Failure under RTI Act – CE Officers may have to pay Rs. 1 Lakh Compensation
IN a landmark decision, the Central Information Commission recently ordered proceedings to be initiated under Section 19(8)(b) of the RTI Act against Central Excise Officers of Raipur Commissionerate for compensation of Rs. 1 lakh to the applicant.
The CIC noticed that the CPIO, Md. Israil had not responded to the appellant's RTI-applications. Appellant received no reply from the AA too as his 1st-appeals, dated 29.09.2009 against deemed refusal of his RTI-applications, were rejected by AA, Sri Raj Kumar on the ground that the appellant had demanded the direction to be issued to Commissioner, Central Excise, Raipur, who was senior in rank to the AA.
The Commission held that the AA as well as the CPIO has failed to discharge their obligations under the RTI-Act.