Officials fined for delay in furnishing information under RTI Act

The Hindu: Kalaburagi: Monday, 11 May 2026.
Penalties imposed during hearings in April against officials who failed to respond to notices issued by the commission or neglected providing information sought by applicants, says Information Commissioner

The Karnataka State Information Commission’s Kalaburagi Bench has imposed penalties on several government officials, including gram panchayat secretaries and development officers, for failing to furnish information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act within the stipulated time and for remaining absent during hearings, State Information Commissioner B. Venkata Singh said here on Friday.
In a press release, Mr. Singh said that penalties were imposed during hearings in April against officials who failed to respond to notices issued by the commission or neglected providing information sought by applicants.
Among those penalised are Kalaburagi Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Lakshman Shringeri, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department in Gangavati taluk Devanna Katti and Raichur taluk Grade-II Tahsildar Parashuram.
The commission imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on Mr. Shringeri, ₹15,000 on Mr. Katti and ₹5,000 on Tahsildar Parashuram.
Penalties were also imposed on several gram panchayat secretaries and PDOs from different districts, including officials from Hullur in Jewargi taluk, Aldal in Surpur taluk, Aroli in Muddebihal taluk, Yelasangi in Aland taluk, Naganur in Surpur taluk, Gogi-K in Shahapur taluk, Hosadaroj in Sandur taluk, Saidapur in Yadgir taluk, Tadibidi in Wadagera taluk, Siddapur in Karatagi taluk, Hagaraga in Kalaburagi taluk, Paidoddi in Lingsugur taluk and Rama Samudra in Yadgir taluk.
The commissioner said that a total penalty of ₹1.5 lakh was imposed on 18 officials during April.
Mr. Singh said that the commission took up 564 cases for hearing during April and disposed of 229 cases.
He further said that since assuming office, he has taken up 3,084 cases and disposed of 1,308 cases during 88 days of hearings.
To ensure speedy disposal of RTI cases and create awareness among officials about the provisions of the RTI Act, workshops have already been conducted in Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburagi and Koppal districts.
Another workshop has been scheduled in Vijayanagara district on May 30, he added.

Tripura University EC Row Deepens: RTI Revelations Trigger Questions Over Legality of Appointments, Promotions and Key Decisions

Tripura Info: Agartala: Monday, 11 May 2026.

A major controversy has erupted at Tripura University over the alleged unconstitutional composition of its Executive Council (EC), with serious legal questions now being raised regarding a series of decisions taken by the university’s highest decision making body since February 2024. The controversy has intensified after RTI replies reportedly confirmed that the proposed amendment to the Tripura University Act, 2006, has not yet received parliamentary approval or Gazette notification, thereby lacking legal enforceability.
Legal experts and sections of the academic fraternity have expressed concern that all resolutions adopted by the present EC, including appointments and promotions of teaching and non-teaching staff, Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions, convocationrelated decisions, and the suspension of the Executive Engineer, may face judicial scrutiny and could ultimately be declared invalid.
At the centre of the controversy lies the alleged violation of Section 12A of the First Amendment of 2010 of the Tripura University Act, 2006. The provision clearly mandates inclusion of two Deans in the EC according to seniority, one from the Faculty of Science and another from the Faculty of Arts and Commerce. However, critics allege that the present EC was constituted on the basis of a proposed Second Amendment of 2024, which has not yet become law.
According to RTI information obtained from the university, the proposed amendment is still awaiting passage in both Houses of Parliament and subsequent Gazette notification by the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice. In the absence of these mandatory legal procedures, the proposed amendment presently has no statutory validity.
Despite this, Tripura University allegedly convened EC meetings from February 1, 2024 onward by including Prof. Chinmoy Roy as Dean representing the Faculty of Commerce, Law, Management, Physical Education and Library Science, along with Mr Praveen Saxena as representative of the Ministry of Education. Critics claim that the existing Act contains no provision for inclusion of a Ministry of Education representative in the EC.
Further allegations have surfaced regarding the replacement of incumbent Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge) Prof. Shyamal Das with Prof. Badal Kumar Datta under the category of one Professor, other than a Dean, according to seniority. Opponents argue that this inclusion violated the UGC Regulations, 2018, by treating Senior Professor as a separate cadre, despite no such distinction being recognized under the regulations.
The controversy has gained additional momentum after a university notification dated August 21, 2025 reportedly confirmed that Prof. Shyamal Das was the senior-most Professor of the university and therefore should have occupied the EC seat reserved for the senior-most Professor. However, records indicate that Prof. Badal Kumar Datta participated instead in Emergent EC Meetings held on December 13 and December 27, 2024, March 25 and May 21, 2025, as well as the 45th and 46th EC Meetings held on June 10 and August 14, 2025 respectively.
Serious objections have also been raised regarding the inclusion of Prof. Chinmoy Roy in the EC. Sources familiar with the matter claim that Prof. Roy was not the senior-most Dean among the faculties carved out of the erstwhile Faculty of Arts and Commerce. According to the reported seniority list, Prof. Vinod Kumar Mishra of the Department of Hindi is the senior-most Professor among the concerned faculties, followed by Prof. Sukhendu Debbarma of the Department of History, while Prof. Chinmoy Roy ranks third in seniority.
Section 12A(1)(iii) of the Tripura University Act, 2006 specifically states:
“Two Deans, one from each Faculty, by rotation according to seniority.”
Critics therefore allege that Prof. Chinmoy Roy’s inclusion in the EC violated the statutory provision and deprived the rightful senior-most Dean of representation in the university’s apex body.
The issue has reportedly alarmed sections of the legal fraternity, who believe that decisions taken by an allegedly unconstitutional EC may not withstand judicial examination. Legal observers have warned that if the EC is ultimately declared invalid, all decisions adopted during the disputed meetings could automatically become void, including staff appointments, promotions, convocationrelated approvals and disciplinary actions.
The controversy may further escalate with growing discussions surrounding the possibility of criminal conspiracy and administrative irregularity proceedings against former Vice-Chancellor Prof. GP Prasain, former Registrar Dr. Dipak Sharma, Mr. Praveen Saxena, Prof. Chinmoy Roy, Prof. Badal Kumar Datta and other EC members associated with the disputed decisions.
The development has triggered widespread debate within academic and legal circles in Tripura, with increasing demands for clarification from the university administration and intervention by appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with statutory and constitutional provisions governing the institution.

RTI is a cherished right, not a tool to obstruct governance: CIC

Daily Excelsior: Jammu: Monday, 11 May 2026.
In a significant ruling that may redefine the balance between transparency and administrative functioning, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has issued a sharp caution against what it termed “indiscriminate and impractical” Right to Information (RTI) demands while hearing a major case linked to Jammu & Kashmir’s education sector.

Hearing an appeal involving the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), the Commission observed that merely calling information “a matter of public importance” does not automatically override the practical limitations and functioning requirements of Government institutions.
Mere utterance of the phrase ‘public importance’ does not preclude other factors to be taken into consideration to arrive at a balanced view while upholding the right to information of a citizen vis-à-vis unhindered functioning of the public offices and utility of public resources, the Commission said.
The CIC made the observation while dealing with an extensive RTI application seeking massive information related to Government schools, teacher shortages, infrastructure gaps, scholarship schemes, private school regulation, student-teacher ratios and budget utilization across Kashmir Division over a six-year period.
The CPIO replied to the RTI application enclosing the information received from the Chief Accounts Officer of the Directorate in respect of certain points. Being dissatisfied that the complete information was not provided by the CPIO, the appellant filed a First Appeal and the First Appellate Authority (FAA), Director of School Education, Kashmir conveyed to the appellant that information vis-à-vis remaining points have been received from certain Chief Education Officers.
While disposing of the appeal, the FAA directed other CEOs to provide information to the appellant without charging any cost.
Subsequently, the appellant approached the Commission with the Second Appeal stating no information was supplied by the Department of School Education (Kashmir Division) even First Appellate Authority directed them to provide requisite information within seven days.
The CIC observed, “the quantum of the records and the sources wherefrom the information/data of this nature or relevant inputs for such queries are required to be procured by the Directorate of School Education would appear to be humungous. While collecting and collating such information would entail disproportionate diversion of the resources of the Public Authority in terms of Section 7(9) of the RTI Act”.
“Whilst, the appellant has stated in the Second Appeal that the information sought by him is of public importance but in the considered view of the Commission, mere utterance of the phrase public importance does not preclude other factors to be taken into consideration to arrive at a balanced view while upholding the right to information of a citizen vis-à-vis unhindered functioning of the public offices and utility of public resources”, the CIC said.
Quoting the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) & Another Versus Aditya Bandhopadhyay, the Commission underlined that the Right to Information is a “cherished right” meant to fight corruption and ensure accountability, but warned that RTI mechanisms should not become a burden that cripples administration.
The Commission reproduced the Supreme Court’s observation that the nation cannot afford a situation where “75% of the staff of Public Authorities spends 75% of their time collecting and furnishing information instead of discharging their regular duties”.
The threat of penalties under the RTI Act and the pressure of the authorities under the RTI Act should not lead to employees of a Public Authorities prioritizing ‘information furnishing’, at the cost of their normal and regular duties, the CIC said quoting the Supreme Court observation.
Subsequently, the CIC directed the Directorate to forward its order to all concerned Chief Education Officers who had still not complied and asked them to ensure time-bound compliance. “The concerned Chief Education Officers are expected to comply with the FAA’s order and the same may be ensured in a time bound manner considering the elapse of considerable time period”, read the order of the CIC.

RTI Filed Seeking Verification Records Of Permanent Resident Criteria In Manipur Civil Services Examination 2022

Northeast Today: Manipur: Sunday, 10 May 2026.

Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) 

An application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 has been filed before the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) seeking disclosure of records relating to verification of the Permanent Resident condition in the Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination (MCSCCE), 2022, the final merit list of 203 candidates for which was declared vide Notification No. 7/10/2022-MPSC(DR)(Vol-II) dated 22 April 2026.
The RTI application, submitted to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO), MPSC, seeks detailed information regarding the implementation of Eligibility Clause V concerning Permanent Resident status of candidates included in the final merit list.
The applicant has sought certified copies of the procedure, rules, guidelines, and instructions followed by the Commission for verification of the Permanent Resident condition. The application also seeks disclosure of the documents prescribed or accepted by the Commission for establishing permanent residence and ancestral linkage.
Further, the RTI seeks file notings, correspondence, internal communications, verification reports, scrutiny sheets, and checklists relating to verification of Permanent Resident status of candidates included in the final merit list.
The application has additionally sought details regarding the officials responsible for scrutiny, verification, and approval of Permanent Resident eligibility, along with records relating to complaints, objections, discrepancies, or representations received in connection with such eligibility.
The RTI also seeks information on whether any candidate was found ineligible on Permanent Resident grounds and the action taken thereon, including cancellation or withholding of results.
Information has also been sought regarding any post-result verification, re-verification, or inquiry conducted by the Commission.
Among other records, the applicant has requested certified copies of final approval notes or authority orders through which candidates were declared eligible under the Permanent Resident criteria.
The RTI assumes significance amid the ongoing public debate in Manipur over alleged illegal immigration, implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and concerns regarding demographic changes in the State. In recent months, several civil society organisations, student bodies, and public figures have intensified demands for updating or implementing the NRC in Manipur before conduct of Census.

Can 4-year-old file RTI? Why Central Information Commission rejected 5 complaints filed in child’s name : Written by: Somya Panwar

The Indian Express: Article: Sunday, 10 May 2026.

RTI by minors is permitted under the RTI Act, but valid guardianship or authorisation is necessary to pursue proceedings.

Five RTI applications were filed in the name of a four-year-old minor girl against the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) before the Commission. (Image is generated using AI)

Underscoring that the RTI proceedings initiated on behalf of the minor must be supported by authorisation or proof of guardianship, the Central Information Commission (CIC) dismissed five complaints filed in the name of a four-year-old child for lacking locus standi; the RTI applications sought information related to animal fitness certificate, transportation permit for animals, expenditure and functioning of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
Central Information Commission heard the five clubbed RTI complaints filed against the Animal Welfare Board of India concerning similar subject matter and common parties, and noted that the RTI Act, 2005, gives the right to seek information to every ‘citizen’ of India, and does not bar minors from seeking information, “but it must be supported by authorisation or proof of guardianship.”
“The Commission is of the view that the present complaints are not maintainable on the ground of lack of locus standi of the complainant and absence of proof of valid representation of the minor applicant,” the May 4 order noted.

The Central Information Commission heard a matter over five RTI complaints filed in the name of a four-year-old girl.

‘Five complaints’
Five RTI applications were filed in the name of a four-year-old minor girl before the Commission against the AWBI, seeking information on various animal-related issues.
The information sought in the aforementioned RTI included the animal fitness certificate, transportation permit for animals, expenditure and functioning of the AWBI, action status taken against the abuse of animals, and a complete report on the project with recommendations for the rehabilitation of circus animals.
Additionally, it also questioned various issues related to animals, such as the treatment of yaks and camels, and a report on the implementation of animal welfare schemes and related funds.
Queries raised are non-specific: AWBI

• Secretary Maheshbhai and Assistant Secretary Prachi Jain, representing AWBI, submitted that the complainant had filed the complaints as the guardian of the four-year-old minor RTI applicant, but had failed to furnish any proof of guardianship.
• It was contended that in most of the matters, the queries raised by the appellant are non-specific and are like seeking clarification rather than “information” as defined under the RTI Act, 2005.  
• They submitted that the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) was only obligated to provide such information available on record and was not expected to create, compile, or generate information that was not maintained.

RTI Act does not bar minors, but guardianship proof is must: Commission

• After perusal of the records, the commission found that the five RTI applications were filed in the name of a four-year-old minor girl by her grandfather, who was actually pursuing the complaints in her name.
• The commission noted that although the RTI Act, 2005, does not bar minors from seeking information, proceedings initiated by a person on behalf of a minor must be supported by authorisation or proof of guardianship due to the issue of legal capacity and representation.
• The Commission observed that in such cases, the person acting on behalf of the minor should clearly establish their status as a lawful guardian or authority from the minor’s natural guardians to represent and pursue legal proceedings on the minor’s behalf.

No proof produced by complainant
The Commission noted that the complainant neither submitted any proof of guardianship nor any authorisation from the minor’s natural guardians to act on the minor applicant’s behalf, and he failed to produce any of these documents even during the hearing.
The commission opined that, in the absence of any proof on record, guardianship or authorisation could not be presumed when the RTI applicant was a minor lacking the capacity to independently pursue proceedings without proper representation.
Accordingly, the commission held that the present complaints were not maintainable on the ground of lack of locus standi of the complainant, and lack of proof to establish guardianship and authorisation of the minor applicant.

Man Files RTI Seeking ARAI Report On E20's Bad Effects On Engines: Petroleum Ministry Says 'Secret, Can't Reveal' - Written By: Neeraj Padmakumar

Cartoq: National: Saturday, 9^th May 2026.

India has completed the nationwide rollout of E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol. You will only be able to buy E20 petrol regardless of whether your vehicle was designed for it or not. The E20 push had raised many concerns among vehicle owners in the past. Even as the government reassured vehicle owners that E20 petrol did not lead to any adverse effects to the engine, a Mumbai man filed an RTI seeking clarity on the adverse effects of E20 on engines and other powertrain components. After a notable delay this request has now got a response from authorities. In it, ARAI says that the research reports that the RTI request asks for, cannot be revealed!
Nachiket Deshpande, a banker from Mumbai, filed a request under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, seeking clarity on the scientific studies conducted by concerned bodies to assess the effects of E20 petrol on vehicles. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on August 12, 2025, put out a press release stating the importance of E20 fuel and describing how adoption of the same would help the farmer folk and the agriculture sector at large.
The release also talked about the concerns related to E20 fuel. It said ‘Concerns related to performance and mileage being raised now were anticipated as early as 2020 by Government and an Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) of the NITI Aayog examined them at length. This also was backed by research studies carried out by IOCL, ARAI and SIAM.’

Deshpande filed an RTI request seeking the research reports of the said studies. Obtaining these will help in getting a better picture of the realities behind using E20 fuel in our vehicles. The RTI request also asked to specify the vehicle models used for the study, distance tested and findings in detail. It also asked if the research studied the impact of moisture phase separation from E20 petrol, and if so, to specify the details of parts corrosion or fuel line damage.
In short, the RTI had very specific questions and was trying to address the concerns of thousands of petrol vehicle users. In a post shared on X (previously Twitter), Deshpande alleges that the petroleum ministry ‘sat on his RTI for two months’. Then it allegedly deflected the request to the ARAI and OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies). The final response came from ARAI.
In it, the body refused to provide copies of the research report or documents related to the aforementioned tests, saying that they were ‘confidential’. It also mentioned that sharing the said information is ‘exempted from disclosure under the provisions of the Section 8 (1) (d) of the RTI Act.’. This response would dishearten many and make them raise their brows.

In the X post, Deshpande asks a question that many would feel is relevant. ‘​​If the Govt cited IOCL, ARAI, and SIAM studies in their press release to push the E20 mandate, why is the data now a state secret?’. What is so ‘confidential’ about mileage drop and engine damage- he asks. The banker also alleges that this is a total lack of accountability, and not a matter of trade secrets.
According to Deshpande, the refusal to share research reports confirms his suspicion that the Ministry lied in the press release and no ‘extensive research’ was conducted on the matter. He also says that millions of vehicle owners are being used as guinea pigs for the policy that’s not being backed by transparent science.
What Are The Concerns All About?

People who own petrol cars and motorcycles already have concerns about the long term impact of E20 fuel on their vehicles. Ethanol content in petrol can cause serious issues in non-compatible vehicles. Petrol cars and motorcycles built before 2023, were designed for blends no higher than E5 or E10. E20 can, over time, damage their fuel hoses, seals, and gaskets. Fuel pump and injector damage are also likely.
Additionally, 5-7% drop in fuel efficiency may also be observed, due to the relatively low energy density of Ethanol-blended petrol. Older cars and motorcycles are even more vulnerable to the highly corrosive nature of Ethanol. Newer vehicles, particularly those manufactured after 2023, are E20 compatible and will function smoothly on 20% Ethanol-blended fuel. These have been creating panic and confusion among vehicle owners, and the lack of transparency only adds to it.

University Valuation Exam Not Equivalent to Official Test: IBBI Dismisses RTI Appeal : By -Gopika V

Taxscan: National: Saturday, 9^th May 2026.
The board dismissed the RTI appeal, noting that internal records already confirmed the non‑recognition of the university’s course.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has rejected an RTI appeal under Section 19 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, challenging the response of its CentralPublic Information Officer (CPIO) regarding the recognition of the postgraduate valuation examination conducted by Sardar Patel University (SPU).
The appellant, Nelson James Macwan, had sought detailed records, including file notings, reasons, and policy guidelines, to establish whether SPU’s valuation course was treated as equivalent to the Valuation Examination prescribed for registration as a Registered Valuer under Section 247 of the Companies Act, 2013, and the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017.
In its reply dated 16 March 2026, the CPIO furnished available information and cited internal correspondence. Dissatisfied, Macwan approached the First Appellate Authority, contending that the response was incomplete and lacked the prescribed details.
After examining the record, First Appellate Authority Kulwant Singh, referred to a key note dated 8 February 2019 that stated that “We only have information about candidates from SPU who sought registration with us, as the same information is not captured at the time enrollment.
When compared the performance of candidates from SPU viz. a viz. there is no sign of outperformance by SPU candidates. The data size is small (specially for plant and machinery), still it presents no case for recognizing SPU course as equivalent to Valuation examination. Submitted please”
The Authority held that this note conclusive administrative decision and concluded that the examination conducted by Sardar Patel University shall not be equivalent to the Valuation Examination for the purposes of registration as a Registered Valuer under the Companies Act, 2013, and relevant rules.
Concluding that the CPIO had duly provided the available material, the appellate authority disposed of the appeal without further direction.

Punjab information panel directs officials to expedite Clinical Establishments Act implementation

Medical Dialogues: Chandigarh: Saturday, 9^th May 2026.
The Punjab State Information Commission has expressed serious concern over delays in implementing the Punjab Clinical Establishments Act, 2020, and directed the state government’s health and administrative officials to take immediate steps to ensure its enforcement in a time-bound manner.

According to the news reports, the directions were issued by a double bench comprising Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh and State Information Commissioner Pooja Gupta while hearing an appeal filed by a resident of Mohali under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The appellant had sought details regarding hospitals with fewer than and more than 100 beds operating in Mullanpur under the Clinical Establishments Act.
During the hearing, it was noted that the concerned public information officer (PIO), in his reply on June 10, 2025, stated that while the act was notified on Oct 22, 2020, the rules were still under finalisation. The appellant also raised concerns over "serious public health risk" posed by the Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Medicity, Mullanpur, stating that the institution was involved in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, diagnostics, and clinical allopathic treatment, which, without registration, posed a serious public health risk, reports Economic Times.
Safety Citing legal precedents, the appellant maintained that matters concerning public health and patient safety demanded a higher standard of transparency and disclosure, and that failure to provide information amounted to a breach of public duty.
During proceedings, the respondent reportedly admitted that full implementation of the Act was not feasible until the rules were formally framed.
Taking note of the submissions, the Commission directed the PIO to file a sworn affidavit detailing the day-to-day progress of framing the rules under the Act, along with supporting documents explaining the delay. It also sought clarification on whether any concessions had been extended to the cancer facility by way of budget grants.
The Commission further impleaded the cancer hospital and research Centre in the case and asked it to clarify the system of medicine being used, whether allopathic, ayurvedic, or others, and to disclose any concessions or free benefits received from government departments.
Additionally, the Punjab Pollution Control Board, the Kharar tehsildar, and the Punjab Health Systems Corporation were made parties to the case. They have been instructed to submit information related to regulatory clearances, biomedical waste management compliance, land allotment, and any concessions granted to the institution.
The director of the cancer hospital has also been directed to remain present during the
next hearing and submit written responses, if any.
The managing director of the Punjab Health Systems Corporation has been asked to ensure the attendance of concerned officials at the next hearing.
Emphasising transparency and accountability under the RTI Act, 2005, the commission noted, "Since the mandate of the RTI Act, 2005, is transparency and accountability in the functioning of every public authority, a copy of this order is being sent to the chief secretary, Punjab, and the principal secretary, health and family welfare, to look into the matter in the larger public interest, as all the provisions of the Clinical Establishments Act passed by the Govt of Punjab in 2020 have to be implemented in a time-bound manner, for which the rules are yet to be finalised. As such, appropriate action should be taken as per the procedure established by law," reports Economic Times.

Growing concerns over India Post’s declining services : By Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Daily Pioneer: National: Friday, 8^th May 2026.
Postal Department should issue special RTI stamps in denominations of rupees 2, 10 and 50 on the lines of earlier such stamps used for licences of radio and TV sets. Presently, copying charges under the RTI Act in amounts lower than rupees 10 are not feasible because of discontinuance of postal orders in denominations of rupees 2

From forcing customers to make even small Speed Post payments through mobile phones or by purchasing postal stamps separately, to shrinking post-office presence in busy commercial hubs like Old Delhi, the Department of Posts appears to be drifting away from public convenience.
Postal Department has now made it compulsory for even petty payments for Speed Post and other postal services to be made through mobile phones, doing away with the normal practice of accepting cash. Users of postal services are instead advised first to purchase postal stamps by standing in a queue at another counter and then join the queue for Speed Post service after affixing the postal stamps. This ridiculous practice harms the Department as well, when unnecessarily the Department’s money is wasted on such postal stamps sold merely to avoid cash being received directly for Speed Post services. Department of Posts should restore the earlier practice of accepting cash or payments through mobile phones in respect of Speed Post services.
Many post offices, like the one at Delhi Railway Station, accept Speed Post items only after 12 noon. There should be uniform timings in all post offices for accepting items to be sent through Speed Post. Special 24x7 Speed Post counters should work without break rather than stopping service in between for some time gaps. This should not create a problem since there are always two staffers deployed at each counter, out of whom one can handle the work during the break for the other staffer. Newly introduced printing machines for printing Speed Post receipts with stickers are not being used because of the alleged non-availability of paper rolls. Department should ensure sufficient supply of paper rolls, ensuring use of these printing machines at all post offices. It will be beneficial to the public exchequer also by avoiding man-hours and gum used to paste postal receipts in government departments on their despatch registers.
Most of the post offices in the commercial hub of the Old Delhi area have been closed only because of the huge reduction in postal business. People are instead shifting towards unreliable and costly courier services because of difficulties created by the Postal Department, as referred to above. Instead, the Postal Department should be more user-friendly to increase its earnings. With the introduction of government savings schemes in banks, post offices mainly function for booking Speed Post articles. With the increasing trend of online banking, bank branches can be approached to provide counters for booking Speed Post by paying them nominal commission.
During renovation of Chandni Chowk, a building was especially constructed at Bhai Mati Dass Chowk (Fountain) for providing space for public utility services in the public sector, including postal services apart from banking and insurance (both life and general). But this building is lying vacant. Postal Department should approach Municipal Corporation of Delhi to provide space in this building for opening a post office.
It is time that the Postal Department reviews all its postal services to induce newness in the system, also aimed at more earnings for the Department without hurting commoners. The aim should be to promote postal services for effectively competing with the increasing use of private courier services.
Postal Department delivers highly subsidised rubber-stamped (printed) postcards costing just 50 paise to Akashwani (All India Radio), where senders write “Any Song” for programmes of listeners’ choice of film songs merely to get their names broadcast on Akashwani. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, postcard politics between political parties cost the public exchequer heavily. Postcards are also misused for commercial purposes, such as by chit-fund companies to send reminders for payments. All such printed or rubber-stamped postcards should be discarded without delivery.
Subsidised postcards and Inland Letter Cards, not being used by common people, should be discontinued. Only sponsored Meghdoot postcards should remain, with a postal tariff of one rupee. Printed postcards should be priced at ten rupees. Likewise, registered newspapers should have a subsidised tariff of one rupee, whereas even the cost of inputs for production of small newspapers has risen manifold.
While normal postal services are exempt from GST, levying GST on select services like Speed Post is senseless, with tax money going from one pocket of the government to another. Levying GST on postal services results in expenditure of resources on paying GST by the Postal Department and its collection by the GST Department. Speed Post tariffs, both local and non-local, should be rationalised uniformly at rupees 20 or 30 (abolishing GST) per 50 gm weight slab or part thereof. All other postal tariffs (inland and international) should be in multiples of ten rupees. Postal tariff for ordinary mail should be revised to ten rupees per 50 gm weight slab. International postal tariffs (both air and surface) should be rationalised by having equal tariff rise for every 20-gm weight slab for air mail, and for every 50-gm weight slab in the case of surface or sea mail.
Sponsored postal stamps, with some minimum stipulated number carrying advertisements or other messages desired by sponsors to be endorsed by a committee of the Department, with sponsorship charges fixed per printed stamp, should be introduced. The system will generate enormous revenue firstly from sponsorship and secondly by making sponsoring companies shift from private courier companies to postal services.
To induce newness in the system and for earning extra revenue through philately, an altogether new definitive series of postal stamps and postal stationery should be issued simultaneously in all denominations every year on the first day of the new financial year, which should also be the date of revision of postal tariffs, if any. But the colour of a particular denomination of a postal stamp of the definitive series should remain the same, with only a change in design on the basis of the theme selected for that year.
Commemorative stamps in denominations of rupees 12 and 41 were issued on 24.01.2019 and 12.06.2019 respectively. With rationalisation of postal tariffs in multiples of ten rupees, commemorative stamps should then be issued only in multiples of ten rupees and only in the two most commonly used denominations. But the practice of printing stamps of different denominations in the same stamp sheet (except miniature sheets) should be discontinued because users of stamps of different denominations are different. The collection item of ‘Miniature Sheets’ should be priced higher than the face value of the stamps in them.
Media reports indicated that some notorious persons from the underworld managed to get postage stamps issued with their photos printed under the “My Stamp” concept, where individuals can get their photos printed on postage stamps to be used towards postal tariffs on payment of extra cost. There is no provision whereby the “My Stamp” concept may not be available for tax defaulters and persons with criminal backgrounds. India Post should immediately discontinue the “My Stamp” concept because practically there can be no provision whereby persons with notorious backgrounds may not be able to get their photos printed on postage stamps.
Postal Department discontinued postal orders in outdated denominations like rupees 1, 2, 5 and 7 because of extremely low sales figures and high handling costs. Handling cost of a postal order was rupees 37.45 to the Postal Department in the year 2011-12. Handling cost for clearing operations of banks and in concerned public authorities was even extra. The public exchequer should not bear such extraordinary loss in handling postal orders in denominations like rupees 10 and 20. Rather, higher denominations like rupees 100, 200 and 500 may be added to avoid purchase of demand drafts in submitting various types of fees.
Postal Department should issue special RTI stamps in denominations of rupees 2, 10 and 50 on the lines of earlier such stamps used for licences of radio and TV sets. Presently, copying charges under the RTI Act in amounts lower than rupees 10 are not feasible because of discontinuance of postal orders in denominations of rupees 2. Even the Central Information Commission, through its verdicts and administrative orders, has repeatedly recommended issue of RTI stamps.
There is huge unclaimed money lying deposited in post offices, with many account holders and depositors having died without informing their legal heirs. There are always chances of frauds (as happened in some banks), whereby mischievous persons in connivance with certain postal employees may try to grab such unknown deposits. Postal Department should send letters by registered post in the names of such account holders and depositors who have not operated their accounts and claimed maturity amounts of deposits in the last, say, three years, giving them a reasonable period of, say, three months to either renew their accounts or deposits.
Otherwise, all such unclaimed money may be frozen in some fixed account, which may be allowed to be withdrawn only after careful verification. Details of all such accounts should then be made public also so that legal heirs may be able to claim them, but only after a rigorous scrutiny procedure. Postal Department should follow LIC of India in introducing successive nomination in all deposits, including government savings schemes.
The writer is an RTI consultant holding the Guinness World record for most letters published in newspapers; Views presented are personal.

Delhi High Court Rules Income Tax Returns Are Personal Information, Sets Aside CIC Disclosure Order Against Husband : By : Sheetal Joon

Law Beat: Itanagar: Friday, 8^th May 2026.
The Delhi High Court held that a husband’s income tax details cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act in matrimonial disputes unless justified by a larger public interest, and directed parties to seek remedies through appropriate legal proceedings

In a significant ruling reinforcing the right to privacy, the Delhi High Court has held that income tax returns (ITRs) of an individual constitute “personal information” and are exempt from disclosure under the Right to Information Act, 2005, unless a demonstrable larger public interest justifies such disclosure.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who set aside an order of the Central Information Commission directing the Income Tax Department to furnish the husband’s financial details to his estranged wife.
The case arose from a matrimonial dispute wherein the wife had sought access to her husband’s income tax records from the financial year 2007-08 onwards.
The request was made under the RTI framework to support her maintenance claim in pending matrimonial proceedings.
Acting on this request, the Central Information Commission had directed disclosure of the husband’s net taxable income details.
Challenging this direction, the husband approached the High Court, contending that such information is protected under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which exempts disclosure of personal information that would result in an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Accepting this argument, the Court unequivocally held that income tax returns fall within the ambit of personal and sensitive information.
The Court observed that there was no ambiguity in categorising ITRs as personal data, noting that disclosure in such circumstances would violate the individual’s right to privacy.
It emphasized that the RTI Act, while designed to promote transparency and accountability in public authorities, does not extend to exposing private details of individuals without sufficient justification rooted in public interest.
On the scope of the “larger public interest” exception, the Court adopted a cautious and restrictive interpretation.
It further clarified that this exception cannot be invoked casually or expansively, especially in disputes of a purely private nature such as matrimonial litigation.
The Court stressed that permitting such disclosures would open the door to misuse of the RTI mechanism, undermining its legislative intent.
Rejecting the wife’s contention that access to the ITRs was necessary for pursuing her maintenance claim, the Court pointed out that alternative legal remedies are available within the framework of matrimonial and maintenance proceedings.
It also observed that appropriate courts dealing with such disputes are empowered to direct disclosure of financial information, thereby ensuring procedural fairness without compromising privacy safeguards under the RTI Act.
The judgment thus draws a clear distinction between transparency in governance and intrusion into personal financial matters.
It reiterates that the RTI Act is not a tool for gathering evidence in private disputes, particularly when statutory mechanisms already exist to address such concerns.
Finding the CIC’s order legally unsustainable, the Court set it aside and allowed the husband’s petition.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s continued emphasis on protecting informational privacy, especially in the context of financial data, while maintaining the integrity and intended scope of the RTI regime.
Case Title: Kapil Agarwal v. CPIO, Income Tax Officer, Moradabad

Arunachal: Himalayan University Hosts Dialogue on RTI

Arunachal 24: Itanagar: Friday, 8^th May 2026.
The Department of Law at Himalayan University organised a dialogue with the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission on the role of RTI in improving transparency and public service delivery.

The Department of Law at Himalayan University, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission, organised a dialogue on “Right to Information and its Impact on Public Service Delivery” at the university auditorium on Thursday.
The programme brought together legal experts, academicians, students, and officials to discuss the role of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen-oriented governance.
The event was attended by Major General Jarken Gamlin as the chief guest. The programme also featured Er. Dani Gamboo, former State Information Commissioner, and Shri Odi Menjo, Personal Assistant to the Chief Information Commissioner, as resource persons.
The session began with a welcome address by Mukesh Prasad, Head of the Department of Law, who highlighted the importance of legal awareness and transparency within democratic institutions. A formal felicitation ceremony for the guests followed.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Prakash Divakaran, Vice Chancellor of Himalayan University, spoke on the role of educational institutions in promoting constitutional values and awareness of citizens’ rights. He said the RTI Act has evolved into an important mechanism for ensuring transparency and improving public service delivery systems.
During the technical sessions, speakers discussed the practical implementation of the RTI Act, challenges faced in ensuring access to information, and the role of informed citizens in strengthening accountability within public institutions.
The interactive sessions included question-and-answer discussions involving students and faculty members, focusing on the use of RTI as a legal and democratic tool for transparency and governance.
In his keynote address, Major General Jarken Gamlin (Retd.) emphasised the transformative impact of the RTI Act in empowering citizens and strengthening democratic processes. He encouraged law students and young professionals to actively contribute towards building a transparent and responsible society.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Yanga Pigia, a fourth-semester L.L.B student, followed by the National Anthem and a group photo session.
Organisers said the event reflected the university’s ongoing efforts to promote legal awareness, civic engagement, and discussions around good governance and public accountability.

Obtaining information about corrupt IAS officers and bureaucrats is now a citizen’s right

The Statesman: Uttarakhand: Thursday, 7^Th May 2026.
Citizens in Uttarakhand will now have the right to obtain information about corrupt IAS officers. This was made possible following an order from the State Information Commission with a rider: the department can withhold information on corrupt IAS officials if doing so obstructs investigation.”

In a significant ruling, the State Information Commission stated on Tuesday that citizens have every right to seek information under Right to Information (RTI) Act if a case of corruption is registered against public servants including IAS officers. Commission further directed that RTI is applicatble even if the state government has granted permission for a probe against any bureaucrat.
The Commission, however, clarified that information pertaining to a case may be withheld if it obstructs the probe. According to the Commission order officers concerned may refuse to disclose such information.
State Information Commissioner Kushala Nand was hearing an appeal filed by Sanjeev Chaturvedi regarding the maintenance of public accountability. It stated, “If a corruption case against a public servant is filed in court, information about it can be made available to common citizens. However, the information can be withheld if its disclosure is likely to impede an active investigation.”
The Commission’s order also included a rider stating that “file notings” are part of the department’s proceedings and their disclosure to the public was unjustified.
It’s significant that until now, information regarding matters related to public servants could not be made available to the public. This was done mainly to allow them to work free from any pressure; sharing details could lead to unleashing unwanted influence obstructing their official duties. The fresh ruling by the Commission will enable the public to easily access information about corrupt public servants in the state.

Why Courtesy Is Missing in Kashmir’s Official Replies

Kashmir Observer: Chandigarh: Thursday, 7^Th May 2026.
Official letters in Jammu and Kashmir speak the language of authority, while citizens expect the language of respect.

AI representational photo

A government letter should feel like a bridge between the state and its people. Many letters in Jammu and Kashmir read like directives handed down from above. Tone matters in public life, and tone in official communication sends a clear message about how the state views its citizens.
A recent example captures the problem in plain terms.
A Station House Officer wrote to a local NGO seeking help to rehabilitate people with mental disabilities. The request read like a command. The letter opened without a salutation and ended without any courteous sign-off.
It carried the weight of authority, though the situation called for cooperation and empathy. The document circulated in a WhatsApp group and drew attention for the wrong reasons.
A senior police officer promised to address the issue, though similar patterns continue in many departments.
This trend appears in civilian offices as well. Junior assistants and senior officers often send replies that skip basic greetings. A simple “Sir” or “Madam” rarely appears. Responses under the Right to Information Act reveal the same approach.
Citizens file applications seeking information guaranteed by law, and many receive replies that read like terse notes. Language sets the tone of public service, and current practice signals distance rather than respect.
Experience over two decades with RTI applications shows a consistent design.
Hundreds of replies from government offices in Jammu and Kashmir share a similar style. Most letters begin abruptly and close without courtesy. Many omit the sender’s contact details. The format suggests an internal memo rather than a communication with a citizen.
Such writing choices shape public perception more than any official slogan about service.
A different standard exists within central government offices.
Replies from Government of India departments usually follow a structured format. Letters begin with proper salutations and end with formal closings. The Ministry of Personnel and Training has laid out clear guidelines through the Institute of Secretariat Training in New Delhi.
These guidelines describe each part of an official letter, including the salutation and closing line. They emphasize clarity, structure, and respect.
A standard government letter includes a letterhead, file number, date, and the names of sender and recipient. The subject line states the purpose in clear language. The salutation sets the tone at the start.
A letter to a citizen begins with “Dear Sir” or “Madam,” while official correspondence may use “Sir.”
The closing line reads “Yours faithfully,” followed by the signature and designation.
These details may appear small, though they signal professionalism and regard for the recipient.
Language in official communication defines a deeper idea about governance. Public officials draw salaries from public funds. Citizens fund the state through taxes, and those funds build schools, hospitals, and roads.
Every official, from the highest office to the entry-level position, serves the public. The term “public servant” captures this relationship. Words in a letter should align with that idea.
A courteous tone does not weaken authority. It strengthens trust. Citizens who feel respected engage more openly with institutions. Clear and respectful communication reduces friction and builds cooperation.
A simple greeting and a proper closing line require little effort, though they carry lasting impact.
Jammu and Kashmir adopted RTI laws in 2009 and now follows the national law after constitutional changes. The law grants citizens the right to seek information, and that right includes a basic level of respect in communication.
A reply that reads like an order undermines the spirit of the law. Citizens approach public offices as stakeholders, and official responses should recognize that role.
Administrative reform often focuses on technology, efficiency, and timelines. Courtesy rarely appears in policy discussions, though it sits at the heart of public service.
A well-drafted letter shows discipline, clarity, and respect. It also signals that the office understands its role in a democratic system.
Leadership can correct this course with clear direction. The General Administration Department can issue a circular that enforces standard letter formats across departments. Training programs can include modules on official writing. Supervisors can review outgoing communication and ensure compliance with guidelines.
These steps need attention and consistency rather than large resources.
Change in tone can begin immediately. Every officer who drafts a letter holds the power to set a better standard. A greeting at the start and a respectful closing at the end can transform the message. Citizens notice these details, and they remember them.
Public trust grows through daily interactions, and official letters form a large part of that experience.
A respectful tone affirms the citizen’s place in the system. Jammu and Kashmir needs that shift in its administrative culture.
A government that speaks with respect earns respect in return, and that exchange forms the foundation of a healthy relationship between the state and its people.

Hospital regulation law notified in 2020, but rules missing: Panel notice to top officers

Times of India: Chandigarh: Thursday, 7^Th May 2026.
Expressing concern over delays in the implementation of the Punjab Clinical Establishments Act, 2020, the Punjab State Information Commission has asked the state's chief secretary and principal secretary, health and family welfare, to look into the matter in larger public interest, stressing the law must be enforced in a time-bound manner.

The directions were issued by a double bench comprising chief information commissioner Inderpal Singh and state information commissioner Pooja Gupta while hearing an appeal filed by a Mohali resident. The appellant sought information regarding hospitals with less than and more than 100 beds operating in Mullanpur under the Punjab Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2020.
During the hearing, it was noted that the public information officer (PIO) concerned, in his reply on June 10, 2025, stated that while the act was notified on Oct 22, 2020, the rules were still under finalisation. The appellant raised concerns about "serious public health risk" posed by the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Medicity, Mullanpur, stating that the institution was involved in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, diagnostics and clinical allopathic treatment, which, without registration, posed a serious public health risk.
The appellant argued the matter involved larger public interest, particularly in terms of patient safety and regulatory oversight. He cited legal precedents, asserting that where public health or patient safety was involved, the standard of disclosure was higher and failure to disclose was not merely an RTI lapse, but a breach of public duty.
After hearing the appellant, the respondent acknowleged that it was not "feasible" to implement the Punjab Clinical Establishments Act in letter and spirit without the rules.
In its order, the commission directed the PIO to file an affidavit detailing the day-to-day progress of farming the rules along with documentary evidence to date, so that the delay could be justified. It also sought clarification on whether any concessions had been extended to the cancer facility by way of budget grants.
The commission also impleaded the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre as party in the case and asked it to file a reply stating which system of medicine, that is, allopathy, ayurveda, etc, was being used by the institution. The institution was also directed to make detailed submissions on whether it had received any concessional or free benefits from any govt department of Punjab.
The commission also impleaded the Punjab Pollution Control Board, Kharar tehsildar, and Punjab Health Systems Corporation in the case, directing them to furnish details related to regulatory approvals, biomedical waste management compliance, land allotment and any concessions granted. The director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospitals and Research Centre, has been impleaded in the case to file written submissions, if any, and has been directed to remain present during the next hearing.
The managing director of Punjab Health Systems Corporation has been asked to ensure the presence of the officials concerned on the next hearing.
Emphasising transparency and accountability under the RTI Act, 2005, the commission noted: "Since the mandate of the RTI Act, 2005, is transparency and accountability in the functioning of every public authority, a copy of this order is being sent to the chief secretary, Punjab, and the principal secretary, health and family welfare, to look into the matter in the larger public interest, as all the provisions of the Clinical Establishments Act passed by the Govt of Punjab in 2020 have to be implemented in a time-bound manner, for which the rules are yet to be finalised. As such, appropriate action be taken as per the procedure established by law."