RTI – CIC Imposes Penalty on MCD Officials Over Misleading Reply
RTI – The Central Information Commission (CIC) has levied a combined penalty of Rs 20,000 on two officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) after finding serious lapses in handling a Right to Information (RTI) application linked to alleged unauthorised basement use in Shastri Nagar. The commission observed that the response provided to the applicant was not only delayed but also factually incorrect, raising concerns about accountability within the civic body.
Commission Flags Serious Procedural Violations
According to the CIC’s findings, the RTI request was not addressed within the legally mandated timeframe, which constitutes a direct violation of the RTI Act, 2005. The applicant had sought specific details regarding a property in Shastri Nagar, but the MCD responded with information related to an entirely different property. Despite multiple follow-ups and objections raised by the applicant, the discrepancy was not corrected in time.
The commission described the conduct of the officials as indicative of mala fide intent, noting that such actions undermine the purpose of transparency laws designed to empower citizens. It further stressed that delays and incorrect responses cannot be justified under administrative inefficiencies.
Explanation Rejected by CIC
During the proceedings, the officials attributed the error to improper diarisation of the RTI application. However, the commission dismissed this explanation, stating that internal administrative lapses do not absolve public authorities of their statutory responsibilities. The CIC underlined that public officials are expected to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information, especially when dealing with formal information requests.
Breakdown of Penalty on Officials
The penalty has been divided between two officers based on their respective roles in the case. A fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed on the then Public Information Officer (PIO) for failing to provide any response within the prescribed period. Meanwhile, the current PIO has been fined Rs 15,000 for submitting what the commission termed as “misleading and incorrect” information and for not complying with prior directions issued during the case.
The CIC has directed the MCD to recover these penalty amounts directly from the salaries of the concerned officials. It has also instructed the civic body to submit proof of recovery within a specified timeframe.
Orders for Corrected Information and Compliance
In addition to the financial penalties, the commission has issued clear instructions to rectify the situation. The current PIO has been ordered to provide a revised and accurate response related specifically to the property mentioned in the RTI application. This corrected reply must include all relevant details and be submitted within three weeks.
Furthermore, the CIC has asked for an action-taken report to ensure that the matter is addressed comprehensively. The first appellate authority has also been directed to oversee compliance and submit an investigation report within six weeks, ensuring that accountability is maintained at multiple levels.
Enforcement Drive Targets Unlicensed Establishments
Separately, the MCD has taken action against violations in its West Zone by sealing two commercial establishments operating without mandatory health licenses. The establishments identified were M/s Barbeque Company, a food outlet, and GoodLife Health Club, a gym facility.
This action was part of a broader enforcement campaign aimed at ensuring compliance with public health and safety regulations. Officials stated that such drives will continue to check irregularities and promote adherence to civic norms.
The twin developments highlight ongoing challenges in governance and enforcement within urban civic bodies. While regulatory action is being taken against businesses operating outside the legal framework, the CIC’s intervention underscores the need for greater transparency and responsibility among public officials handling citizen queries