Pune Civic Crackdown: PMC Targets RTI Misuse, Plans Entry Ban on 9 Individuals

Lokmat Times: Pune: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The Pune Municipal Corporation is preparing to take strict action against individuals who loiter inside its main administrative building.

The Pune Municipal Corporation is preparing to take strict action against individuals who loiter inside its main administrative building throughout the day, filing baseless complaints against officials from various departments and allegedly using these tactics to harass and blackmail them. Authorities have begun compiling detailed information on nine such individuals who operate under the names of different organisations and groups. Once the data collection process is completed, the civic body is expected to impose entry restrictions on them. Officials believe that these measures are necessary to curb misuse of administrative processes and to ensure a safer and more efficient working environment within the municipal premises.
Several individuals reportedly visit the municipal headquarters daily without any official work, moving across departments and closely observing internal proceedings. They often introduce themselves as members of social organisations to build familiarity with officers and staff, gather information about tenders, and repeatedly file applications under the Right to Information Act. By seeking similar information multiple times, they allegedly attempt to pressure officials and resort to intimidation or blackmail. Over time, many of their complaints have been found to lack substance. This pattern has created a sense of insecurity among civic employees and negatively impacted their efficiency. In the past, the State Information Commission Pune Bench has taken a firm stance by rejecting appeals that were deemed frivolous or lacking public interest.
In light of the growing nuisance caused by such so-called RTI activists and selfproclaimed social workers, the civic administration’s security department has decided to initiate legal action against those who disrupt official work by filing false complaints and creating unnecessary disturbances. As part of this move, a letter listing these nine individuals has been circulated among 17 department heads within the municipal corporation. The administration aims to ensure that such activities are closely monitored and addressed through appropriate legal channels. Officials have emphasised that the objective is not to discourage genuine grievances but to prevent misuse of legal provisions for personal gain or coercion.
According to the instructions issued under the orders of the municipal commissioner, department heads have been directed to compile and submit copies of all complaint applications filed by these individuals. After reviewing the collected material, the Next administration plans to forward a report to the city police commissioner recommending further action. Alongside this, the civic body is also considering banning the identified individuals from entering municipal premises. Sources added that a caveat may be filed in court to prevent any immediate legal relief being granted to them without prior notice to the corporation. These steps are intended to strengthen administrative control and deter future misuse of complaint mechanisms.
Among the nine individuals identified for causing disruption, one is a retired employee of the municipal corporation who alone has reportedly filed around 40 complaints with the health department. The group also includes two individuals posing as journalists, the head of an organisation related to rehabilitation, a trust president, two city-level leaders from relatively unknown political parties, a woman heading a foundation, and another woman. The list containing their names has reportedly been accessed by media sources. Authorities believe that the repeated actions of these individuals point towards a coordinated effort to exploit official procedures rather than genuine attempts to address public issues.
Concerns over the organised misuse of the Right to Information Act within the Pune civic body have also been raised at higher levels. During the monsoon session of the state legislature, Sunil Kamble highlighted the issue, suggesting that stringent legal provisions similar to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act could be considered against such groups. Following this, the Urban Development Department sought detailed information from the municipal corporation regarding individuals allegedly using legal provisions to blackmail officials. The data requested includes the number of RTI applications filed across departments, the frequency of submissions by specific individuals, and the nature of information sought, indicating a broader effort to address systemic misuse.

Punjab info panel refuses to share data on RTI backlog, penalties

Times of India: Patiala: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The Punjab State Information Commission has declined to provide data regarding its pending cases and penalties imposed on erring officials under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Responding to an application by Nabha resident Gurpreet Singh, the commission cited "non-availability of compiled records" as the reason for the refusal.

Singh had sought details on cases pending for over six months and the number of officials penalised for withholding information during that period. Information officer Sudhir Kumar stated that the commission is not obligated to "create or compile" data that does not already exist in a ready format, citing a Supreme Court judgment.
The applicant has challenged this response, arguing that since the registrar's office tracks incoming and disposed cases, the backlog data is easily extractable. He further contended that records of penalties are routinely sent to departments and should be accessible via correspondence.
Singh also alleged that the commission's failure to impose strict penalties encourages officials to ignore hearings. Describing the RTI process as "cumbersome," he claimed it causes repeated adjournments and prolonged delays.
The appellate authority's decision is expected to clarify whether the commission is required to compile such public information for transparency.

DPCC used only 43 per cent of Environmental Compensation fund collected over past decade: RTI

The Print: New Delhi: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has utilised only around 43 per cent of the Environmental Compensation fund collected over the past decade, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The fund, collected from fines on pollution-causing entities, is primarily used for ecological restoration and mitigation

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has utilised only around 43 per cent of the Environmental Compensation fund collected over the past decade, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The fund, collected from fines on pollution-causing entities, is primarily used for ecological restoration and mitigation of pollution in the national capital.
The RTI filed by environmental activist Amit Gupta has revealed that Rs 158.88 crore was collected between 2015-16 and 2025-2026, and only Rs 68.07 crore was spent during the same period.
Year-wise data shared in the RTI reply showed that collections were highest in 2025-26 (up to February) at Rs 36.53 crore, while expenditure peaked in 2024-25 at Rs 35.93 crore, marking a sharp spike compared to previous years.
The data showed that in 2015-16, Rs 3.58 crore was collected, and only Rs 71 lakh was spent. Whereas in 2016-17, Rs 16.74 crore was collected, and Rs 1.29 crore was utilised. In 2017-18, Rs 3.42 crore was collected, and Rs 2.55 crore was spent, and in the following year, 2018-19, Rs 5.60 crore was collected, and only Rs 1.34 crore was utilised.
In 2019-20, collections rose to Rs 19.84 crore and Rs 1.39 crore spent, while Rs 9.17 crore was collected in 2020-21 and Rs 2.90 crore utilised. The figures for 2021-22 showed Rs 16.84 crore collected and Rs 1.23 crore spent, and for 2022-23, Rs 19.14 crore collected and Rs 1.45 crore utilised.
The RTI data further showed that Rs 11.32 crore was collected in 2023-24, of which Rs 7.84 crore was spent. In 2024-25, Rs 16.63 crore was collected and Rs 35.93 crore utilised. In 2025-26 up to February, Rs 36.53 crore was collected while Rs 11.38 crore was spent.
The DPCC, however, did not provide details of the specific works or projects on which the funds were spent, the RTI reply said.
“Why is such a large amount not being utilised? Where is the money parked? What environmental work has actually been carried out on the ground?” Gupta said, questioning the underutilisation of funds meant for pollution control in Delhi.
“The city is consistently among the most polluted in the country, yet nearly 57 per cent of the allocated or collected funds remain unspent. This is not a question of shortage of money, but of lack of long-term vision and planning,” the activist added.
The pollution control boards impose Environmental Compensation (EC) as fines on industrial units and other entities causing pollution, based on the “Polluter Pays Principle”. The penalty is imposed to deter environmental damage and is often based on the CPCB guidelines, with funds deposited into a designated DPCC account. PTI SGV SMV SGV SMV KSI KSI
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Over 45,000 RTI Applications Filed on Jammu Kashmir Portal in One Year

Kashmir Life: Srinagar: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a sharp rise in the use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, with over 45,000 applications filed through the Union Territory’s RTI Online Portal in just over a year, reflecting increased public engagement with transparency mechanisms.

The information was disclosed by the General Administration Department (GAD) in response to an RTI application filed by JK-based activist and lawyer Rasikh Rasool Bhat.
As per official data, a total of 45,275 RTI applications were received between January 10, 2025 and March 31, 2026. During the same period, 6,061 first appeals were also filed, indicating that a number of applicants sought review of responses from public authorities.
The GAD further stated that 40,310 applications have been disposed of, while 4,498 first appeals have been decided so far. The figures indicate a disposal rate of nearly 90 percent, though several cases remain pending.
However, the department declined to share details regarding the total fee collected through RTI applications and its department-wise breakup, stating that the information sought does not fall under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act as it would require compilation beyond available records.
The response was issued by the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), GAD, Civil Secretariat, JK, on April 24, 2026. The applicant retains the right to file a first appeal within 30 days under the provisions of the Act.
The data highlights the growing use of RTI as a key instrument of accountability and transparency in governance across Jammu and Kashmir.

Rahul Gandhi 'disagreed' on government CIC candidate: RTI response reveals

The Hindu: New Delhi: Saturday, 25 April 2026.

Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. File | Photo Credit: AICC via ANI

LoP Rahul Gandhi, instead, suggested the name of former Labour Ministry Secretary and 1991-batch IAS, Sumita Dawra (retd).
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had "disagreed" with the appointment of Raj Kumar Goyal as Chief Information Commissioner, suggesting the names of IAS Sumita Dawra, Justice S. Muralidhar, and Professor Faizan Mustafa, according to minutes released under the Right to Information Act.
In an RTI response to activist Commodore Lokesh Batra (retd), the Department of Personnel and Training gave the minutes of meeting which was held on December 10, 2025, in the Parliament building to select the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and eight other information commissioners.

Tanfed comes under purview of RTI Act, rules Madras HC

New Indian Express: Chennai: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
All these show that Tanfed acts as an implementing arm of the state government for its agricultural policies, the judge said.

The Madras High Court has ruled that the Tamil Nadu Cooperating Market Federation (Tanfed) comes under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act as its affairs are controlled by the state government.
Justice V Lakshminarayanan issued the ruling on a petition by P Jothibasu challenging the October 3, 2025, order of the state information commissioner rejecting his application filed on May 2, 2023, seeking certain information.
Jothibasu had sought information on the activities of the federation, including the varieties of fertilisers procured, the list of organisations from which procurement is carried out, and tender guidelines for purchase of organic manure and bio-stimulant, among others.
The federation’s public information officer concerned, however, denied disclosure of the information stating that cooperative societies do not come under the purview of the RTI Act and cited the Supreme Court judgment in the Thalappalam case for the same.
After Jothibasu’s first appeal with the department was rejected, he filed a second appeal with the state information commissioner. That, too, was dismissed. He then moved the high court.
The judge noted that Tanfed has been appointed the nodal agent with respect to the activities of the National Agricultural Co-operative Marketing Federation of India Limited (Nafed). In that capacity, it sponsors and undertakes Price Support Scheme (PSS) to protect farmers from price decline.
Furthermore, whenever the prices of essential commodities undergo an unreasonable hike, Tanfed intervenes and stabilises the prices of the essential items. All these show that Tanfed acts as an implementing arm of the state government for its agricultural policies, the judge said.
Referring to a GO appointing Information Officers to the federation, the judge said he was unable to appreciate the stand of the respondents that the RTI Act does not cover them when the government is clear that the information held by Tanfed should be disclosed under the same.
He also noted that the information sought by the petitioner does not fall under the exemptions under Section 8 of the RTI Act and ordered the respondent authorities to furnish the details as sought by the petitioner. Advocate M Purushothaman represented the petitioner.

Who is watching the watchdog? Gujarat’s proactive disclosure mandate in shambles : By Jag Jivan

Counterview: Ahmedabad: Friday, 24 April 2026.
A stunning failure in transparency has been uncovered in Gujarat, where only 75 out of 11,883 public authorities have submitted mandatory compliance certificates for proactive disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. This revelation comes from an analysis of an official government press note and related RTI correspondence obtained by a citizen.

According to a press note dated April 22, 2026, the General Administration Department (GAD) had issued a circular on July 17, 2019, mandating that all public authorities prepare and update 17 points of Proactive Disclosure (PAD) under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
Heads of departments, collectors, and corporations were required to complete an inspection-cum-audit of their PADs and submit certificates by June 30 each year. However, an RTI application filed by Alpeshkumar Bhavsar (Application No. 20251002216962) and the subsequent first and second appeals have exposed a systemic collapse.
As per the press note, of the state’s total 11,883 public authorities, only 75 have submitted the required PAD compliance certificates. The department responsible for monitoring this entire process the General Administration Department (GAD) has reportedly not submitted its own PAD certificate.
Among the few departments that did submit certificates, the situation remains grim. Ten departments have information on their websites that is one to two years old, four departments have non-functional links for their PADs, and the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department has PADs as old as 15 years, dating back to 2012.
The RTI process revealed a complete abdication of responsibility. The Public Information Officer (PIO) and First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the GAD stated that monitoring PAD compliance is not the responsibility of the GAD or its RTI Cell. Even before the Gujarat State Information Commission, the GAD claimed it only had data for the 16 departments under its direct purview, with no information on the remaining 11 departments.
The press note highlights that this disregard for PAD updating continues despite a Supreme Court order in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 990 of 2021 directing the State Information Commission to ensure proper implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act.
Bhavsar’s RTI journey was arduous. The PIO initially refused to provide consolidated information, asking him to file separate RTIs with each of the over 11,000 public authorities. This decision was upheld by the First Appellate Authority. In his second appeal before the State Information Commission (Appeal No. A-0359-2026), the State Information Commissioner, Manoj Patel, passed an order dated April 10, 2026, holding that the PIO’s response was “proper” and dismissing the appeal.
However, during the hearing, the PIO agreed to provide the applicant with a copy of the audit certificate for the Gujarat Information Commission, the only public authority under the RTI Cell’s direct control, and a list of departments that had submitted Annexure-B certificates. The order also noted suggestions from the appellant to make the RTI portal more user-friendly, which the Commission recommended to the Science and Technology Department.
The documents paint a clear picture: despite Supreme Court directives, government circulars spanning over a decade from 2009 onwards, and the existence of an Information Commission, the proactive disclosure mandate of the RTI Act, which is the very heart of transparency, has been systematically ignored. Citizens are effectively forced to file separate RTIs with each of the 11,883 public authorities to access information that should be voluntarily available online, rendering the spirit of the law virtually meaningless in Gujarat.

AIIMS Jammu, Div Com office under scannerover RTI response practices

The News Now: Jammu: Friday, 24 April 2026.
Serious questions over transparency and accountability have surfaced after two key public authorities the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Vijaypur and the Divisional Commissioner Jammu office came under scrutiny for their handling of Right to Information (RTI) applications.

At the centre of the controversy is an RTI reply issued by AIIMS Vijaypur, which stated that crucial information sought regarding its hospital facilities, comparison with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, and details of emergency patient referrals to Government Medical College, Jammu is “not available in compiled form.”
The reply has sparked criticism, particularly as the queries relate to core operational and public health service parameters of a premier central healthcare institution.
Observers say that while data may exist in raw records, the inability to provide it in compiled or accessible form raises concerns about documentation systems, data management practices, and internal monitoring mechanisms.
Healthcare and transparency activists argue that a premier institution like AIIMS is expected to maintain structured datasets for planning, accountability, and public reporting.
The absence of compiled data, they say, not only delays information delivery but also weakens public trust in institutional efficiency.
In a separate development, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu office has been accused of refusing to accept an RTI application sent through Speed Post by Advocate Hitesh Koul, Joint Secretary of the Young Lawyers Association.
According to the applicant, the application was returned with a remark advising that RTI queries should be filed through the online portal.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, who term it inconsistent with the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.
They point out that the law permits citizens to file RTI applications both physically and online, and administrative preference cannot override statutory rights.
“This sets a dangerous precedent if public offices start rejecting legally valid RTI applications on procedural grounds not prescribed under the law,” a senior legal practitioner observed, adding that such practices could effectively restrict access to information.
Taken together, the two cases point towards what activists describe as a “growing pattern of procedural evasion” and reluctance in facilitating timely access to public information.
Members of the legal fraternity and civil society groups have called for immediate corrective measures, including sensitisation of public information systems and strict adherence to RTI timelines and procedures.
They have also demanded accountability for officials responsible for delaying or denying lawful information requests.
Many believe these cases could soon escalate into appeals before First Appellate Authorities and State or Central Information Commissions, depending on jurisdictional review.
As the debate intensifies, attention is now firmly on how these institutions respond whether by strengthening compliance mechanisms and record management systems, or facing deeper scrutiny over transparency practices in public governance.

19,612 challans issued to move coal since May 2025, RTI finds

Shillong Times: Shillong: Friday, 24 April 2026.
A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that 19,612 Mineral Transport Challans (MTCs) were issued for coal transportation in Meghalaya since May 1, 2025, while several coke-related queries were marked “nil” or “not available” by the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR).

The RTI, filed by CSWO president and RTI activist Agnes Kharshiing, sought detailed records on challans, departmental noting, revenue collection, and officials under the RTI Act, 2005.
In response to the query seeking copies of challans issued between January 1 and January 31 for the transportation of coal from East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills districts, the department stated that the documents are provided as “Annexure-I.”
The department confirmed that a total of 19,612 MTCs were issued for coal transportation from May 1, 2025, till the date of the RTI reply. The department could not furnish any information about the number of challans issued for the transportation of coke during the same period.
Regarding records of challans issued for coal transportation from January onwards, the reply stated: “Annexure-II enclosed.” However, when similar notes were sought for coke transportation, the department said the information was “not available.”
Regarding revenue collection, the DMR stated that over Rs 11.32 crore had been collected from coal transportation, and that the figures were reconciled up to December 2025. For coke transportation, the department again stated that the information on the amount collected was “not available.”
The RTI also sought details of officials, to which the department identified Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as the Minister in charge and named M.B. Tongper as Director of the Directorate of Mineral Resources at the time of the reply.
In response to a query seeking a clear photocopy of a challan issued to a specific truck (AS01 RC 5327) between January 1 and January 31, the department stated that the information was “Not available.”
The reply indicated that while consolidated figures on coal transportation and revenue were provided, several records particularly those relating to coke transportation and specific documentation were not available with the department or not furnished in the response.

सर्विस रिकॉर्ड निजी जानकारी, RTI Act के तहत इसका खुलासा करने से छूट: बॉम्बे हाईकोर्ट

Times of India: Gandhinagar: Thursday, 23 April 2026.

बॉम्बे हाईकोर्ट ने फैसला दिया कि सर्विस रिकॉर्ड निजी जानकारी होती है, जिसे सूचना का अधिकार (RTI Act) के तहत सार्वजनिक करने से छूट मिली हुई। कोर्ट ने कहा कि ऐसी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का आदेश तब तक नहीं दिया जा सकता, जब तक कि संबंधित अथॉरिटी इस बात से संतुष्ट न हो जाए कि व्यापक जनहित के लिए ऐसा करना ज़रूरी है।
जस्टिस आबासाहेब डी. शिंदे एक रिट याचिका पर सुनवाई कर रहे थे। इस याचिका में राज्य सूचना आयोग के उस आदेश को चुनौती दी गई, जिसमें डिप्टी सुपरिटेंडेंट ऑफ़ पुलिस के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दिया गया। याचिका के जवाब में प्रतिवादी ने RTI Act के तहत याचिकाकर्ता के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड से जुड़ी जानकारी मांगी, जिसमें उसकी नौकरी से संबंधित विवरण भी शामिल थे। सूचना अधिकारी और प्रथम अपीलीय अथॉरिटी दोनों ने ही इस आवेदन को खारिज कर दिया। हालांकि, दूसरी अपील में राज्य सूचना आयोग ने इस अनुरोध को स्वीकार कर लिया और जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दिया।
याचिकाकर्ता ने दलील दी कि मांगी गई जानकारी उसके निजी सर्विस रिकॉर्ड से संबंधित थी और प्रतिवादी का ऐसी जानकारी से कोई लेना-देना नहीं था। उसने आगे कहा कि सूचना आयोग RTI Act की धारा 8(1)(j) के प्रावधानों पर विचार करने में विफल रहा। यह धारा निजी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने से छूट देती है। साथ ही आयोग ने धारा 11 के तहत याचिकाकर्ता को 'तीसरे पक्ष' के तौर पर सुनवाई का अवसर देने की शर्त का भी पालन नहीं किया। दूसरी ओर, प्रतिवादी ने दलील दी कि यह जानकारी इस बात की पुष्टि करने के लिए ज़रूरी है कि क्या याचिकाकर्ता ने वैध जाति प्रमाण पत्र के आधार पर नौकरी हासिल की है और इसमें जनहित भी शामिल है।
कोर्ट ने RTI Act की वैधानिक व्यवस्था की जांच की और पाया कि धारा 8(1)(j) स्पष्ट रूप से निजी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने से छूट देती है, जब तक कि जनहित में ऐसा करना उचित न हो। कोर्ट ने आगे कहा कि किसी तीसरे पक्ष से संबंधित जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश देने से पहले अथॉरिटी के लिए यह ज़रूरी है कि वह RTI Act की धारा 11 का पालन करे। इसके तहत संबंधित व्यक्ति को नोटिस जारी करना और उसे सुनवाई का अवसर देना अनिवार्य है। कोर्ट ने पाया कि इस मामले में जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश देने से पहले याचिकाकर्ता को ऐसा कोई अवसर नहीं दिया गया।
कोर्ट ने फैसला दिया कि चुनौती दिया गया आदेश RTI Act की धारा 8(1)(j) और 11 के प्रावधानों के विपरीत है। ऐसा इसलिए है, क्योंकि इस आदेश में जनहित की संतुष्टि दर्ज किए बिना और प्रभावित पक्ष को सुनवाई का अवसर दिए बिना ही निजी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दे दिया गया।
कोर्ट ने टिप्पणी की,
"...दूसरी अपीलीय अथॉरिटी द्वारा पारित विवादित आदेश न केवल धारा 8 (1) (j) के प्रावधानों के विपरीत है—क्योंकि यह जानकारी याचिकाकर्ता के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड, यानी उसकी निजी जानकारी से संबंधित है। इसे स्पष्ट रूप से जानकारी सार्वजनिक करने के दायरे से छूट दी गई—बल्कि यह RTI Actम की धारा 11 के प्रावधानों के भी विपरीत है।"
तदनुसार, हाईकोर्ट ने रिट याचिका स्वीकार की और राज्य सूचना आयोग का आदेश रद्द किया, जिसमें याचिकाकर्ता के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दिया गया।
Case Title: Narsing Ganpatrao Ankushkar vs. Balaji Pandharinath Thorat & Ors. [Writ Petition No. 4075 of 2015]

Gujarat: 11 out of 27 govt depts have not submitted PAD certificates

Times of India: Gandhinagar: Thursday, 23 April 2026.
In spite of a Supreme Court order and several circulars from the state's general administration department (GAD), 11 of the 27 state govt departments have not submitted proactive disclosure (PAD) certificates. Information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act further states that less than 1% of public authorities only 75 of the 11,883 have provided PAD certificates.

All govt departments and all public authorities are required to make proactive disclosures of basic details and data of their respective departments and scope of work, so that elementary information need not be obtained by filing RTI applications.
According to a GAD circular dated July 17, 2019, heads of all districts and civic bodies along with boards and corporations must provide certificates of PAD to their respective department, and each department must provide its certificate to the GAD.
"If an RTI cell has been set up in the GAD, then it should have consolidated data of PAD certificates. We had to file two appeals after making an RTI application for this data, and information was provided only after the second appeal made in the commission," said RTI applicant Alpesh Bhavsar.
Bhavsar said that information received from the GAD after the second appeal said that only 16 departments have updated PAD, and GAD had no information available regarding the remaining 11 departments. "Interestingly, the GAD, which is responsible for monitoring implementation of PAD and has issued 17 circulars for the same, has not updated its own PAD," Bhavsari said.
Bhavsar said that according to the information received through RTI, there are a total of 11,883 public authorities in the state, and it appears that only 75 public authorities have submitted certificates as per the GAD circular. "Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, which deals with proactive disclosures, and circulars of the Union DoPT ministry are being violated in a big way in Gujarat," Bhavsar claimed.
Pankti Jog, convener of Mahiti Adhikar Pahel Gujarat (MAPG), said a Supreme Court order clearly states that the information commission is expected to ensure that PAD certificates are submitted. "In this background, it was expected that the Gujarat information commission (GIC) should have directed the GAD to ensure implementation of the circular. It is disappointing that GIC has not made GAD accountable in its order. PADs are the heart of the RTI Act. It is unfortunate that GIC is not taking adequate steps to ensure its implementation," she said.

58,881 displaced, 10,000 homes destroyed in Manipur since 2023 violence: RTI report

Hindustan Times: Manipur: Thursday, 23 April 2026.
RTI reply reveals 58,881 displaced, over 10,000 houses damaged in Manipur violence; 217 deaths recorded based on ex gratia payments by the state.

58,881 displaced, 10,000 homes destroyed in Manipur since 2023 violence: RTI report

A total of 58,881 individuals were displaced as a result of the ethnic violence in Manipur from May 3, 2023, to March 30 this year, according to the Manipur government in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query.
The government provided the data on Monday, responding to an RTI filed in September last year by Congress leader from Manipur, Hareshwar Goshwami, seeking information on the status of displaced persons affected by the Manipur violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Responding to Goshwami’s query regarding the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) since the beginning of the Manipur crisis, the state home department said that as of March 30 this year, Manipur has 58,881 displaced people.
The RTI response further stated that there are currently 7,894 permanently destroyed housing units and 2,646 partially damaged houses, in response to a query on the total number of houses completely and partially destroyed since May 3, 2023.
On a separate query regarding the total number of deaths and injuries in connection with the Manipur crisis since May 3, 2023, the government stated that the number of deaths was 217, as per ex gratia paid to the next of kin.
To be sure, over 260 people have been killed in the ethnic violence so far. The government’s response to the RTI query mentions only those deaths in which ex gratia was paid.
The government added that, till March 10 this year, the state had a total of 174 relief camps, and a total of 3,000 pre-fabricated houses were constructed by Manipur Police Housing Corporation (MPHC) Limited.
The reply mentioned that under special assistance for the operation of relief camps, a total amount of ₹424.36 crore was approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, of which ₹217.4 crore was released. A total of ₹284.6 crore was released to Deputy Commissioners (DCs).
Under the special package for rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), a total amount of ₹523 crore has been approved by the ministry, out of which ₹124.50 crore has been released.
Besides, a total amount of ₹65.1635 crore was released to DCs. Additionally, under a state scheme for support for the purchase of mattresses and personal items, ₹14.24 crore was issued.
“Out of all the responses against nine queries, 30–40% responses are not satisfactory, while the remaining 60% responses are partially satisfactory,” the RTI appellant told HT.
Goshwami said the ministry has already approved and sanctioned funds for special assistance for the operation of relief camps and another special package for rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Information Commission (MIC) on Tuesday directed the Manipur home department to provide complete and consolidated state-level information on IDPs arising out of the crisis in the state within 15 days.
The directive was issued by State information commissioner Nungshitombi Athokpam while disposing of an appeal Case, filed by Hareshwar Goshwami against the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) and officials of the home department, alleging that the authorities failed to provide consolidated information on relief camps, deaths and health conditions of IDPs.

The commission directed that the Manipur home department, as the nodal authority, must provide comprehensive data and ruled that the information is disclosable under the RTI Act.

30% of AMC councillor funds remain unutilised: RTI reply

Times of India: Ahmedabad: Thursday, 23 April 2026.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has said that a significant portion of funds allocated to municipal councillors remains unutilised. This was disclosed in reply to a query made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

In the financial year 2024–25, councillors were allotted grants worth Rs 76.8 crore, of which Rs 53.7 crore was utilised. This left 30.1% of the funds unspent, the civic body said in its response.
The data was provided following a query by activist Santoshsinh Rathod. The AMC further disclosed that over the past four years, a total of Rs 268.8 crore was allocated to councillors, out of which Rs 201.6 crore was spent, while the remaining amount was returned unused.
Year-wise details indicate varying utilisation levels. In 2021–22, councillors used Rs 37 crore (64.1%) out of Rs 57.6 crore allocated. Utilisation improved in subsequent years, with Rs 48.2 crore (83.6%) spent in 2022–23 and Rs 62.7 crore (81.6%) used in 2023–24 out of allocations of Rs 57.6 crore and Rs 76.8 crore, respectively.
Rathod alleged that a notable portion of the funds estimated between 20% and 25% was spent on items such as society signboards, boards, and benches. He also pointed out that the AMC secretary's office clarified that no official resolution permits displaying councillors' names on such installations.
Raising further concerns, Rathod said that three councillors from Bhaipura ward collectively spent Rs 1.4 lakh from their grants to purchase an air conditioner for a ward office, despite such expenditure not being listed as permissible under AMC resolutions.
Additionally, he alleged lack of transparency in the Ahmedabad Municipal School Board's functioning. According to Rathod, the board failed to provide details of contractor bills and certificates confirming the receipt of books by principals of AMC-run schools for recently procured reading materials.

Karnataka Information Commission imposes penalty of Rs 25,000 on Malavalli civic official for RTI violations

Deccan Herald: Malavalli: Thursday, 23 April 2026.
While hearing the case, the KIC took the official concerned to task for failing to provide the documents even after two years.

The Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) has imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on an Environmental Engineer of the Malavalli Town Municipal Council (TMC), for negligence and failing to provide documents sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Nitin, a resident of Bannur in T Narsipur taluk, Mysuru district, had submitted an RTI application to the Malavalli TMC in March 2024, seeking documents and details on the vehicles procured on an outsourced basis, including the related tender process and the approved rates.
Veekshitha, who was also the Public Information Officer (PIO) at the TMC, failed to furnish the requested documents within the stipulated time frame. Following the delay and lack of response, the applicant approached the KIC, with an appeal.
While hearing the case, the KIC took the official concerned to task for failing to provide the documents even after two years.
During an earlier appearance before the KIC, Veekshitha had agreed to furnish the details to the applicant and had requested some time. However, she failed to keep her word and did not provide the information. Further, she consistently skipped subsequent hearings of the case.
Taking a serious note of the violation of the Act, the KIC has issued another notice to Veekshitha, asking why it should not recommend disciplinary action against her to the State government. She has been directed to appear before the KIC in person for the next hearing and submit a valid explanation.

HC seeks record retention policy for Goa’s panchayats.

Times of India: Panaji: Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The Bombay high court on Tuesday asked the director of panchayats to formulate within eight weeks a record retention policy in larger public interest. The policy will specify the duration within which all documentary and electronic records of panchayats across Goa are required to be retained.

The court passed the order in a petition filed by panch of Majorda panchayat, seeking implementation of orders of the State Information Commission.

The commission in Feb imposed penalties to the tune of Rs 50,000 on the public information officer (PIO), who is the secretary of the Majorda-Utorda-Calata panchayat, for denying information under the RTI Act.

State information commissioner Atmaram Barve at the time also directed the chief secretary to take immediate steps for the formation of a record retention policy for documentary as well as electronic records for all authorities under the ambit of the Right to Information Act in the state.

The HC observed that the commission’s order appears to be based on the premise that all CCTV footage recorded in DVRs set up in various panchayats in Goa gets overwritten within a specified time and information contained in digital form gets lost.

The panch’s grievance was that the panch was unable to access CCTV footage of recordings of the panchayat since by the time the information was given by the PIO, the data on the hard disk was overwritten as the information is stored for a period of 15 days only.

CIC asks LIC to share available information as policyholder claims ‘never took’ disputed loans.

The Print : PTI:  New Delhi: Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the LIC to furnish a revised reply along with the available information to an RTI applicant who had sought information on certain loans allegedly taken against his Rs 50 lakh insurance policy that he claimed he had “neither applied nor requested” for. 

The commission passed the order after observing that the insurer failed to justify the denial of information under Section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act after the LIC claimed that the disclosure of information could impede the investigation as the matter was pending before a consumer forum and FIRs had been lodged.

Section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act exempts information that would impede the process of investigation, apprehension, or prosecution of offenders.

No response was received from the LIC to queries seeking comment.

The case relates to an RTI application seeking documents concerning two loans allegedly disbursed against the applicant’s policy, which had a maturity value of about Rs 81.7 lakh.

The applicant submitted that he had earlier taken loans from banks against the policy and repaid them. However, at the time of maturity, the LIC informed him of two additional loans — Rs 10.45 lakh allegedly disbursed in December 2007 and Rs 15.89 lakh — which he denied ever availing.

He asserted that he had “never applied or requested for any of the aforesaid loans at any point of time” and alleged that the transactions were carried out without his consent, claiming involvement of an LIC agent and others.

The applicant further alleged that the loan amounts were deposited into a joint bank account opened in his name along with an LIC agent without his knowledge and that the funds were subsequently transferred to another account linked to the agent and withdrawn.

He claimed he had “never signed or appended any signature” for opening such an account.

According to the policyholder, after adjusting these alleged loans along with accrued interest, the payable maturity amount was reduced to Rs 36.67 lakh.

During the hearing, the appellant’s counsel argued that the information sought pertained solely to the policyholder and should have been disclosed.

“The appellant had sought copies of documents related to his two loans taken against his own LIC policy, but the same was not provided,” the counsel submitted.

He added that the appellant came to know about the alleged loans only at the time of maturity, asserting that these were loans “which the appellant had neither applied nor requested for”.

The respondent authority maintained that the information was denied as the matter was pending before the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC), Lucknow, and that two FIRs had been registered in the case, arguing that disclosure could hamper the investigation.

In its written submission, the LIC contended that the appellant had “concealed true and material facts” by not disclosing the pendency of the case before the consumer forum and ongoing police investigations, and termed the appeal an “abuse of the process of law”.

However, when queried by the commission, the respondent admitted that there was no court order restraining disclosure and failed to adequately explain how sharing the information would impede the investigation.

The commission also noted that the respondent stated during the hearing that records sought were not available but agreed to revisit the RTI application and provide the information available.

“The respondent during hearing submitted that the records sought are not available with them,” but they will “revisit RTI application and provide available information on all points, to the appellant, in their revised reply.” “In the light of the above facts, the respondent is directed to provide revised reply on all points to the appellant,” the Commission directed on April 8. 

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Goa CM gave nod for 112m casino vessel despite CoP concerns: RTI

The Times of India: Goa: Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant ignored concerns raised by the Captain of Ports and the ports secretary while giving the green light for Delta Corp to bring a 112-metre-long offshore casino into the Mandovi river. RTI documents show that the Captain of Ports expressed misgivings about the entry of such a large vessel into the Mandovi by Delta Corp subsidiary, Delta Pleasure Cruises, and stated that it “may create a navigational hazard due to so many vessel clusters” creating a bottleneck at the position requested”.

Then ports secretary and IAS officer P S Reddy also raised a red flag about navigational hazards. In a file noting, Reddy said Goa lacks a policy and clear guidelines for bringing such large vessels into inland water channels.
“As there are technical and safety issues involved, I am of the opinion that…technical feasibility needs to be conducted by technical experts to ascertain what is the maximum size of vessels that can be brought into the Zuari, the Mandovi and other Goan inland waters, bearing in mind the navigational safety of the vessels,” Reddy said.
The ports department also clearly specified that the length of vessels permitted to operate in Goan waters has been restricted to 90m, though permissions are given to shipyards to build vessels up to 120m for operations in other states or countries.
Despite the department’s concerns, Sawant said, “We may convey no objection to the applicants to proceed,” with the replacement of the older MV Royale floatel with the 112-m-long vessel.
This prompted citizens acting under the ‘Ponnjekars Against Casinos’ banner to press govt to withdraw the permissions.
“We feel that the chief minister’s approval has to be withdrawn. It is not a technical opinion and he has no right to decide on this under the Indian Ports Act. He cannot give technical decisions,” said former CCP corporator, Patricia Pinto.
Local residents said that in case of an emergency or disaster, it is the Captain of Ports who will be held responsible.
“This boat is bigger than some of the buildings in Panaji. The chief minister has given permissions against the advice and suggestions given by people with technical know-how, such as the secretary of ports and the Captain of Ports,” said AAP Goa president, Valmiki Naik.

RTI reply reveals SC rejected regional bench proposal; Nagpur demand resurfaces

Nagpur Today: Nagpur: Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
A Right to Information (RTI) query filed by a Nagpur-based lawyer has brought fresh clarity, and renewed debate, over the long-pending demand for regional benches of the Supreme Court of India.

Advocate Sundeep R. Badana had sought details under the Right to Information Act, 2005 regarding discussions and correspondence related to the establishment of regional or “cassation” benches of the apex court under Article 130 of the Constitution.
In its official response dated April 13, 2026, the Supreme Court Registry informed that a Full Court meeting on the issue was held on February 18, 2010. During that meeting, the judges considered the Law Commission of India’s 229th Report, which had recommended dividing the Supreme Court into a Constitution Bench in Delhi and cassation benches in different regions.
However, as per the RTI reply, the Full Court unanimously rejected the proposal, stating that there was “no justification” to deviate from its earlier stance. The Registry further clarified that no official correspondence has been sent to the Ministry of Law and Justice regarding the establishment of regional benches since 2014.
The disclosure has once again spotlighted the longstanding demand for a Supreme Court bench outside Delhi, particularly in Nagpur. Advocate Badana had earlier submitted a detailed representation to Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, proposing structural judicia suggesting Nagpur as a potential location for a western cassation bench. However, the CJI reportedly stated that no such representation had been formally received.
The demand for a bench in Nagpur is not new. Prominent leaders including former Union Minister Hansraj Ahir, former MP Vilas Muttemwar, and former MP Vijay Darda have, in the past, advocated for such a move, citing the city’s central location and its importance as Maharashtra’s second capital.
Legal experts argue that decentralising the Supreme Court could improve access to justice, especially for litigants from distant regions who face logistical and financial challenges in approaching Delhi. In his representation, Badana highlighted what he described as a “dual crisis,” a mounting backlog of over 85,000 cases and a perceived geographical imbalance in access to the apex court.
While the RTI response provides a definitive position taken by the Supreme Court in 2010 and the absence of recent correspondence, it has also reignited discussions on judicial accessibility and the need for structural reforms in India’s highest court.

J&K: CIC fires "Show Cause Notice" to PIO as to why action not be taken u/s 20?

Cross Town News: Jammu: Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
In reply to one RTI, one officer, who is topper in JKAS Batch but seems be not aware about laws & acts, which stands proved in a RTI reply wherein she had failed to provide information to an applicant on notings of her file & strange to mention here that the said topper of JKAS quoted Section 8(1)(b) of RTI Act while denying the information.

First Appeal was filed & in hearing one Legal Assistant of JDA was also present along with PIO etc etc &  declared that Sec 8(1)(b) cannot be applied to personal information & ordered to provide the information  but not provided,  speaks of  case of harassment by JDA to public.
Whereas, STP of JDA denied information to applicant on his personal case by quoting Section 8(1)(j).
It is also a question on FAA for not acting on PIO for providing false information wrt to quoted sections, otherwise, which should have been read befor replying, otherwise speaks of their proved incompetence & malafide, needs actions.
Now, shockingly, a RTI applicant had sought some information regarding engagement of contractual Computer Operators, Surveyors and Technical Assistants in sister concern of JDA as, Jammu Municipal Corporation, which included copies of engagement orders, extension details and information such as name, parentage, address and date of engagement, along with the number of extensions granted.
The PIO had responded that the record sought is more than seventeen years old and that the whole record is shifted to new place due to renovation work of building, making it presently not traceable.
 In a, case exposing serious lapses in implementation of the RTI Act, the CIC dealt with a Second Appeal filed against the District Social Welfare Office, where the applicant had sought crucial information regarding public funds.
The Commission noted that despite the nature of queries involving public funds and accountability, no reply was furnished by the PIO within the stipulated time, nor was any order passed by the First Appellate Authority on record.
Taking a serious view, the Commission observed that the prima-facie failure of the PIO to comply with the mandate of Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, in not furnishing a reply amounts to a gross violation of the provisions of the RTI Act.
Accordingly, Commission ordered the PIO to provide a point-wise reply to the RTI application. Further, the PIO has been directed to submit a response to a show-cause notice as to why an action should not be taken against him/her under Section 20 of the RTI Act for the lapses, whereas Commission also flagged the failure of the First Appellate Authority, observing that the FAA had abdicated its statutory duty, which renders the channel of First Appeal redundant.