The arbitrary conduct of some online Public Information Officers (PIOs) is undermining the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Under Section 20(1) of the Act, penalties of Rs 250 per day (up to Rs 25,000) can be imposed by the Central or State Information Commissions if PIOs delay or deny information without cause, provide false details, or obstruct access.
However, in practice, the First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) merely direct PIOs to furnish information, ending appeals without fines or disciplinary action. This wastes applicants’ time and weakens the law.
To make RTI more effective, penalties should be imposed directly by FAAs or the concerned Public Authority, instead of waiting for the CIC or SIC. Such amendments would speed up enforcement and ensure accountability.
Further, the existing fine should be increased from Rs 250 to Rs 1,000 per day to deter deliberate delays. Some PIOs misuse the process by sending applicants to conduct inspections instead of providing direct answers.
Applicants deserve clear, timely information, and stricter penalties will help restore the spirit of transparency envisioned under the RTI Act.
