APSIC stops accepting Complaints for Sec 4 disclosure !

[karira]

I had filed a direct complaint with APSIC for non disclosure Sec 4(1)(b) information by the AP Legislative Council.

This information had to be suo-moto disclosed by all public authorities within 120 days of the enactment of the RTI Act -
that is by October 2005.

The Commission has now passed an order stating in effect that it is mandatory to file a RTI application under Sec 6(1) before filing a Complaint under Sec 18.

I only wonder what RTI application can I file to the AP Legislative Council, if there is no information available of the PIO, no information about the application fees, no information about the RTI Rules framed by the Chairman of the Legislative Council, etc.

'Sec 18(1) of the RTI Act, 2005 reads as follows:-

"Subject to the provisions of this Act, it shall be the duty of the State Information Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person"

The initial wordings as per Sec 18(1), subject to the provisions of this Act means that a person seeking information should first of all file an application in writing before SPIO'

Does APSIC mean to say that Sec 4 is not a provision of the Act ?
But whom do I file a RTI application to ?
What fees do I pay ?
And why should I file a RTI application under Sec 6(1) for information that is to be suo moto disclosed under Sec 4 ?


This only means that the APSIC is shirking its responsibility in proper implementation of Sec 4 of the RTI Act - which is a cornerstone of the Act.

This is one way for the APSIC to show increase in disposals and reduction in pendency.