Failure under RTI Act - CE Officers may have to pay Rs. 1 Lakh Compensation - Not exactly
IN DDT 1314 - 09.03.2010, we reported that 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 CIC was informed that Mr. Md. Israil to whom the notice was given by the CIC on 19.3.2010, had passed away on 2.11.2009. Since the noticee is no more, proceedings abate. The other issues covered in the appeals and complaints against the Raipur Central Excise are closed as the information sought has been given.