CIC urges surprise inspections of CBSE schools to curb dummy admissions

India Today: New Delhi: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
The CIC recommended surprise inspections of CBSE-affiliated schools over alleged dummy admissions. The move seeks stricter enforcement of attendance requirements for board examinations.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has recommended surprise inspections of schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to check alleged dummy admissions and ensure compliance with mandatory attendance rules, news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi made the recommendation in a recent order after a complaint alleged that schools were issuing dummy certificates to students who did not attend classes.
Invoking Section 25(5) of the Right to Information Act, the commission said surprise inspections would help ensure checks and balances at affiliated schools.
“The Commission, considering the gravity of the issue flagged by the complainant seeking information regarding issuance of dummy certificates by schools to students not attending classes, deems it fit to recommend the CBSE under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005 to exercise the power of conducting a surprise inspection,” the order said.
COMPLAINT FILED THROUGH AN RTI
According to PTI, the complaint was filed by an RTI applicant seeking information about attendance requirements at private missionary schools in Bhopal, as well as the board's rules on subject selection and prescribed textbooks.
The complainant told the commission that the application was filed to expose alleged dummy admissions, under which students obtain examination results without attending classes.
The CBSE's central public information officer initially returned the application, citing an error in the Indian Postal Order submitted as the application fee. The applicant was asked to provide a valid payment instrument payable to the CBSE secretary in Bhopal.
During the hearing, the commission said rejecting the application on technical grounds was not in keeping with the spirit of the RTI Act. “Denial of information on technicality is not in the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005,” it said, adding that the officer was expected to help provide a point-wise response.
The officer apologised and agreed to provide the information. The CBSE later submitted a point-wise reply, which was taken on record, PTI reported.
In its response, the board cited its Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018, which bar affiliated schools from presenting students for board examinations if they have not attended classes regularly or do not meet the prescribed minimum attendance requirement.
The commission's recommendation seeks to ensure that CBSE-affiliated schools follow attendance rules and do not allow students who have not regularly attended classes to appear for board examinations.

RTI Appeals Must Be Decided Within 8 Weeks, High Court Orders

Urban Acres: Chennai: Friday, 16^th October 2026.

The Madras High Court has directed the Central Information Commission to decide two pending second appeals under the Right to Information Act within eight weeks of receiving the court order, addressing delays in a process intended to provide citizens access to public records.
The direction was issued in a petition filed by Ramakrishnan, head of the Botany Department at Puducherry’s Tagore Government Arts and Science College. The case arose after information sought under the RTI Act from the officer holding charge as the college principal was not considered satisfactory by the petitioner.
After the information supplied by the college authorities failed to resolve his concerns, Ramakrishnan filed an appeal under the RTI process. He remained dissatisfied with the response at that stage as well and subsequently filed two second appeals before the Central Information Commission.
Those appeals remained pending for a prolonged period, prompting Ramakrishnan to approach the High Court. The petition challenged the delay in taking decisions on the second appeals and sought action on the matters that had already moved through the earlier stages of the information-access process.
In its order, the High Court directed the Central Information Commission to examine the two pending appeals on their merits and issue appropriate orders in accordance with the law. Justice Hemant Chandangoudar specified that the action should be completed within eight weeks from the date on which the commission receives a copy of the court order.
The direction places a clear time limit on the disposal of the two appeals, but it does not predetermine the outcome of the information dispute. The commission is required to assess the substance of the appeals and pass orders according to the applicable legal provisions.
The case highlights the procedural stages through which an RTI request can move when the initial response is considered inadequate: a request to the relevant public authority, an appeal against the response, and a second appeal before the information commission. In this matter, the petitioner’s grievance was that the final appellate stage had remained undecided for an extended period.
For applicants seeking records from public institutions, delays at the second-appeal stage can leave a dispute unresolved even after the original request and subsequent appeal have been processed. The High Court’s order now sets a specific deadline for the Central Information Commission to act on the two appeals linked to the Puducherry college.
The commission must complete its consideration and issue the legally appropriate orders within eight weeks after receiving the court order copy.

बिहार में RTI एक्टिविस्ट होना इतना जोखिम भरा क्यों? घोटालों का पर्दाफाश करने वाले शिव प्रकाश राय की कहानी उन्हीं की जुबानी

ETV Bharat: Patna: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
करोड़ों के घोटाले उजागर करने वाले आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय ने राजनीति के बड़े ऑफर्स ठुकरा कर सिर्फ सच का साथ चुना. रिपोर्ट-रंजीत कुमार

पटना में RTI एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय (ETV Bharat)

'मैं सिर्फ 17 साल का था, लेकिन ब्लॉक सर्किल ऑफिसर के ऑफिस में भागा, जो एक गांव वाले को चीनी का परमिट नहीं दे रहे थे, मेरी बहस शुरू हो गई और मुझे ड्यूटी पर मौजूद एक सरकारी कर्मचारी को परेशान करने के लिए गिरफ्तार करके जेल भेज दिया गया..''ये शब्द हैं बिहार के 70 वर्षीय आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय के.
कई घोटालों का पर्दाफाश
आरटीआई के जरिए बिहार की जड़ें हिलाने वाले शिव प्रकाश राय ने इसी 'सूचना के अधिकार' की मदद से कई घोटालों का पर्दाफाश किया. भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई कमजोर न पड़ें इसके लिए राजनीति में आने का ऑफर भी ठुकरा दिया.

मुसीबतों का सामना
RTI एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय ने बिहार में कई घोटालों का पर्दाफाश किया है, चाहे वह 2013 में 100 करोड़ रुपये का सोलर लैंप खरीद घोटाला हो या 4,000 करोड़ रुपये का धान घोटाला. भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ इस कठिन लड़ाई के लिए उन्हें कई मुसीबतों का सामना करना पड़ा, कई झंझावात झेले, 29 दिन जेल की सजा भी भुगतनी पड़ी, पर इनका सफर आज भी जारी है.
भ्रष्टाचार के मामले में दूसरे स्थान पर बिहार
भ्रष्टाचार के मामले में बिहार राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर दूसरे स्थान पर है, और राज्य में कई लोग भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लंबे समय से लड़ाई भी लड़ रहे हैं. बिहार में आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट होना इतना आसान भी नहीं हैं. शिव प्रकाश राय बताते कि बिहार में अब तक 20 से 25 आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट्स की हत्या हो चुकी है.
उत्पीड़न के झूठे मामले दर्ज
शिव प्रकाश के मुताबिक इसके अलावा 250 से 300 आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट्स के खिलाफ उत्पीड़न के झूठे मामले दर्ज किए गए हैं. कई बार उन्हें डराया धमकाया भी जाता है. उन्होंने बताया कि मैं आज तक ना तो किसी से डरा हूं ना ही प्रलोभन के झांसे में आया हूं.

पुणे में दर्ज हुई थी पहली आरटीआई
अपने इस सफर के बारे में बात करते हुए शिव प्रकाश कहते हैं कि फर्जी मुकदमे में जेल जाने के बाद भी हमारा अभियान थमा नहीं है और अनवरत जारी है. उन्होंने बताया कि भारत में सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम (RTI Act 2005) के तहत दायर की जाने वाली पहली आरटीआई (RTI) पुणे के एक पुलिस स्टेशन में शाहिद रज़ा बर्नी (Shahid Raza Burney) द्वारा दायर की गई थी.
17 साल की उम्र में गए जेल
शिव प्रकाश एक घटना का जिक्र करते हुए कहते हैं कि मैंने तब भी जानकारी के लिए बहुत कोशिश की. तब मैं सिर्फ 17 साल का था, लेकिन ब्लॉक सर्किल ऑफिसर के ऑफिस में भागा, जो एक गांव वाले को चीनी का परमिट नहीं दे रहे थे, मेरी बहस शुरू हो गई और मुझे ड्यूटी पर मौजूद एक सरकारी कर्मचारी को परेशान करने के लिए गिरफ्तार करके जेल भेज दिया गया.

आरटीआई: भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ हथियार
शिव प्रकाश राय पिछले 25 साल से हर रोज बक्सर से पटना आते हैं और भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई को धार देने में लग जाते हैं. उन्होंने आरटीआई को भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई का हथियार बनाया है. इसी की मदद से कई बड़े घोटाले का पर्दाफाश भी किया है और यह सिलसिला आज भी अनवरत जारी है.
फर्जी मुकदमे में 29 दिनों तक जेल
शिव प्रकाश राय धान खरीद घोटाला, शिक्षक नियुक्ति घोटाला, बालू घोटाला, अलकतरा घोटाला, पेंशन, भूमि और बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति सहित कई मामलों को पटल पर लेकर आए. वहीं इस संघर्ष की कीमत भी उन्हें चुकानी पड़ी, एक झूठे मुकदमे में 29 दिनों तक जेल में भी रहना पड़ा, हालांकि बाद में जांच के दौरान केस असत्य पाया गया.
जब सवाल पूछना बन गया अपराध
दरअसल साल 2008 में तत्कालीन बक्सर जिलाधिकारी विष्णुदेव प्रसाद सिंह ने शिवप्रकाश राय पर आरोप लगाया कि वे डीएम के कक्ष में घुसकर हर महीने 25 हजार रुपये रंगदारी मांग रहे थे, शिव प्रकाश राय के खिलाफ प्राथमिक की भी दर्ज कराई गई. मामले में उन्हें जेल भेजा गया और वे 29 दिन जेल में बंद रहे. बाद में पुलिस अधीक्षक ने यह मामला असत्य पाया, जिसके बाद उन्हें रोप मुक्त करार दिया गया.
"जब भ्रष्टाचार उजागर होता है, तो प्रशासनिक अधिकारी दबाव और झूठे केस जैसे अवैध तरीकों का सहारा लेते है. यह घटना मेरे जीवन का निर्णायक मोड़ बनी और मैने आरटीआई कार्यकर्ताओं पर हो रहे उत्पीड़न को बड़े पैमाने पर उठाना शुरू किया." -शिव प्रकाश राय, आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट

बक्सर के तत्कालीन डीएम हुए बेनकाब
शिव प्रकाश राय बताते हैं कि बक्सर के किसानों को सरकार की ओर से बोरिंग और ट्यूबेल लगाने के लिए राशि भेजी गई थी जिसमें 80% सब्सिडी थी. किसानों के खेतों तक बोरिंग तो नहीं पहुंचे लेकिन पैसों की बंदरबांट जरूर हो गई. मामले का खुलासा उनके आरटीआई के जरिए हुआ था. जिस दुकान से खरीद की बात कही गई थी वह दुकान बक्सर में था ही नहीं. बाद में कई अधिकारी बाद में सस्पेंड हुए.
धान खरीद घोटाले का भी हुआ पर्दाफाश
शिव प्रकाश राय का सबसे बड़ा योगदान बिहार के अन्दर धान खरीद घोटाले को उजागर करने में रहा है. अगस्त 2012 में उन्होंने मुख्यमंत्री जनशिकायत प्रकोष्ठ को पत्र लिखकर आरोप लगाया कि सरकारी धान को मिलों द्वारा खुले बाजार में बेचा जा रहा था और मीलिंग के नाम पर बड़े पैमाने पर गड़बड़ी हो रही थी.
उचित जांच और कार्रवाई नहीं
शिव प्रकाश बताते हैं कि उन्होंने इस मामले की जानकारी खाद्य एवं उपभोक्ता संरक्षण विभाग और सतर्कता विभाग के प्रमुख सचिवों को भी भेजी. अक्टूबर 2012 में सतर्कता विभाग के संयुक्त सचिव ने खाद्य विभाग को कार्रवाई के लिए पत्र भेजा, लेकिन राय का आरोप रहा कि मामले में उचित जांच और कार्रवाई नहीं की गई.
3000 करोड़ से अधिक का धान खरीद घोटाला
ये मामला इतना बड़ा बना कि बाद में पटना हाईकोर्ट तक पहुंच गया. राय ने धान घोटाले पर याचिका दायर की और आरोप लगाया कि केंद्र व राज्य सरकारें आरोपियों को बचाने में जुटी हैं. राज्य में इस घोटाले का अनुमान 3,000 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक का बताया गया था, हालांकि बाद में मामले को आर्थिक अपराध अधिकारी को दिया गया और आरोपियों से कुछ हद तक रिकवरी भी हुई.
बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति घोटाला में 100 करोड़ का नुकसान
धान खरीद के अलावा शिव प्रकाश राय ने कई अन्य मामलों में सूचना मांगकर भ्रष्टाचार की परतें खोलीं और उन मामलों को उजागर किया. उनकी आरटीआई से बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति घोटाला सामने आया. बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति घोटाला में कैग की रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक राज्य को 100 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक का राजस्व नुकसान हुआ था.
सूचना के बदले अधिकारियों ने मांगे 1 करोड़ से अधिक
शिव प्रकाश अपने साथ हुई एक दिलचस्प घटना का जिक्र करते हुए कहते हैं कि जब बेगूसराय में भू-माफिया की गतिविधियों की जांच के लिए भूमि रजिस्ट्रेशन से जुड़े दस्तावेज देखने की मांग की गई, तो इसके बदले अधिकारियों ने उनसे 1.34 करोड़ रुपये की फीस मांग ली. शिव प्रकाश ने इसे आरटीआई के इस्तेमाल को रोकने की कोशिश करार दिया.
आरटीआई कार्यकर्ताओं पर हमले
शिव प्रकाश राय बताते हैं कि बिहार में एक दशक में आरटीआई कार्यकर्ताओं के खिलाफ हिंसा और उत्पीड़न के 213 मामले दर्ज हुए, लेकिन जिम्मेदार अधिकारियों या व्यक्तियों पर कार्रवाई की जानकारी नहीं दी गई. इनमें से अधिकतर मामले पंचायत योजनाओं, पैक्स द्वारा धान खरीद, मनरेगा और शिक्षक भर्ती से जुड़े थे.उनके मुताबिक जानकारी मांगने वालों की हत्या, धमकी और झूठे मामलों में फंसाना आम बात बन गई है.
शिक्षा विभाग में नियुक्ति घोटाले का पर्दाफाश
बिहार के शिक्षा विभाग में हुए नियुक्ति और वेतन घोटालों में मुख्य रूप से फर्जी डिग्रियों, फर्जी दस्तावेजों और कागजों पर मौजूद, लेकिन अनुपस्थित शिक्षकों (घोस्ट टीचर्स) के नाम पर सरकारी खजाने से अवैध रूप से वेतन निकासी का मामला शामिल रहा है.
मामले को उच्च न्यायालय तक पहुंचाया
हाल ही में हजारों फर्जी शिक्षकों की बर्खास्तगी और वेतन वसूली की कार्रवाई की गई है. शिव प्रकाश राय ने ही मामले को उच्च न्यायालय तक पहुंचाया. इनके प्रयास से बड़े पैमाने पर शिक्षा विभाग में भ्रष्टाचार के मामले सामने आए.
सुशील मोदी ने दिया था न्यौता
शिव प्रकाश राय ने ईटीवी भारत से बातचीत में बताया कि वे अटल बिहारी वाजपेई को बेहद पसंद करते थे. उन्होंने कहा कि सुशील मोदी ने कई बार मुझसे मिलने की कोशिश की दो बार न्योता भी दिया, शायद वह मुझे राजनीति में लाना चाहते थे मैं इसलिए राजनीति में नहीं गया क्योंकि मेरी लड़ाई कमजोर हो सकती थी. कुल मिलाकर शिवप्रकाश राय के संघर्ष और घोटालों के पर्दाफाश ने बिहार की सियासत में भी गूंज पैदा की.
"सुशील मोदी ने कई बार मुझसे मिलने की कोशिश की दो बार न्योता भी दिया, शायद वह मुझे राजनीति में लाना चाहते थे मैं इसलिए राजनीति में नहीं गया क्योंकि मेरी लड़ाई कमजोर हो सकती थी. मुझे लोग राजनीतिक चश्मे से देखने लगते."- शिव प्रकाश राय, आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट
66 जनहित याचिका दायर की
69 साल उम्र पूरी कर चुके शिव प्रकाश राय अब तक 66 जनित याचिका दायर कर चुके हैं. बिहार में भ्रष्टाचार के मामलों को लगातार सामने ला रहे हैं. शिव प्रकाश राय कहते हैं कि शुरुआत के 10 साल तो आरटीआई एक मजबूत हथियार था लेकिन बाद के दिनों में सरकार ने आरटीआई के धार को कुंद किया और आयोग में आरोग्य अधिकारियों की तैनाती की गई.
"हम वीर कुंवर सिंह की धरती के हैं. 80 साल में उन्होंने अंग्रेजों के खिलाफ तलवार उठाई थी हम भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई से ना तो थके हैं ना ही रुकने वाले हैं. भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ मेरी यह लड़ाई जारी रहेगी चाहे इसके लिए मुझे जान की कीमत क्यों न चुकानी पड़े."- शिव प्रकाश राय, आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट
क्या है आरटीआई कानून ?
गौरतलब है कि सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम (RTI Act 2005) भारत सरकार और सरकारी विभागों में पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही लाने वाला एक बेहद मजबूत कानून है. यह अधिनियम 15 जून 2005 को संसद से पारित हुआ और 12 अक्टूबर 2005 से पूरे देश में पूरी तरह लागू हो गया.
आवेदन की फीस
इस कानून के तहत कोई भी आम नागरिक सरकारी कामकाज की जानकारी मांग सकता है, जिसके लिए सामान्य तौर पर सिर्फ ₹10 का आवेदन शुल्क तय किया गया है. हालांकि, गरीबी रेखा से नीचे (BPL) आने वाले नागरिकों को इस फीस से पूरी छूट दी गई है.
जवाब मिलने की तय समय-सीमा
आरटीआई के तहत जानकारी देने के लिए सरकार ने सख्त समय-सीमा तय की है। किसी भी सामान्य मामले में लोक सूचना अधिकारी को आवेदन मिलने के 30 दिनों के भीतर जवाब देना है. वहीं, अगर मामला किसी व्यक्ति के जीवन या उसकी व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता से जुड़ा हो, तो प्रशासन को मात्र 48 घंटों के भीतर जानकारी देनी पड़ती है. इसके अलावा, यदि मांगी गई जानकारी किसी तीसरी पार्टी से संबंधित हो, तो इसके लिए 40 दिन का समय निर्धारित है.
लापरवाही बरतने पर भारी जुर्माना
यदि कोई लोक सूचना अधिकारी तय समय में जानकारी नहीं देता या जानबूझकर लापरवाही बरतता है, तो कानून में कड़े जुर्माने का प्रावधान है. देर की स्थिति में दोषी अधिकारी पर ₹250 प्रतिदिन के हिसाब से जुर्माना लगाया जाता है. यह जुर्माना राशि अधिकतम ₹25,000 तक हो सकती है, जो सीधे अधिकारी की सैलरी से कटती है.

Kochi RTI Probe Plan Faces Information Commission Scrutiny

Urban Acres: Kochi: Friday, 16^th October 2026.

The State Information Commission has sought an explanation from the Kochi Corporation secretary over the local body’s decision to collect details of people filing a large number of Right to Information applications and seek vigilance probes into their financial status.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the corporation council held last week. Corporation officials described the proposed action as an attempt to prevent what they termed the misuse of RTI applications. The Information Commission, however, has said the move is against provisions of the RTI Act.
The dispute places Kochi Corporation’s handling of information requests under scrutiny at a time when the RTI framework is intended to allow citizens to seek records relating to public administration and governance. The commission’s request for an explanation is the immediate official development in the matter. The report did not state the deadline given to the corporation secretary or the next date of the commission’s proceedings.
Mayor V K Minimol and United Democratic Front councillors in the corporation have alleged that some RTI activists file applications to collect information and later misuse those details to seek bribes. The allegations were cited by the corporation’s political leadership in support of the decision to examine frequent applicants and seek vigilance inquiries into their financial status.
Left Democratic Front councillors opposed the move. Elizabeth Idikkula and other LDF members said the UDF council’s decision would undermine the spirit of the RTI Act. They argued that the legislation enables the disclosure of information about governance and other aspects of public administration and is central to democratic functioning.
The disagreement therefore involves two competing positions within Kochi’s civic administration. The corporation leadership has framed repeated RTI applications as a possible misuse of the law, while its opponents have warned that examining applicants’ personal financial details could discourage citizens from seeking information from the local body.
The State Information Commission’s intervention shifts the issue from an internal corporation decision to a formal examination of whether the proposed action is consistent with the RTI Act. The commission has asked the corporation secretary to explain the basis for the move. Further action will depend on the explanation submitted by the local body and the commission’s subsequent proceedings.

CBSE to conduct surprise inspections after CIC flags dummy admission, attendance concerns: Ruchika Kumari

Careers 360: Delhi: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
CBSE says schools must not submit details of students who do not meet the requirement of minimum attendance for board examination

CIC received a complaint highlighting issuance of dummy certificates without attending classes (Representative Image: Shutterstock)

The Central Information Commission has recommended surprise inspections of Central Board of Secondary Education-affiliated schools. It will be to check if there are any dummy admissions and ensure compliance with mandatory attendance requirements. In its latest order, Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi recommended that the board must conduct surprise inspections of its affiliated schools to prevent violations of affiliation conditions. This order comes after CIC received a complaint alleging that students were being issued dummy certificates even without attending classes.
Invoking Section 25(5) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, CIC said it deemed it fit to recommend surprise inspections for ensuring checks and balances on affiliated schools. "The Commission, considering the gravity of the issue flagged by the complainant seeking information regarding the issuance of dummy certificates by schools to students not attending classes, deems it fit to recommend the CBSE under Section 25 (5) of the RTI Act, 2005, to exercise the power of conducting a surprise inspection," the order reads.
Attendance requirement in private schools
The RTI applicant wanted accurate information on the attendance mandate in private missionary schools in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The applicant also sought CBSE's rules on subject selection and prescribed textbooks. The complainant informed CIC that he filed RTI to expose dummy admissions and alleged that students are being provided with examination results without attending classes.
CBSE's central public information officer (CPIO) had initially returned the application, citing an error in the Indian Postal Order submitted as the application fee. PTI reports that the applicant was asked to submit a valid payment instrument payable to CBSE secretary in Bhopal. While hearing the matter, CIC observed that rejecting an application on technical grounds was not in keeping with the spirit of the RTI Act. "Denial of information on technicality is not in the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005," it noted. CIC further said that CPIO had to facilitate a point-wise reply, after which CPIO apologised and agreed to share the information.
A point-wise response shared by CBSE was then taken on record in which the board referred to its Affiliation ByeLaws, 2018, which prohibit affiliated schools from presenting candidates for board examinations if they have not attended classes regularly or do not meet minimum attendance criteria. "No affiliated school shall present the candidates to the Board's examination who are on its roll but have not attended the school appearance regularly or do not meet the requirement of minimum attendance for the Board's examination," CBSE said. With CIC's order, the board is expected to conduct surprise inspections in schools across India and abroad.
(With PTI inputs)

Court grants pre-arrest bail to two accused in RTI-related case: By Nadeem Inamdar

Hindustan Times: Pune: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
Pune sessions court grants anticipatory bail to two men accused of obstructing public servants, threatening officials and circulating videos recorded inside the Paud tehsildar’s office

Pune sessions court grants anticipatory bail to two men accused of obstructing public servants, threatening officials and circulating videos recorded inside the Paud tehsildar’s office. (PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)

A Pune sessions court has granted anticipatory bail to two men accused of obstructing public servants, threatening officials and circulating videos recorded inside the Paud tehsildar’s office during a confrontation over delays in providing information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Additional sessions judge HM Bhosale passed the order on October 12, allowing the applications filed by Pratik Jitendra Waghmare, 29, a student from Khed, and Vishal alias Saki Sanjay Gaikwad, 39, a businessman from Wakad.
According to the prosecution, the accused visited the office on August 12 and 21, 2026, alleging delays in providing RTI information. They allegedly snatched documents from public servant Pradip Sontakke, entered nayab tehsildar Madan Jagdand’s cabin, recorded videos and threatened officials. The videos were later circulated on social media, police alleged.
The accused argued that they had approached officials to seek information about alleged illegal excavation by builders and had committed no offence. The prosecution opposed bail, citing an externment order against Gaikwad and concerns about witness intimidation.
After examining the videos in open court, the judge observed that the footage showed the accused seeking information and questioning officials about delays in providing it.
“There is not a single act which can be construed as obstruction to the public servant while discharging the public duty,” the judge observed, adding that the footage instead indicated delays by officials.
The court held that custodial interrogation was not warranted and granted both men anticipatory bail. Each must execute a personal bond of ₹30,000 with one surety for the same amount.
They were directed to cooperate with the investigation and refrain from threatening or influencing witnesses. Any breach of the conditions could lead to cancellation of bail.

6-year delay in RTI case: Punjab panel seeks action against erring officials, orders relief

Times of India: Chandigarh: Friday, 16^th October 2026.

Taking a serious view of a six-year delay in furnishing complete information under the RTI Act and repeated non-compliance with its proceedings, the Punjab State Information Commission has directed the director, rural development and panchayats, to identify officials responsible and initiate action against them.
The commission also ordered Rs 5,000 in compensation for the applicant.
The directions were issued by state information commissioner Bhupinder Batth while hearing an appeal that had reached its ninth hearing.
Taking a serious view of the continued default, the commission observed the conduct of the respondent public authority was wholly unacceptable.
During the hearing, the appellant maintained that complete information had not been provided and sought action against the public information officer (PIO) for the delay. The respondent, however, stated that the DDPO office had sent the information to the appellant and handed over a copy during the proceedings. The respondent also submitted replies concerning points 13 and 16 of the RTI application.
The appellant objected to the reply concerning point 16, which stated that records relating to court cases involving Chapparchirhi Khurd village had been transferred to the municipal corporation, Mohali, under Punjab govt orders dated Nov 28, 2025. He pointed out that his RTI application had been filed in 2020 and argued that the explanation provided at this stage was unacceptable.
After examining the record, the commission observed that the matter had reached its ninth hearing and that the concerned PIO had repeatedly failed to comply with the proceedings. It noted that a show-cause notice had been issued, requiring the officer to explain why action under Section 20 of the RTI Act should not be initiated. Bailable warrants had also been issued to secure his presence, but he had neither appeared nor furnished an explanation.
The commission described the conduct as a deliberate and persistent disregard. It observed that repeated absence, failure to furnish information, failure to submit a written explanation and continued disregard of its directions amounted to gross negligence in the discharge of statutory duties. It added that the appellant had been subjected to unnecessary harassment.
The commission also forwarded a copy of its order to the director, rural development and panchayats, directing him to personally examine the matter, identify officials responsible for the repeated non-compliance, and ensure that appropriate administrative action is initiated against them.

Tamil Nadu government declines info to RTI query on Fact Check Unit: Prabhakar Tamilarasu

New Indian Express: Ahmedabad: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
The RTI applicant, Jeevitha, had sought the exact government order (G.O.) or administrative approval authorising the renaming or restructuring of the FCU as the IID.

The Tamil Nadu government has declined to provide details under the Right to Information (RTI) Act on the restructuring of its Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the Information Integrity Desk (IID). The RTI applicant, Jeevitha, had sought the exact government order (G.O.) or administrative approval authorising the renaming or restructuring of the FCU as the IID.
The FCU was first formed in 2023 through a G.O. issued by the Tamil Development and Information Department on October 6, 2023, under the then DMK government. The order sanctioned 80 posts for implementing the FCUs across the state, with a one-time non-recurring expenditure of `1.4 crore and a recurring annual expenditure of `3.5 crore.
Jeevitha sought details of the unit’s functions and responsibilities, designation-wise sanctioned strength and salaries, number of personnel currently working, vacancies, and the IAS and IPS officers exercising authority over the unit, along with the orders assigning them their responsibilities.
In its reply dated September 24, 2026, the Tamil Development and Information Department cited Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, 2005, stating that there was no provision under the Act to provide the information in the manner sought by the applicant.
Jeevitha, who is also a civil service aspirant, told TNIE she had been following independent fact-checking platforms since her college days and became interested in the FCU when it was established.
“I wanted to know on what basis people are recruited for the team. Later, reports emerged that the unit’s name had been changed. I wanted to know who had been appointed to the restructured unit and on what basis. That was why I sought the G.O.,” she said.
Jeevitha said she was unable to locate key G.O.s, raising questions about the accessibility of information concerning the unit’s functioning. “The government talks about transparent governance, but where is the transparency if the documents that establish how the unit functions are not accessible?” she asked.
She said her application was intended to establish the administrative basis of the government’s fact-checking mechanism and ascertain who was responsible for its functioning. “As a civil service aspirant, I believe a fact-checker should verify information and provide evidence,” she added.
Although there was no official announcement, according to sources, TVK government renamed it as the IID and put the TVK’s social media head, Guru alias Guru Thalaiva – the founder of Online Thalapathy Fans Club – in charge, in July.

Mumbai: RTI Disclosures Expose Cost Disparity In Monsoon Track Dewatering Pumps Between Central And Western Railways; Officials Cite Difference In Capacity & Operational Hours

FPJ: Mumbai: Thursday, 15^th October 2026.
RTI disclosures show Central Railway spent Rs 5.93 crore on 219 dewatering pumps during Monsoon 2026, averaging Rs 2.70 lakh per pump, compared with Western Railway’s Rs 1.06 lakh. The disparity has prompted calls for a vigilance inquiry, while Central Railway cited possible differences in pump capacity, operating hours and water volume.

RTI disclosures show a significant difference in monsoon dewatering pump expenditure between Central and Western Railways in Mumbai | AI Generated Representational Image

Disclosures obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act have uncovered a glaring expenditure disparity in monsoon rainwater removal pump contracts between Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR).
Despite both railway zones operating within Mumbai's suburban network under identical diesel-supply arrangements, Central Railway spent more than 2.5 times as much per pump as Western Railway during Monsoon 2026.
RTI Data Reveals Cost Disparity
Official RTI replies, obtained by prominent railway activist Samir Zaveri, revealed that CR’s Mumbai Division deployed 219 dewatering pumps across 127 track locations for the monsoon this year at a total cost of Rs 5.93 crore.
The expenditure translates to an average spending of Rs 2.70 lakh per pump. In contrast, WR’s Mumbai Central Division deployed 126 pumps at a total expenditure of Rs 1.34 crore, for an average cost of Rs 1.06 lakh per pump.
According to the RTI data, CR paid about Rs 1.64 lakh more per pump than WR, nearly 155%, despite both authorities procuring diesel independently for their contractors. Under contractual agreements, both Central Railway and Western Railway supplied diesel to power the pumps regardless of operational hours.
Initial RTI Rejection Overturned
Notably, the figures were obtained after Central Railway authorities initially refused. In response to the RTI application filed on July 10, CR’s public information officer and senior divisional engineer, Kailash Meena, denied the financial details, citing commercial confidentiality. The office further claimed that information on compiled costs was unavailable.
Citing Western Railway’s open disclosure, Samir Zaveri filed a first appeal on August 17, after which the first appellate authority and additional divisional railway manager overturned the initial stance and directed the engineering department to release the figures. Notably, WR’s PIO and assistant divisional engineer furnished their expenditure and pump deployment figures without resistance.
Pump Deployment Across Railway Sections
According to the information furnished by CR, it deployed 63 pumps across 39 locations between Panvel-Roha, Pen-Thal and freight lines, while 62 pumps were placed at 30 locations between CSMT and Kurla railway stations.
Activists Seek Vigilance Inquiry
Railway observers and activists have called upon the Railway vigilance authority to initiate an immediate inquiry into Central Railway's rate fixation, tendering processes, contractual terms and scope of work to ensure public funds were spent prudently.
They highlighted that both railway divisions operate within the same metropolitan limits and handle identical geographical monsoonal challenges; such a wide cost differential raises serious questions regarding fiscal prudence.