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.

India gears up for 2030 CWG, but bills, court cases of 2010 Delhi Games linger on : Written by Mihir Vasavda

The Indian Express: Article: Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Responding to RTI requests seeking details of the outstanding liabilities of the erstwhile Organising Committee of the 2010 CWG, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said it cleared dues to the tune of Rs 28.05 crore in 2025-26. This payment was made to MTNL.

An outstanding liability of Rs 28.05 crore was cleared in 2025-26. An estimated Rs 50 crore has been set aside for 2026-27. More than Rs 13 crore spent on legal and arbitration fees. And 29 cases are still being heard at various courts. (File)

AS INDIA gears up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, financial dues of the games’ Delhi edition held in the country for the first time two decades back in 2010, continue to linger.
An outstanding liability of Rs 28.05 crore was cleared in 2025-26. An estimated Rs 50 crore has been set aside for 2026-27. More than Rs 13 crore spent on legal and arbitration fees. And 29 cases are still being heard at various courts.
Four years from now, Ahmedabad will welcome more than 70 nations in 2030 in what will be the centenary year of the Commonwealth Games. Earlier this month, a Commonwealth Sport delegation led by president Donald Rukare and chief executive Katie Sadlier toured venues across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara and Ekta Nagar, praising the “scale of planning” and “quality of venues”.
Yet the legal and financial fallout of the scandal-tainted 2010 Delhi Games continues to drag on, according to details obtained by The Indian Express under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and from public records.
Responding to RTI requests seeking details of the outstanding liabilities of the erstwhile Organising Committee of the 2010 CWG, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said it cleared dues to the tune of Rs 28.05 crore in 2025-26. This payment was made to MTNL.
A parliamentary committee report tabled in the Lok Sabha on March 18 estimated that Rs 50 crore will be required in 2026-27 to clear remaining liabilities. However, the ministry did not confirm the figure in its RTI reply.
“It is submitted that a payment of Rs 28.05 crore was made during year 2025-26 to the MTNL. Further outstanding liability cannot be confirmed at this stage as the same is dependent on the decision in matters which are sub-judice,” the ministry said.
Further, the ministry said that 29 Games-related cases remain pending before various courts as of April 22, 2026. It listed 24 vendors, individuals and authorities involved in the 29 cases, with the Union government as one of the parties in each of them.
Asked about the details of the amounts pending in the disputed cases, the ministry replied: “Outstanding liability cannot be assessed as the matters are sub-judice.”
Some of the major vendors listed are Nussli Switzerland, which was awarded a contract of Rs 128 crore for games overlays, according to a 2011 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The list also includes Electronics Corporation of India for a contract approved at Rs 346 crore.
Legal costs have also mounted over the years, with Rs 6.37 crore spent on lawyers and Rs 6.63 crore on arbitrators and tribunals since 2010.
According to the CAG report, the estimated cost of the 2010 CWG had ballooned from Rs 297 crore, mentioned in a Cabinet note of May 2003, to Rs 18,532.31 crore in October 2010. The final financial burden may take years to fully emerge as cases continue in courts.
In April 2025, former Indian Olympic Association president and 2010 Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi was cleared of major charges related to the Commonwealth Games scam, with a Delhi court accepting closure reports in money laundering cases. After his arrest in 2011 and ten months in jail, the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation were unable to substantiate allegations of corruption against him, effectively giving him a clean chit. Kalmadi died in January 2026.
However, allegations of corruption, shoddy planning and delayed infrastructure damaged India’s global image, and even successfully staged events such as Formula 1 races, the U-17 FIFA World Cup, and recent cricket and hockey World Cups have not fully offset that perception.
The country has now set its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympics, with the 2030 Commonwealth Games seen as a key platform to restore credibility. For the 2030 Games, operational costs are projected between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore, alongside a broader ‘Amdavad 2030’ infrastructure push spanning transport, hospitality and sports facilities.

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.