Centre silent on compensatory afforestation as forest land diverted for projects; RTI reveals lapses : CP Sreeharshan

Mathrubhumi: New Delhi: Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Even as the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change continues to divert large stretches of protected forest land for development projects, it remains silent on whether compensatory afforestation is being carried out in return. Between February and June 2025 alone, more than 3,457 hectares of forest land were cleared for such projects.

Aerial view of Andaman Nicobar Island. Photo: P Venkidesh

In a reply under the Right to Information Act, the ministry said it does not maintain data on whether the land and funds required for compensatory afforestation were secured while approving the diversion of these forest areas. While the ministry informed Parliament that protected forests account for 5.4 per cent of India’s total geographical area, concerns are growing that the lack of clarity over afforestation measures could result in significant depletion of forest cover.
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife is responsible for clearing large-scale diversion of forest land for development projects. Since 2014, nearly 97 per cent of the projects placed before the committee have involved land located near protected forest areas. Its own rules of procedure state that decisions concerning protected forests must contribute to the improvement of wildlife habitats.
However, minutes of 58 meetings of the Standing Committee, accessed under the Right to Information Act, suggest that the panel has moved away from the framework of forest conservation. The lack of clarity has emerged from replies obtained by Prakriti Srivastava, a former Indian Forest Service officer from the Kerala cadre.
In three meetings held in 2020, approval was granted for the diversion of 1,792 hectares of forest land. Between January and June 2021 alone, permissions were issued for the transfer of more than 14,000 hectares of forest land.
Under the law, whenever forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes, an equivalent area of non-forest land must be earmarked for compensatory afforestation. In addition, an amount equal to the total market value of the diverted forest land must be deposited into the afforestation fund. However, when asked whether these conditions were complied with in the case of the 3,457 hectares of forest land diverted last year, the ministry responded that no such information was available.
While minutes of Standing Committee meetings held before 2014 recorded detailed discussions and dissenting views, no such information appears in meeting records after 2014, raising concerns over a lack of transparency in the committee’s functioning.
The Supreme Court had ruled on November 13, 2000, that the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife does not have statutory authority to de-notify wildlife sanctuaries or national parks without prior permission from the apex court. However, when asked whether this directive was followed in relation to the controversial Andaman project, the response stated that no information was available.
There is also a provision requiring the Wildlife Board to submit a report to the ministry every 10 years after assessing the status of wildlife conservation. The RTI reply stated that no information was available on this matter as well.
Major controversial projects:

• The Great Andaman Project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was approved in January 2021. Galathibey Wildlife Sanctuary and Megapod Sanctuary were given away. This is a centre for rare sea turtles.
• The Kachua Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, has been given over to inland waterways and tourism. It is a habitat for sea turtles and dolphins.
• In the 86th meeting of the committee held in October last year, 262 sq km of the Pamed Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh was given over to the CRPF for a Jungle Warfare College.

Big Moment for Exam Transparency Supreme Court to Clarify If PSC Can Deny Answer Sheets Despite RTI

 Indian Masterminds: New Delhi: Thursday, 30 April 2026.
The Supreme Court will examine if State PSC rules can override the RTI Act on answer sheet disclosure. The verdict may change transparency rules for government exams in India.

The Supreme Court RTI answer sheets case has become a major legal issue in India, as it will decide whether State Public Service Commission (PSC) rules can override the Right to Information Act, 2005 in matters of answer sheet disclosure.
This case is important for lakhs of government job aspirants. The Supreme Court will examine if candidates can demand answer sheets before the stage fixed by PSC authorities or must follow internal rules.
The final decision may reshape transparency norms in recruitment exams across India.
Details of the Supreme Court RTI Answer Sheets Case
The Supreme Court is set to examine a key legal question:

• Can a State Public Service Commission decide when exam-related information is disclosed?
• Or can candidates use the RTI Act, 2005 to access answer sheets earlier?

According to the report, the Court will decide whether PSC rules can limit access to information, even when RTI law allows disclosure.
In simple terms, the conflict is between:

• Administrative rules of PSCs  vs
• Legal rights under RTI Act

Why Supreme Court RTI Answer Sheets Case Is Important
This issue directly affects:

• Government job aspirants
• Competitive exam transparency
• Recruitment fairness

Many candidates want early access to answer sheets to:

• Check evaluation errors
• Challenge results
• Ensure fairness

But PSCs often restrict access until the recruitment process is complete.
Legal Conflict: RTI Act vs PSC Rules
RTI Act, 2005
The RTI Act gives citizens the right to access information held by public authorities.

• Promotes transparency
• Ensures accountability
• Applies to exam bodies

PSC Rules
State PSCs create their own rules for recruitment exams.

• They may delay answer sheet disclosure
• They argue early access can affect exam integrity

Core Legal Question
The Supreme Court will decide:
Whether PSC rules can legally override RTI rights.
Background: What Courts Have Said Earlier
Transparency Favored

• Courts have often supported transparency in exams
• Example: Marks are not confidential and can be shared under RTI

Limited Disclosure

• Some rulings restrict access to others’ answer sheets
• Authorities may allow inspection but not copies

Recent Developments

• In some cases, candidates were allowed to inspect answer sheets even before final results
• Courts stressed that procedural rules cannot block legal rights

Key Issues Before the Supreme Court
1. Timing of Disclosure
Can candidates demand answer sheets immediately after exams?
Or only after the final result?
2. Transparency vs Confidentiality

• Transparency ensures fairness
• Confidentiality protects exam process

3. Uniform Policy Needed
Different states follow different rules
This case may create a nationwide standard
Supreme Court RTI Answer Sheets Case: Possible Outcomes
If RTI Act Prevails

• Candidates can access answer sheets earlier
• Transparency in exams will increase
• PSCs may need to change rules

If PSC Rules Prevail

• Access may remain restricted
• Candidates must wait for official stages
• Less immediate transparency

Telangana DEO fined for English reply to Telugu query

New Indian Express: Nalgonda: Thursday, 30 April 2026.
However, on July 26, the authorities reportedly sent an irrelevant reply in English instead of furnishing the requested information.

State Information Commissioner Sri Deshala Bhupal congratulates 8-year-old Kannekanti Karthik for his RTI query and for following it up, in Nalgonda on Wednesday(Photo | Express)

The State Information Commission has imposed a fine on the District Educational Officer (DEO), Nalgonda, for replying in English to a student’s query on the implementation of Telugu in the district education department and for seeking a fee for information that should have been provided free of cost.
The case arose after eight-year-old Kannekanti Karthik, a student of MVR School living near Saibaba temple in Shivajinagar, Nalgonda, filed an application under Section 4(1)(B) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act on July 15 last year.
Karthik told TNIE that he had sought information on 17 points, including the implementation of the Telugu language in the Nalgonda district education department, the appointment process of all staff members working in the DEO office, their specific responsibilities and their salary details.
However, on July 26, the authorities reportedly sent an irrelevant reply in English instead of furnishing the requested information. Karthik said that after he appealed against receiving a response in English, the office sent a reply in Telugu stating that he would have to pay a fee to obtain the information.
He said the authorities did not specify the amount to be paid or the grounds for seeking the fee, though the information ought to have been provided free of cost under Section 4(1)(B) of the RTI Act.
DEO slapped with Rs 5K fine
After receiving no response to his appeal submitted to the DEO on August 2, Karthik approached the State Information Commission on September 3 and lodged a complaint over the demand for payment.
State Information Commissioner (SIC) Deshala Bhupal conducted an inquiry at the Nalgonda collectorate on Tuesday. During the hearing, SIC took exception to the failure to provide information, the use of English in response to a query concerning Telugu implementation, and the demand for a fee contrary to RTI rules. He imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on DEO B Bhikshapati for negligence of duty. The SIC directed that the amount be paid within two days, failing which the penalty would rise to Rs 25,000.

RTI activists flag bureaucratic bias as state sets eligibility norms for info commissioners

Times of India: Pune: Thursday, 30 April 2026.
RTI activists have raised fresh concerns over bureaucratic appointments to key transparency posts after the state govt introduced new eligibility criteria for information commissioners.

A govt resolution (GR) issued on Monday laid down age, education and experience norms for the posts of state chief information commissioner (SCIC) and state information commissioners (SICs), marking a shift from the earlier system where no such formal criteria existed.
Officials said the move followed a high-level committee meeting on April 24 to finalise terms for advertisements for the posts. "We used to have even 12th pass candidates and 19-year-olds applying. The new norms will help streamline recruitment and ensure suitable candidates are selected," a senior official said.
A senior official said that the criteria will definitely be better, but it is possible that more retired bureaucrats will be considered.
However, activists argued that the revised rules could tilt the selection process in favour of retired bureaucrats, diluting the spirit of the Right to Information framework.
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar said, "The RTI Act is already on its deathbed, and these rules will deal another blow. The new conditions are not part of the original law and appear to favour bureaucratic appointments, even though the Act envisages eminent persons from public life."
Under the new norms, applicants must be "persons of eminence in public life" with knowledge of law, governance, journalism, social service, science and technology, or management as provided under the RTI Act, 2005.
The GR mandates a minimum of 20 years' experience for the SCIC post and 15 years for SICs. It also states that preference will be given to candidates with senior-level experience in govt, semi-govt bodies, PSUs, autonomous institutions, reputed private sector organisations, or social/charitable entities a clause that has triggered concern among transparency advocates.
Applicants must be between 45 and 63 years of age, hold a graduate degree, and demonstrate knowledge of the RTI Act, quasi-judicial procedures, and governance principles such as transparency and accountability. They must also submit affidavits declaring no criminal cases or pending disciplinary proceedings.
Appointments to these posts are made by a selection committee headed by the chief minister, typically drawing from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds.
While the govt maintains that the norms will bring clarity and improve the quality of appointments, activists said the criteria could narrow the pool and sideline independent voices, reinforcing long-standing concerns over bureaucratic dominance in information commissions.
"This risks turning independent oversight bodies into extensions of the administration," another activist said, calling for wider consultations before implementing such changes.

Delhi High Court Grants Additional Time to Delhi University in PM Modi Degree Disclosure Appeals

Law Beat: New Delhi: Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
The Delhi High Court on Monday granted an additional two weeks to Delhi University to file its objections in connection with applications seeking condonation of delay in appeals concerning the disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bachelor’s degree records.

The development comes in an ongoing legal battle that sits at the intersection of transparency under the Right to Information framework and the protection of personal academic records.
The matter is currently being heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
During an earlier hearing in February 2026, the Bench had granted three weeks’ time to Delhi University to respond to the delay condonation applications and had listed the matter for April 27. However, with the university seeking further time, the Court has now extended the deadline by two additional weeks, signalling that the issue of delay remains a threshold question before the appeals can be considered on merits.
The matter originated from a Right to Information application filed by activist Neeraj Sharma, who had sought access to records of all students who cleared the Bachelor of Arts examination in 1978, the same year in which Prime Minister Modi is believed to have graduated from Delhi University.
Acting on this application, the Central Information Commission, in an order dated December 21, 2016, permitted inspection of such records. The CIC’s decision was widely debated, as it raised questions about the extent to which academic records, even of public figures, could be disclosed under the RTI Act.
The matter took a significant turn on August 25, 2024, when a single judge of the Delhi High Court set aside the CIC’s direction. The Court, in that ruling, effectively barred the disclosure of the records in question, thereby giving precedence to considerations of privacy and institutional control over academic data.
This decision prompted multiple appeals before the Division Bench.
The appeals have been filed by several petitioners, including Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh, RTI activist Neeraj Sharma, and advocate Mohd Irshad. They have argued that the single judge’s order suffers from fundamental legal infirmities and that the CIC’s directive allowing inspection of records ought to be restored.
According to the appellants, transparency in public life, especially concerning elected representatives, is an essential component of democratic accountability.
However, before the Division Bench can examine the substantive issues raised in the appeals, it must first determine whether the delay in filing them can be condoned.
This procedural aspect has assumed central importance in the proceedings. In November 2025, the High Court had already flagged the delay and directed Delhi University to file its response explaining the reasons for not filing objections within the prescribed time.
The Court’s decision to grant additional time suggests a cautious approach, ensuring that all parties are given adequate opportunity to present their case before any determination is made.
The outcome of the delay condonation applications will be crucial, as it will decide whether the appeals are maintainable and whether the Court will proceed to adjudicate the larger legal questions involved.
The case continues to generate public and legal interest, as it touches upon broader issues such as the scope of the RTI Act, the balance between transparency and privacy, and the extent to which personal records of public figures can be subject to public scrutiny.
It also raises questions about institutional responsibilities in maintaining and disclosing archival academic data.
The Court’s eventual ruling on both the procedural and substantive aspects is likely to have significant implications for future RTI-related disputes involving personal information and public accountability.
Case Title: University of Delhi v. Neeraj

CIC pulls up NDMC for vague RTI reply on Gole Market demolition

Daily Pioneer: New Delhi: Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has pulled up the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) for a “vague and non-specific” RTI reply on demolition and alleged reconstruction of shanties near Gole Market, whereas the civic body had cited unavailability of police force and later, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for not carrying out further action.

The appellant had sought details on whether around 45 “jhuggis” (shanties) were demolished in March 2022 and how nearly 100 structures allegedly came up at the same site again, along with information on action taken by authorities.
However, the NDMC’s central public information officer (CPIO) denied answering most queries, citing section 2(f) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
On the issue of reconstructed jhuggis, the NDMC had said demolition action was planned but “due to unavailability of police force, proposed action for removal of reconstructed jhuggies has not been executed. Thereafter, due to enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, demolition action has been kept in abeyance”. Taking exception, Information Commissioner Vinod Kumar Tiwari noted that “the CPIO has denied information on point Nos. 1 to 3 by invoking section 2(f) of the RTI Act in a mechanical manner, without adequately examining whether the information sought is available on record”.
Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, 2005, defines “information” as any material in any form-records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, contracts, reports, samples or data held by or under the control of a public authority. Tiwari further stressed that the queries were related to “action taken by the public authority which should have been provided to the extent available on record”.
“The Respondent ought to have provided a clear, categorical and record-based point-wise reply instead of giving a vague and non-specific response,” the order said, adding that even the response on the reconstruction issue lacked clarity and completeness.
Directing corrective steps, the CIC ordered the NDMC to issue a “revised, point-wise and specific reply” based on available records. It specifically instructed that on the demolition aspect, the authority must disclose “the factual position based on records, including providing the file/firm number, relevant orders, or any documentary evidence pertaining to demolition action, if available”. The commission also mandated that if any information is unavailable, “the same shall be clearly stated”.

RTI Belagavi Bench aims to dispose of 7k application annually: Commissioner

Times of India: Belagavi: Wednesday, 29 April 2026.

Karnataka Information Commission's Belagavi Bench commissioner Prakash Narayan Channal said that the number of applications coming to the Belagavi Bench under the Right to Information Act (RTI) has increased, and a plan has been formulated to hear and dispose of 6,000 to 7,000 applications per year.
In a release, Channal said that the RTI Act is a solid foundation of democracy and is pro-people. The RTI is the most revolutionary law in independent India. The RTI came into force on Oct 12, 2005, with the aim of making govt information easily accessible to the common people. Karnataka is the first state to implement this Act.
The Karnataka Right to Information Commission has disposed of a record 40,000 second appeal cases in the country in the last one year. The Karnataka Information Commission's Belagavi Bench is hearing about 40-60 applications every day, offline and online. Applications of people from rural areas are being prioritised. Inquiries on drinking water, roads, power supply, cleanliness, health and basic infrastructure issues in rural areas are being resolved.
Disciplinary action is being taken against the officers who do not provide information. Recommendations of the inquiry committee, fines and compensation orders are being made to the applicants, he added.

CIC pulls up DDA for denying RTI on school land allotment

Edex Live: New Delhi: Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
The case relates to a school in Phase-3, Ashok Vihar, where an RTI applicant sought details on whether the land was allotted at market or concessional rates

Raising concerns over transparency in the allocation of public land to private schools, the Central Information Commission has questioned the Delhi Development Authority for denying information under the RTI Act, noting that the matter involves students' interest.
The case relates to a school in Phase-3, Ashok Vihar, where an RTI applicant sought details on whether the land was allotted at market or concessional rates and the terms of such allotment.
The applicant claimed that the school's claim of being "self-owned" was being used to justify fee hikes affecting around 6,000 students.
In its response, the DDA denied the requested information by invoking Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, stating that the information sought "relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual."
The First Appellate Authority upheld this response, terming the reply satisfactory.
However, Information Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar Jindal said in the order that the denial of information under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act appeared to be a "mechanical reproduction" of the provision without adequate justification and noted that the matter involves students' interest.
It held notes that "information on the land status asked in the RTI application can be given by the respondents" and directed the respondent CPIO to issue a revised reply clearly stating the factual position within 21 days.
The commission also flagged the absence of the respondent during the hearing, calling it a disregard for quasi-judicial proceedings, and issued a show-cause notice for possible penal action.
In a separate case, another RTI application sought information about land allotment to a private school in Kailash Colony.
The applicant asked when the land was allotted, whether it was granted at a concessional rate, the total area allocated, the price, the conditions tied to the allotment, and related documents, such as lease agreements and allotment letters. Concerns were raised about the enforcement of conditions associated with concessional allotments.
With both the appellant and the respondent absent during the hearing in the second matter, the commission directed the respondent CPIO to submit a written explanation for the absence despite due notice, warning of action under the RTI Act. PTI MHS MPL

Fest Violence, RTI Dispute Lead To Suspension Of 30 Students At Hansraj College : Yekkirala Akshitha

Morning Voice: New Delhi: Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
Fest Violence, RTI Dispute Lead to Suspension Of 30 Students at Hansraj College

The administration of Hansraj College has suspended around 30 students, including four office-bearers of the students’ union, over allegations ranging from violence during the annual fest to defaming the institution on social media, triggering a major controversy on the campus of Delhi University.
The suspensions were issued through five separate notices between April 20 and April 25 following incidents of alleged violence, misconduct and disruption of campus order during the college’s annual fest held on April 8 and 9. Videos circulating on social media reportedly showed clashes among students during the event.
The first notice, issued on April 20, targeted former student union president Parth Srivastava, accusing him of indiscipline, defaming the institution and using derogatory language against teaching and non-teaching staff. The college said he had been given several opportunities to appear before the disciplinary committee along with his parents but failed to do so, and when he appeared on March 23, he neither acknowledged the allegations nor expressed remorse.
Srivastava rejected the charges and said the action was arbitrary, claiming he had raised questions about administrative decisions and filed RTI applications seeking information on alleged irregularities. He has also moved the Delhi High Court challenging the suspension.
Subsequent notices suspended 14 students over alleged violence and misconduct during the fest, four students for physical violence on campus, and seven students for allegedly defaming the college through social media posts that were said to have harmed the academic environment.
The final order issued on April 25 placed four elected office-bearers of the Hansraj College Students’ Union under interim suspension pending disciplinary proceedings. The orders bar the students from entering the campus except to appear for examinations and internal assessments, while the duration of suspension has not been specified.
The action has drawn sharp criticism from the Delhi University Students’ Union, which termed it a “brazen attack on student democracy” and demanded immediate revocation of the suspensions. Student groups, including the Student Federation of India, also condemned the move and called for protests, alleging the administration targeted student leaders and dissenting voices without a fair process.
The controversy comes amid wider tensions on campus that began earlier this year after protests over the alleged use of college premises for the principal’s son’s wedding, a dispute that escalated into broader questions about governance, transparency and student dissent within the institution.

88 Tiger Deaths Unresolved Since 2020, Multiple Unexplained, Reveals RTI : Reported By Anurag Dwary

NDTV: Madhya Pradesh: Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
Right to Information (RTI) documents have revealed that 88 tiger deaths recorded between 2020 and 2021 remain unresolved, with no confirmed cause, no completed investigation, and no accountability fixed.

Activist Ajay Dubey said, "This is not closure, this is burial"

In a development that raises serious concerns over wildlife monitoring in India, Right to Information (RTI) documents have revealed that 88 tiger deaths recorded between 2020 and 2021 remain unresolved, with no confirmed cause, no completed investigation, and no accountability fixed.
The cases span major reserves such as Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Kaziranga, Tadoba, Dudhwa, and Corbett, including deaths reported from within protected areas. In several instances classified as "seizures", tiger parts were recovered, indicating possible poaching, yet investigations have not reached legal closure.
The records show that these deaths, spread across states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are marked as "US" (Under Scrutiny/Unnatural), but in many cases, the cause of death column remains blank.
Madhya Pradesh, which has the highest tiger population in the country, accounts for a significant share of the pending cases, including deaths reported from core habitats like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Panna. In Maharashtra, several cases have been reported from Tadoba-Andhari and adjoining areas such as Chandrapur, including regions outside reserve boundaries.
In Assam's Kaziranga, multiple tiger deaths since 2020 remain unexplained despite the park's high level of protection. Similar concerns have been flagged in Karnataka's Nagarhole and Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa, where cases marked as "seizures" suggest poaching, but no conclusive legal outcome has been reported.
Uttarakhand also shows a backlog of cases, including from Corbett Tiger Reserve and surrounding areas such as Ramnagar and Shyampur. In some instances, deaths dating back to 2020 are still awaiting final forensic reports.
Experts point out that several of these cases lack basic documentation, including post-mortem reports, forensic analysis, and histopathology, raising concerns that delays may have compromised key evidence.
Wildlife activists warn that without establishing the cause of death, it becomes difficult to pursue criminal cases or fix responsibility, potentially allowing wildlife crime to go unpunished.
In a January 2026 directive, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has asked states to submit pending reports by January 27, failing which the cases may be closed.
Activists have raised concerns over the move, arguing that closure without conclusions could weaken accountability. RTI activist Ajay Dubey said, "This is not closure, this is burial. You are wiping out evidence of poaching and failure from the national record."

First appellate authority has no powers to impose cost: GIC

Times of India: Chandigarh: Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
The Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) has set aside an order imposing a Rs 1,000 cost on an RTI applicant and directed that the amount be refunded within 10 days, holding that the first appellate authority had no legal power to levy such a penalty.

The order was issued during an appeal filed by Vishal Panchmatiya against the public information officer (PIO) and the first appellate authority of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jamnagar. Panchmatiya had sought a copy of an application filed during mediation proceedings, along with related remarks.
The PIO denied the information, citing provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023, and relevant rules that mandate confidentiality of mediation proceedings. The first appellate authority upheld the denial and additionally imposed a Rs 1,000 cost on the applicant, alleging repeated filing of similar RTI applications.
During the hearing, the commission examined records and observed that Panchmatiya had not filed multiple applications in a manner that could be termed misuse of the RTI Act. It noted that there was no evidence to support the claim of repeated or frivolous applications within a single year.
The commission further ruled that the first appellate authority does not have statutory power under the RTI Act to impose monetary penalties or costs on applicants. "Such an order is beyond jurisdiction," the commission observed while quashing the order imposing the cost.
However, on the issue of disclosure, the commission upheld the PIO's decision, stating that the requested information pertained to mediation proceedings, which are protected under confidentiality clauses of the Mediation Act, 2023, and relevant civil procedure mediation rules. It added that no larger public interest had been established to override these provisions.
Accordingly, while denying the information sought, the commission directed the PIO to refund the Rs 1,000 collected from the applicant within 10 days of the order.

RTI can’t be misused to settle personal scores: Punjab info panel

Times of India: Chandigarh: Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
Observing that the Right to Information (RTI) Act cannot be used to settle personal scores, the Punjab State Information Commission has said vexatious and non-public-interest applications can be rejected at the level of a public information officer (PIO). It held that such requests disrupt the functioning of public authorities and undermine the spirit of the law.

The observation was made by state information commissioner Pooja Gupta while disposing of an appeal filed by a Mohali resident who sought information from the municipal corporation, Zirakpur, Mohali district.
During the last hearing, the appellant submitted that complete information was not provided even after two years and sought penal action against the Public Information Officer (PIO) under Section 20 of the RTI Act, 2005. The appellant also requested permission for another inspection of records, stating that his representative was not aware of the contents of the RTI application.
The respondent PIO, represented by a draftsman along with counsel, said the appellant filed an RTI application seeking voluminous information and, despite a demand for the prescribed fee, requested inspection instead of depositing the copying charges. The appellant was allowed inspection as per the commission's order dated July 9, 2025. During the inspection, 100 pages were handed over to the appellant free of cost, but he did not pay any further fee and is therefore not entitled to raise any deficiency, as he sought extensive information running into thousands of pages. They further submitted that the appellant habitually seeks voluminous information without any public interest and avoids paying fees on one pretext or another. The PIO submitted that the original record produced before the commission comprised 76,481 pages and that the appellant could obtain copies at his own expense.
After examining the case record and the averments narrated by the respondent PIO, the commission noted that it is ascertained that the appellant is unnecessarily harassing the respondent PIO and wasting the time of the department as well as the commission. Five hearings were held in the matter, and the appellant was given sufficient opportunities to inspect the records. It also observed that the appellant sent a representative who was not aware of the facts of the case, as admitted by the appellant during the proceedings, which shows that the appellant has no public interest in obtaining the information and is instead harassing the respondent PIO. The commission further held that the information sought was vague and voluminous, and that collecting and compiling such data is diverting the resources of the public authority.
Concluding that the appellant was misusing the RTI Act, the commission ruled that such applications, not filed in public interest, can be dismissed at the initial stage. It held that no further cause of action remained in the matter and disposed of the appeal, directing that copies of the order be sent to both parties.

State introduces eligibility criteria for RTI commissioners : By Yogesh Naik

Hindustan Times: Mumbai: Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
RTI activists alleged that the new norms reopened the door for bureaucratic appointments to these posts

The Maharashtra government has introduced age-, education- and experience-based norms for selection of the Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners, following a high level committee meeting last week to finalise terms and conditions for advertisements for the posts. A government resolution (GR) regarding the same was issued on Monday, marking a change in selection policy as there were no conditions regarding age, education and experience till now.
"We used to have 12th pass candidates and 19-year-olds apply for RTI commissioner posts. The new norms will help streamline the recruitment process and select the right candidates,” an official said, requesting anonymity.
RTI activists, however, alleged that the new norms reopened the door for bureaucratic appointments to these posts.
The State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners are appointed based on recommendations of a selection committee headed by the chief minister. Typically, preference is given to individuals in public life with wide knowledge and experience in fields such as law, administration, journalism, social service, science and technology, management, or related areas.
During the meeting of the high level committee on April 24 to finalise terms and conditions for advertisements for the posts, a decision was taken to fix the eligibility criteria, officials said. Accordingly, as per the GR issued on Monday, applicants for the posts must be persons of eminence in public life as per RTI Act, 2005.
Applicants must possess knowledge in one or more of the following fields: law, governance, journalism, social service, science and technology, or management. They must have at least 20 years of experience in one or more of these fields for the State Chief Information Commissioner’s post, and 15 years of experience for the State Information Commissioner posts.
Preference would be given to those with experience in senior positions in government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, public sector, reputed private sector, or social/charitable organisations, the GR said.
With regards to age, applicants must be aged at least 45 years and not more than 63 years as per the date of application. They must be a graduate in any discipline, have knowledge of the RTI Act and related laws, understanding of quasi-judicial procedures, commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, as well as administrative leadership and decision-making ability.
Applicants must also submit an affidavit stating that no criminal offense was registered or pending against them; in case they are in government/semi-government service, they must submit an affidavit saying no disciplinary proceedings were pending or proposed against them, the GR said
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar said while the RTI Act was already on its deathbed, the state government had dealt another blow to the law.
“The new rules introduced by the state government have not only raised serious legal concerns but have also reopened the door for bureaucratic appointments to these posts. As per the RTI Act, information commissioners are expected to be eminent persons from public life. However, the government’s decision has introduced additional conditions that are not part of the original law and appear to favor the bureaucracy,” Kumbhar said.

Consumer forum urges TN Information Commission to curb RTI delays, ensure timely responses

New Indian Express: Coimbatore: Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
He pointed out that applicants seeking information under the RTI Act are often viewed with suspicion as "opponents or wrongdoers" rather than responsible citizens exercising their fundamental right to transparency.

A city-based consumer forum has urged the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission to ensure that public authorities respond to RTI applications within the stipulated time frame under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
CM Jayaraman, president of Coimbatore Citizens' Voice, sent a petition to the commission, pointing to widespread delays and improper handling of RTI requests by various government departments in the city.
He pointed out that applicants seeking information under the RTI Act are often viewed with suspicion as "opponents or wrongdoers" rather than responsible citizens exercising their fundamental right to transparency.
"This mindset undermines the core objective of the RTI Act, which aims to promote openness in governance. Officials frequently resort to tactics such as providing vague or incomplete replies, rejecting applications on flimsy technical grounds or routinely transferring files to other departments without resolution. Such practices lead to undue delays beyond the mandatory 30-day period prescribed by law," he said.
He specifically flagged delays in departments including the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, Weights and Measures, Labour, Urban Development, Human Resources and Administration, Aavin and certain sections of the district collectorate.
"First and second appeals also remain unresolved for prolonged periods, defeating the purpose of the legislation," he said. He appealed to the State and Central Information Commissions to issue clear directives to all public authorities to adhere strictly to the time limits and to initiate disciplinary action, including fines, against erring officials.

Navi Mumbai: RTI states civic body’s plantation spending lacks tree survival data

Times of India: Navi Mumbai: Monday, 27 April 2026.

Despite multiple plantation projects over the past decade, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) had no consolidated data on how many native and fruit-bearing trees survived, according to a 43-page RTI response. The information, sought by NatConnect Foundation in Navi Mumbai, asked for ward-wise plantation data, survival status and future plans. The civic body responded with a compilation of administrative records, including work orders, approvals and expenditure statements.
Plantation works across 2016 to 2024 carried project costs ranging from a few lakhs to upwards of Rs 50-60 lakh each, indicating cumulative spending likely running into several crores, NatConnect director B N Kumar said, citing the NMMC response. The records showed plantation works were tied largely to one-year maintenance clauses, which ecologists said were inadequate for ensuring tree survival in urban conditions. They said saplings in high-stress environments required sustained, multi-year care, but the documents provided no evidence of follow-up audits or long-term monitoring once initial project obligations ended. Kumar termed the response evasive. "We asked for survival data on native and fruit-bearing trees. What we received was a ledger of projects," he said. "There is no ward-wise account, no survival audit and no clarity on species. The response did not disclose a single consolidated figure, neither the total number of trees planted nor the total funds spent over the decade," Kumar stated. The gap reflected a deeper shift from intent to indifference.

Electronics City authority appoints three officials to hear Right to Information requests

Times of India: Bengaluru: Monday, 27 April 2026.

Electronics City Industrial Town Authority (ELCITA) appointed a public information officer and two other officials for handling information requests through Right to Information Act, 2005. The move comes after Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) ruled in Jan that the body comes under the ambit of RTI.
Aishwarya K has been appointed public information officer; Maham Kausar and Aniruddha N are assistant PIO and first appellate officer, respectively.
The appointments were made after Karnataka Information Commisioner Rajashekhar S noted that the state govt has complete control financial as well as administrative over the authority, including the power to supersede it. Calling it a public authority, he noted the govt has only given power to ELCITA to collect property tax.
The authority was initially managing the industrial area of Electronics City, taking charge of road maintenance, water supply, street lighting, sewage and waste disposal, transportation facilities and security. In 2013, the govt declared Electronics City as an industrial township area under Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964, leading to the formation of ELCITA.

Russia crude import data deemed ‘confidential’ as CIC backs denial under RTI

National Herald: National: Monday, 27 April 2026.
Commission cites strategic, economic interests; directs improved disclosures, issues show-cause notice

Representative image of an oil tanker AWO2 William S. Stevens/Wikimedia Commons

The Central Information Commission has upheld the denial of detailed data on India’s crude oil imports from Russia, backing the Petroleum Ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell on grounds that the information is “commercial and confidential” and linked to national interests.
The case pertains to an RTI (Right to Information) plea seeking company-wise and country-wise details of crude oil imports from Russia between June 2022 and June 2025.
The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) had rejected the request, stating that such data is exempt from disclosure under Sections 8(1)(d) and 8(1)(e) of the RTI Act, which relate to commercial confidence and fiduciary relationships.
The First Appellate Authority upheld this decision.
In its interim order, the Commission said disclosure of the requested information “would prejudicially affect the strategic and economic interest of the State and also affect relations with foreign states”.
It ruled that the exemption is valid under Sections 8(1)(a) and 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, and that no further relief is warranted.
Details sought by applicant
The RTI application had sought a detailed break-up of crude oil imports from Russia, including data for major companies such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, ONGC Videsh Limited, Reliance Industries Limited and Nayara Energy.
Officials said that while such granular data cannot be disclosed, aggregate figures on crude imports are available on the PPAC website.
The Commission also issued a show-cause notice to a PPAC official for failing to attend the hearing despite prior notice, asking why penalty proceedings under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act should not be initiated.
It further noted deficiencies in proactive disclosures on the authority’s website and directed compliance with Section 4 of the RTI Act.
Directions for transparency
Invoking its powers under Section 25(5), the Commission recommended that the public authority improve suo motu disclosures, including details on organisational structure, functions, duties of officials, and remuneration.
India has significantly increased imports of discounted crude oil from Russia since 2022, making it a key component of the country’s energy strategy.
The Commission’s order underscores the balance between transparency obligations under RTI and protection of sensitive economic and geopolitical information.

Gurugram challan recovery weak despite surge in traffic fines: RTI

Hindustan Times: Gurugram: Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Police issued over 1.2 million challans worth ₹126.83 crore in 2025 but recovered only ₹17.5 crore; pendency worsens with unpaid fines piling up.

Recovery ratio across key violations remains low, with most dues from camera-detected offences as motorists delay or contest penalties. (HT Archive)

Despite a sharp rise in traffic challans, enforcement and recovery remain weak in Gurugram, with police collecting only a fraction of penalties issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, according to data from an RTI filed by HT.
The Gurugram traffic police issued 1,244,812 challans in 2025 across the top ten violations, amounting to ₹126.83 crore, but recovered only ₹17.5 crore. This marks a continued decline from ₹19.6 crore in 2024 and ₹24.85 crore in 2023.
Even as ticketing rose 1.5 times from 834,122 challans worth ₹99.2 crore in 2023, recovery has dropped nearly 70% year-on-year. Officials attributed the surge in ticketing to 1,200 CCTV cameras, including 308 AI-backed automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems installed at 218 junctions.
Violation-wise data for 2025 showed a low recovery-to-penalty ratio of 12:100 to 23:100 across categories such as wrong-side driving, overspeeding, lane changes, signal jumping, and helmet or seatbelt violations. Drink-and-drive cases were excluded, as penalties are court-driven.
A large share of unpaid fines came from violations largely detected through ANPR cameras, including mobile phone use (about 88%), signal jumping and wrong-side driving (about 86%), lane changes (about 80%), parking (about 77%) and overspeeding (about 83%).
Pendency has worsened further in 2026, reaching 92.5% till March, with only ₹1.2 crore recovered from ₹19.6 crore in penalties.
The cumulative pendency of outstanding dues stood at ₹74.44 crore in 2023, ₹75.10 crore in 2024, ₹109.33 crore in 2025, and ₹18.35 crore till March this year. Officials said a significant number of violators have sought concessions on these pending fines through virtual courts.
In 2024, ₹94.7 crore fines were issued in total, of which, ₹19.6 crore was recovered during the year, which includes dues from previous years, officials said.
“The recoveries usually take a long time, as many of the commuters either fail to pay their fine promptly within a stipulated time of 90 days under the MV Act or they seek relief from the virtual court by contesting those fines,” said Prateek Gehlot, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), who assumed charge on April 03.
Officials said unpaid fines are automatically transferred to virtual courts if not cleared within 90 days. Recovery is handled jointly by the district traffic police’s challan branch and the motor vehicle department. “While fines against commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, autos and taxis are largely collected through the regional transport authority (RTA) within a day or two, with impounding measures enforced in failure of compliance, the remaining regular violations are monitored by traffic police,” a senior official from the transport department said, requesting anonymity.
Gehlot said many motorists remain unaware of pending fines due to missing mobile or email links in vehicle registrations. “Awareness drives are being held regularly to establish these missing data links to make online disposable systems feasible in the long run,” he said.
Police said e-challans are sent via SMS links, but many violators delay payments hoping for court relief or until registration renewal nears.
Gehlot said enforcement is being stepped up. “Four vehicles with over 40 pending fines were impounded over the past two months. A list of 100 such motorists with over 50 unpaid fines was also made public, and notices were issued to them in March,” he said.
He added that zonal officers have been directed to ensure on-spot recovery from violators with multiple pending challans. The traffic engineering centre (TEC), along with experts, has also identified stretches lacking proper signage and markings. “These changes starting from next week will likely bring a behavioural change among commuters to follow rules. Letters are being issued to the civic bodies to implement commuter-friendly traffic measures on priority,” Gehlot said.