Three public information officers in a spot for not replying to RTI plea on encroachment

TNIC asks Coimbatore Collector to inquire why maximum penalty should not be levied on the officials  

The Tamil Nadu Information Commission has directed the Coimbatore Collector to inquire why maximum penalty should not be levied and disciplinary action taken against the Public Information Officers who did not send any reply to a petition filed under the Right to Information Act, 2005, almost three years ago.

The case pertains to a petition filed by P.T. Thiruvengadam of Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district on December 22, 2021, seeking details of the action taken on his representation sent to the Revenue Divisional Officer requesting eviction of a temple that was built encroaching upon a public pathway.

With no reply forthcoming to his RTI plea, the petitioner moved the TNIC. When the case came up for hearing, the Public Information Officer informed the commission that a reply was sent to Mr. Thiruvengadam on Novermber 14, 2024, stating that information on the eviction of the temple could be requested from the Mettupalayam Municipal authorities.

After perusing the documents on record, State Information Commissioner R. Priyakumar, noted that all the three officials who held the post of Public Information Officer had failed to provide any reply to the RTI query. He directed the District Collector, Coimbatore, to summon all the PIOs concerned and inquire why maximum penalty of ₹25,000 under Section 20(1) should not be imposed and disciplinary proceedings under Section 20(2) of the Act not taken against them for the undue delay in providing information.

Final orders in the appeal would be passed on the basis of the Collector’s report. Mr. Priyakumar also directed the present PIO to provide information called for by the petitioner and submit a compliance report to the commission in person.

Published - November 27, 2024 06:46 pm IST