SDC fined Rs 22,500 for holding back RTI information.

E-Pao: Imphal: Monday, May 15, 2017.

The Manipur Information Commission has imposed a fine of Rs 22,250 to the SPIO/SDC, Sagolmang, M Suranjoy Singh, under the RTI Act 2005 for not furnishing information to an appellant on a mutation case within the mandated date of 89 days.

According to the decision of the commission passed on May 5, 2017, the SPIO/SDC had repeatedly failed to furnish information to the appellant, P Basant Singh inspite of numerous directions from the DC, Imphal East and the commission to furnish it.

The SPIO/SDC also did not comply with an explanation (show-cause) called by the commission under Section 20 (1) of the RTI Act.

Basant had filed his RTI application on January 5, 2017 seeking information on a mutation case and related issues in respect to a homestead measuring 0.46 acres situated at Khundrakpam in Imphal East district.

The DC, Imphal East directed the SDC, Sagolmang to dispose the case from his end through a letter dated January 10, 2017.Having received no information, Basant filed a first appeal to the FAA/commissioner of revenue on February 2, 2017 after which the DC, IE reminded the SDC, Sagolmang to furnish the requisite information by March 25, 2017.Aggrieved by the total inaction of SDC even after the expiry of the last date, the appellant filed a second appeal before the commission.

On April 21, 2017, the commission directed the SPIO/SDC Sagolmang to furnish the complete information within 10 days and seek a written explanation for his failures to do so in the past.

During the subsequent hearing, the SDC neither appeared nor submitted any reply to the explanation notice.

The representative of the appellant pointed out the even after a lapse of four months and directions from the FAA and commission the information had not been furnished and pleaded for imposition of necessary penalty under Section 20 (1) of the RTI Act, 2005.After consideration of arguments from both parties, the commission decided on imposition of the fine.

The sum of Rs 22,500 which accounts to Rs 250 per day (89 days) is to be deposited to the Major Head -0070 Other Administrative Service, Sub Major 01 under Administration of Justice under intimation from the commission within 45 days from the date of the decision.

The commission further directed the SDC/Sagolmang to provide complete information to appellant within a period of one month from May 5, 2017 .