When cases of such nature pending with them even since March 2006 (20 months old), they attend to other cases which are not even 2 months old. In case corruption is expossed accidentally during hearing, the
SIC is found diverting the issue to merrit of the case supressing the entire episode of corruption expossed in his orders. On 10-11-2007 the
SIC in his Press Conference at KOCHI has
cautioned the public against misuse of the provisions of the Act blaming NGOs and social activists that they are going overboard and harrassing government officials. It appears that according to
SIC asking such information is harrassment to government officials. 'The Hindu ' has highlighted that
"SIC warns against using Act to harrass government offficials ". Mr.Karira has correctly brought out that it is high time for us to read Section 17 of the Act. Maj Ravindran has read it and initiated action. SIC's outburst on him and above orders to RDO and his press conference blaming NGOs and Activists is its outcome.