2012 (8) TMI 1128 - Commission - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues involved: Delay in providing information under RTI Act, non-compliance by former CPIO, imposition of penalty under Section 20(1) of the Act.

The Central Information Commission, in the case involving delay in providing information under the RTI Act, found that the former CPIO did not fulfill the obligations cast upon him u/s 7(1) of the Act. The Commission directed the current CPIO to provide specific point-wise information to the appellant and imposed a penalty of Rs. 25,000 on the former CPIO for not discharging his functions as required by the Act. The former CPIO's casual approach in disposing of the matter was noted, and the Commission emphasized that expecting the appellant to visit the office to gather information is not a valid substitute for providing the information as mandated by the Act.

Furthermore, the Commission ordered the recovery of the penalty amount from the salary of the former CPIO, to be remitted to the Central Information Commission. The amount of Rs. 25,000 was to be deducted at the rate of Rs. 5000 per month starting from September 2012, with the total amount to be remitted by March 2013. The responsibility for recovering and remitting the penalty amount was assigned to the I.G. Police, UT Chandigarh, ensuring compliance with the Commission's directive.