30 posts in Haryana State Information Commission vacant, over 9.5K cases pending: RTI

The Tribune: Rohtak: Thursday, 8^th October 2026.
With 30 posts lying vacant in the Haryana State Information Commission, a large number of appeals and complaints filed under the Right to Information Act are awaiting hearing, and 9,544 cases were pending till July 2026, according to information obtained by Subhash, state convener of the Haryana Suchna Adhikar Manch.

He maintained that the vacancies are spread across different categories and include key posts such as the secretary to the Chief Information Commissioner and under secretary. Four posts of private secretary, seven of personal assistant, five posts each of stenotypist and assistant, one post each of clerk, research officer-cum-consultant, two posts of junior scale steno and three posts of driver were vacant.
Subhash said the staff shortage was affecting the functioning of the commission and could be one of the factors contributing to the rising pendency of appeals and complaints.
“The number of cases awaiting hearing has increased substantially in recent years. Against 4,004 pending cases in 2022, the figure rose to 4,865 in 2023. It stood at 4,130 in 2024 before rising sharply to 6,883 in 2025. By July 2026, the pendency had reached 9,544,” said Subhash.
The activist has also obtained information regarding expenditure on fuel for vehicles used by information commissioners. “The commission spent Rs 20.42 lakh on fuel in 2022, Rs 17.39 lakh in 2023, Rs 17.20 lakh in 2024 and Rs 10.99 lakh in 2025. In the first five months of 2026, the expenditure had already touched Rs 7.77 lakh,” he said.
Subhash said he had also sought information on leave availed by the Chief Information Commissioner and other information commissioners between January 2025 and May 16, 2026. However, he was denied the information, on the grounds that it fell under the category of personal information. Questioning the denial, Subhash said the commission needed to ensure greater transparency in its functioning while taking steps to fill the vacant posts and expedite the disposal of pending RTI appeals and complaints.

RTI blocked, crores hidden: Bar accuses Meghalaya govt of shielding AG Amit Kumar’s bills

Hub News: Shillong: Thursday, 8^th October 2026.
The lawyers’ stir against Advocate General Amit Kumar has now turned into a fight over transparency, with the High Court Bar Association alleging the state government is deliberately suppressing details of public money spent on the AG’s office.

Meghalaya Advocate General Amit Kumar

Secretary General Kishore Gautam said an RTI application seeking expenditure details was rejected on the 30th day citing Section 8.
“We had filed an RTI to know how much public funds are being spent for the office of the Advocate General and the outstation lawyers. On the 30th day, they replied saying they cannot give the information under Section 8, which is absolutely not legally tenable,” Gautam said.
“We have filed an appeal. It is clear the government is trying to shield information. It does not want the amount spent on the AG and his office to come out in public, because then people will understand why we are agitating,” he said.
Gautam said the figure runs into crores, far higher than under previous AGs.
“A lot of money, crores and crores, is being spent for running the office of an Advocate General who comes from Delhi. Compare it with earlier Advocate Generals and you will see a very big difference,” he said.
“For a small state like ours, we need not spend so much for the AG and outstation lawyers who come from outside and stay in five-star hotels,” Gautam added.
He said the Bar will not stop at the first appeal.
“That information has been denied to us. We have filed an appeal which I think will also be denied, but we will keep pursuing. They cannot invoke Section 8 when public funds are involved,” he said.
On Kumar’s designation as senior advocate, Gautam said, “He was not a designated senior when he came here. He was designated from here. We had called a general body meeting then and wanted to challenge his designation, but could not do so.”
“Now one person is holding everything at ransom. We are forced to boycott courts because of one person. The public is suffering, the legal fraternity is suffering and the government is silent. This shows the state of affairs,” he said.

IIT Kanpur scholar suicide: CIC directs institute to check probe status, act on father’s RTI plea

The Print: New Delhi: Thursday, 8^th October 2026.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked IIT Kanpur to check whether a probe into a PhD scholar’s suicide has reached a stage where his father can be given the institute’s internal inquiry report that it had earlier withheld citing the ongoing investigation.

The 24-year-old PhD scholar, Ankit Yadav, died by suicide on February 10, 2025, while pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at IIT Kanpur.
A purported suicide note was found in the room in which Yadav stated that he took the extreme step of his own will and blamed nobody for it.
His father, Ram Surat Yadav, had sought under the RTI Act the inquiry report prepared by the institute, along with his own recorded statement and those of nine students who had left the research laboratory of an assistant professor.
The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of IIT Kanpur had denied the information under Section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act, which exempts information whose disclosure would impede investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders.
The CPIO told the Commission that a criminal case had been registered in connection with the death and that the investigation was underway.
The institute had constituted an inquiry committee on February 16, 2025, which recorded statements of the appellant and nine students who had left the research lab.
The committee prepared its fact-finding report on March 18, 2025. The institute’s security officer subsequently furnished the report to the police on July 16, 2025, following a written request from the investigating officer.
The report formed part of the material collected and relied upon in the ongoing criminal investigation, the CPIO told the CIC.
The police had registered an FIR under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to abetment of suicide, according to the order.
The CPIO also told the Commission that he would liaise with the officer concerned to ascertain the stage of investigation and inform the appellant about the permissible information.
The CIC, in its order dated September 22, 2026, said the earlier CPIO reply “appears to be well within the ambit of the RTI Act, 2005”.
However, it directed the CPIO to “liaison the status of investigation in the matter with the concerned officer under Section 5(4) of the RTI Act” and provide the requested information “strictly as per the provisions of the RTI Act, free of cost”.
The CIC also took note of IIT Kanpur’s measures for mental health support, including trained psychologists and psychiatrists, nine dedicated professional student counsellors, a 24×7 crisis helpline and anonymous online support.
The institute said around 2,530 counselling sessions were held between January and June 2025 and 3,332 between July 2025 and January 2026.
It also has access to Hello Dost and Tele-MANAS services and has been conducting a Gatekeeper Training Programme for suicide prevention since 2021.
The Commission said it expected IIT Kanpur to ensure that such instances are not repeated in future.
(This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.)

Gujarat Information Commission marks Right to Information Week

The News Mill: Gandhinagar: Thursday, 8^th October 2026.
The Government of India observes Right to Information Week annually from October 5 to 12. As part of this, the Gujarat Information Commission in Gandhinagar organised a series of events from October 5 to 7 to promote the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005, enhance administrative transparency, and increase public awareness.

The proceedings began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Chief Information Commissioner Subramaniam R Iyer, along with State Information Commissioners Manoj Patel, Nikhil Bhatt, Vipul Raval, and Bharat Ganatra.
Discussions were held with the Nodal Officers of Secretariat administrative departments concerning the uploading of data about public authorities for the year 2025-26 onto the Gujarat State RTI Annual Return System. The Chief Information Commissioner emphasised that completing the Annual Return Form should prioritise both accuracy and quality, not only target completion.
Guidance was provided on the timely and accurate mapping of Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities within the RTI Module of the E-Sarkar Portal to facilitate systematic management of RTI applications and appeals.
An awareness programme for Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officers of the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) took place at the Commission’s Conference Hall, with participants from Surat joining via videoconference. The Commission’s Secretary addressed the attendees, and the Additional Collector of GMRC welcomed the Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners before explaining the programme’s objectives.
Chief Information Commissioner Iyer highlighted the importance of the RTI Act in promoting transparency and good governance and stressed providing accurate information alongside a constructive attitude. The Commission’s Law Officer delivered a presentation addressing queries and practical challenges faced by officers in their duties.
A separate programme was conducted for students from various colleges in Gandhinagar. Secretary Paresh Dave provided background information on the origin and development of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The students viewed a video podcast produced by the Commission, presented by Law Officer Jagrutiben Patel.
Information about significant judgments from the Supreme Court, High Court, and the Gujarat Information Commission available on the Commission’s website was shared, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session.
The Gujarat Information Commission expressed gratitude for the active cooperation and participation of the Nodal Officers from the Secretariat, officers of the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation, and law college students during the three-day programme.

Info commission slaps notice on Punjab education official

Hindustan Times: Chandigarh: Thursday, 8^th October 2026.
Issuing the notice under Section 20 (1) of the RTI Act to Gurmeet Kaur, PIO-cum-deputy secretary (Certificate Branch), DGSE, Punjab, the commission has sought an explanation as to why penalty should not be imposed for the alleged wilful denial of information

Pulling her up for withholding information under the Right to Information Act, the Punjab State Information Commission has issued a show-cause notice to the public information officer of the Director General School Education (DGSE) office.
Issuing the notice under Section 20 (1) of the RTI Act to Gurmeet Kaur, PIO-cum-deputy secretary (Certificate Branch), DGSE, Punjab, the commission has sought an explanation as to why penalty should not be imposed for the alleged wilful denial of information.
The commission took particular note of the contradiction in the department’s handling of the RTI application, questioning its decision to classify the sought information as “third-party” material despite the person concerned having consented to its disclosure.
While the First Appellate Authority (FAA) had already recorded that the requisite information could be obtained through the Single Window Branch of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), the PIO allegedly failed to provide the information and did not appear before the commission.
The matter pertains to an RTI application filed by Amit Thakur on April 6, 2026. After his first appeal before the FAA on June 22, the applicant approached the commission under Section 19 of the RTI Act. He subsequently filed a second appeal on August 14, following which notices were issued to the authorities concerned.
During the hearing on September 15, the respondents maintained that the information sought related to a third party and, therefore, could not be disclosed. The commission, however, rejected the contention as an adequate ground for withholding the information, particularly when the person to whom the information related had consented to its disclosure.
The commission also considered FAA’s June 22 order, which recorded that the PSEB had prescribed the requisite fee and documents for providing the Gazette page to the third party and that the process was being handled through its Single Window Branch.
Despite this, the PIO neither appeared before the commission nor ensured that the information was furnished to the applicant in accordance with the RTI Act.
The commission has also sought an explanation on why compensation should not be awarded to the appellant. The officials concerned have been directed to appear personally, submit sworn affidavits and explain the basis for treating the information as third-party information despite the consent of the person concerned.
It observed that the RTI Act was intended to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities, and indicated that the conduct of officials responsible for processing the application warranted scrutiny.
The respondents have now been directed to appear before the commission at 11 am on October 23 along with the requisite information. The commission has made it clear that no further adjournment will be granted.

Activists question eligibility criteria for 4 Maha information commissioner posts: Nisha Nambiar

Times of India: Pune: Wednesday, 7^Th October 2026.
RTI activists questioned the eligibility criteria to fill up the four vacant state information commissioners’ posts and expressed doubt if these were broad enough to ensure a genuinely wider pool of candidates.

State govt on Tuesday invited applications from non-bureaucratic professionals for the positions. The activists questioned the requirement of 15 years’ experience, the Rs1,000 application fee and the preference for candidates with senior-level experience in govt, semi-govt and autonomous institutions, public sectors, reputable private organisations and social or charitable institutions.
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar said the Right to Information Act, 2005, does not prescribe 15 years’ experience for appointment as a state information commissioner. “Are these criteria genuinely intended to select the best candidates for the posts or will they once again give preference to senior officials from the bureaucracy?” Kumbhar asked.
He said the Information Commission should have independent voices, including RTI practitioners, journalists, social activists and legal experts. “It is not a rehabilitation centre for bureaucrats after retirement. It is an independent institution meant to protect citizens’ right to information,” Kumbhar said.
General administration department issued the recruitment notice on Tuesday for the four vacancies. Maharashtra State Information Commission has eight commissioners’ posts, but vacancies have resulted in the existing commissioners handling additional divisions. Currently, a commissioner is handling both Konkan and Nashik divisions, while another is handling Pune and Aurangabad divisions.
The recruitment notice invites applications from people with expertise in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media, administration and governance. Candidates must be graduates, aged between 45 and 63 years, and have at least 15 years’ experience in one or more of the specified fields. Applications have to be submitted by Nov 5 with the Rs1,000 fee.
The issue of widening the pool of candidates for the information commissioners’ posts was raised earlier too. Former central information commissioner and RTI activist Shailesh Gandhi had said commissioners should understand the RTI Act and the posts should not become “retirement postings”.
“Transparency must be the cornerstone of any appointment to the information commissions. While opening up these posts to non-bureaucrats is an important and welcome step, it does not, by itself, ensure a transparent selection process. There should be a pre-selection committee that scrutinises and interviews the candidates, and the entire process should be conducted in the public eye,” he said.
“The candidates should be asked about their understanding of the RTI Act, their commitment to transparency and, importantly, how they propose to address the mounting pendency of appeals and complaints. Making candidates spell out their approach to clearing the backlog will bring greater accountability to the appointment process and ensure that the commissions function more effectively,” Gandhi said.

Rewa Fake Lawyer Arrested Over Alleged RTI Fraud

Dainik Jagran: Rewa: Wednesday, 7^Th October 2026.
Rewa City Kotwali police arrested Shyam Mishra over allegations of using others’ IDs for RTI applications. He has been taken on police remand.

Rewa City Kotwali police have arrested a man identified as Shyam Mishra, who is alleged to have been posing as a lawyer and using other people’s identities to obtain information through RTI applications. The police are now questioning him on remand.
Rewa police arrest man identified as Shyam Mishra; Rewa City Kotwali police have arrested a man identified as Shyam Mishra in connection with allegations of using other people’s identities for filing RTI applications. According to the information provided by the police, Mishra was arrested after a search that had continued following a complaint registered at City Kotwali police station in 2025.
Complaint was registered in 2025; Police said a complaint against Mishra was registered at City Kotwali in 2025. Since then, the police team had been looking for him. Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the complaint and the activities allegedly linked to the accused.
Alleged use of fake IDs for RTI applications; According to the allegations, Mishra had been using IDs belonging to other people to seek information under the Right to Information Act. Police are investigating how many applications were filed using such identities and what information was sought through them.
The Rewa district administration maintains an official RTI section covering various government departments and offices, reflecting the formal process through which information requests are handled.
Court grants police remand for questioning; After his arrest, Mishra was produced before a court. Police obtained his remand and are questioning him to establish the alleged method used for filing RTI applications and identify the people whose identities may have been used.
Investigators are also examining whether similar complaints or other incidents may be connected to the case.
Police investigating the full extent of the case; City Kotwali police are now working to establish the complete sequence of events and determine how many people may have been affected. The investigation will also focus on the alleged use of identities, RTI applications and the purpose for which the information was obtained.
The allegations against Mishra remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings. His guilt has not been established by a court.

CIC Asks National Rifle Association Of India To Disclose Age-Verification Affidavit Rules

ETV Bharat: New Delhi: Wednesday, 7^Th October 2026.
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) said the measure was part of steps adopted to prevent and verify age fraud in the shooting sport

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to disclose the rules, policy or other records under which it requires shooters to furnish an affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper for verification of their date of birth.
The direction was issued by Information Commissioner P R Ramesh while hearing an RTI appeal seeking details of the basis for the affidavit requirement, including the rule or notification under which it was introduced.
The applicant had also sought to know whether the affidavit could be submitted online and within how many days the NRAI approved or rejected a shooter's identification documents.
In its reply, the NRAI said the requirement was based on the decision of the Prevention of Age Fraud Committee and that a hard copy of the affidavit was mandatory. It also said applications were processed within 15 working days.
During the hearing, the NRAI submitted that the Age Fraud Committee had framed rules and policy regarding the affidavit requirement, which was approved by its Governing Body. It said the measure was part of steps adopted to prevent and verify age fraud in shooting sport and to ensure proper verification of age particulars furnished by athletes and safeguard the integrity and fairness of competitions.
The commission, however, observed that the specific rule, policy, order, resolution, minutes or other record evidencing the decision under which the affidavit requirement was prescribed had not been furnished to the applicant.
"Merely informing him that the requirement is 'as per the decision' of the Committee does not completely address the query," the CIC said.
It directed the CPIO to furnish the relevant existing records, including the decision, minutes or resolution of the Prevention of Age Fraud Committee and/or Governing Body, along with any applicable rule, policy, circular, order or notification, within two weeks.
If no separate rule, order or notification exists, the applicant should be clearly informed of this and provided the relevant existing record on the basis of which the requirement was introduced, subject to the RTI Act, the commission said.

AP info commissioner fines PIO Rs 20k for RTI delay

Times of India: Vijayawada: Wednesday, 7^Th October 2026.
State information commissioner Rehana Begum has imposed a Rs 20,000 penalty on a public information officer (PIO) for failing to provide information sought under the Right to Information Act and for delaying disclosure of information that should have been made available voluntarily.

RTI activist A Chengal Rayulu of Tirupati rural mandal had sought information under Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act from Printing, Stationery and Stores Purchases office in Vijayawada in Nov 2022. As no information was provided even after the mandatory 30-day period, he approached State Information Commission with a complaint in Dec 2022. The matter came up for hearing before Rehana Begum when both sides appeared before Commission. Rayulu pointed out that more than three years had passed since he filed the RTI application but the information had still not been furnished.
Commission found that S Zaheer, who was the PIO and assistant director when the application was filed in 2022, had continued in the same responsibilities. It issued a show-cause notice to the PIO, seeking an explanation as to why action should not be initiated for failing to provide information that was required to be disclosed proactively under the RTI Act.
During the hearing on Sept 16, the PIO admitted that the information had not been provided within the prescribed time. He told Commission that he had instructed the assistant public information officer to furnish the information, but the official had failed to do so and subsequently retired in 2024.
The PIO further claimed that the information had been furnished to the complainant on Sept 19, 2025. However, he failed to produce any evidence before Commission to establish that the information had actually been delivered to Rayulu.
Rejecting the explanation, Rehana Begum held that the PIO had shown serious negligence and caused undue delay in providing information that was required to be proactively disclosed to the public. Commissioner imposed a Rs 20,000 penalty on the PIO and directed the principal secretary of the home department to recover the amount from the official’s salary and credit it to govt treasury.

Maharashtra Reconstitutes Search Committee For Chief Information Commissioner, Information Commissioners' Appointments

FPJ: Mumbai: Tuesday, 6^Th October 2026.
Maharashtra has reconstituted the Search Committee for shortlisting candidates for State Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner posts, replacing its January 2025 order. Retired Bombay High Court judge Justice Ravi Deshpande will head the panel.

The Maharashtra government has reconstituted the Search Committee responsible for shortlisting candidates for the posts of State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners in the Maharashtra State Information Commission.
Earlier Order Superseded
The General Administration Department issued a government resolution on October 5, superseding its January 7, 2025 order and restructuring the committee in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005 and directions issued by the Supreme Court.
The reconstituted committee will be headed by retired Bombay High Court judge Justice Ravi Deshpande. The Maharashtra Chief Secretary will be a member, while the Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary in charge of Administrative Innovations, Excellence and Good Governance in the General Administration Department will also serve as a member.
Panel To Set Eligibility Criteria
The committee will frame eligibility criteria, terms and conditions for advertisements for vacant posts and ensure that the selection process conforms to the RTI Act and judicial directions. It will also scrutinise applications objectively against the prescribed eligibility criteria.
For every vacant post, the committee will shortlist three eligible candidates and submit their names to the selection committee for consideration.
Under Section 15(3) of the RTI Act, appointments of the State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners are made on the recommendation of a selection committee headed by the Chief Minister. The Act also requires candidates to have public standing and broad knowledge and experience in fields including law, administration, journalism, social service, science and technology, or management.
The government said the restructuring was undertaken in view of Supreme Court directions seeking transparency, objectivity and merit in the appointment process.

State Information Commissioner issues show-cause notice in RTI case

Times of India: Kanpur: Tuesday, 6^Th October 2026.

State Information Commissioner, Lucknow, recently issued a show-cause notice to the Public Information Officer for not providing the sought information to the appellant, Praveen Kumar Srivastava, advocate.
The commissioner fixed next date for hearing as Oct 9, 2026.
State information commissioner Swatantra Prakash Gupta in his order dated Aug 20, 2026 that a copy of appeal and application filed under RTI Act on June 22 last to the public information officer’s representative although he was absent. Granting him the last opportunity, the information commissioner asked him to send the sought information to the applicant and ensure his presence before the commission along with proof of dispatch and receipt of information.
The state information commissioner now granted him last opportunity and fixed October 9,2026. In another matter he also summoned public information officer on same date.

11 food licences restored after FDA action in Nagpur; RTI raises questions over follow-up checks

Nagpur Today: Nagpur: Tuesday, 6^Th October 2026.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) intensive crackdown on food establishments in Nagpur has thrown up a fresh question over the follow-up mechanism adopted after licences were suspended for alleged hygiene violations.
Information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Adv Sundeep Badana shows that the FDA had taken action against 16 food establishments in Nagpur district for violations of provisions under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Of these, the suspensions of at least 11 establishments were subsequently lifted after the department recorded compliance with the prescribed requirements.
The RTI information, supplied in response to an application dated August 18, 2026, shows that the time taken for restoration varied considerably, from just one day to several weeks after the establishments were found to have violated food-safety and hygiene provisions.
Among the prominent establishments listed in the reply, Hira Sweets had its licence suspended after an inspection on July 6, with the suspension lifted on July 29 after compliance was recorded. Indore Namkeen Products, inspected on July 9, had its suspension lifted on August 24.
The Hut Family Restaurant and Dhaba had its licence suspended following an inspection on July 11 and the suspension was lifted on July 13. Sainath Trading Company, inspected on July 17, secured restoration on August 10.
Similarly, Ashoka Restaurant had its suspension lifted on July 24 after its July 17 inspection, while Machan Restaurant, inspected on July 29, had its suspension lifted on August 7.
The RTI reply also records restoration of the licences of Mohadikar, an establishment at Koradi Temple, Super Caterers at VSPM Academy of Higher Education and Tiwari & Company at IIIT Nagpur after compliance was recorded. In the case of Tiwari & Company, the inspection was conducted on August 13 and the suspension was lifted the very next day.
The reply further shows that the suspension of Kiara Noodles and Trading, inspected on August 14, was lifted on August 18.
The FDA had cited violations of various provisions of Parts II and V of Schedule 4 of the 2011 regulations as the reason for the action against these establishments. However, the RTI response, as supplied to the applicant, largely records the dates of inspection, action and restoration and does not provide detailed documentation of the physical reinspections or the individual corrective measures verified at each establishment.
The data also shows that action against some establishments was more stringent. The registration of Salim Mutton Shop Chicken Centre at Mahadula was cancelled following an inspection on June 8. The registrations of two establishments listed under Yarana Family Garden Restaurant at Hazaripahad were also shown as cancelled after inspections conducted on July 11.
The licence of Indian Tandoor on Katol Road was suspended on July 12, while the RTI reply does not show a subsequent restoration against that entry. The entry relating to Mother Dairy Milk Franchisee also does not show a restoration action in the information supplied.
The findings assume significance against the backdrop of the FDA’s intensified food-safety enforcement drive under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The department has undertaken a series of inspections and raids across Maharashtra, including action against restaurants, hotels, sweet shops and institutional food establishments.
The RTI data, however, raises a narrower question: how were compliance claims verified before suspended establishments were allowed to resume operations?
The information supplied under RTI records “compliance verified by inspectors” in cases where suspensions were lifted, but does not, in the material available, specify the date and details of the follow-up inspection, the individual deficiencies rectified or the documentary evidence relied upon for restoring each licence.
This becomes particularly relevant in cases where restoration took place within a very short period. In the case of Tiwari & Company at IIIT Nagpur, for instance, the inspection was recorded on August 13 and the suspension was lifted on August 14. Super Caterers at VSPM Academy of Higher Education was similarly shown as having its suspension lifted a day after inspection.
The RTI applicant has also raised a separate concern after observing that an establishment whose registration was shown as cancelled in the FDA’s reply was still operating. This observation could not, however, establish by itself whether the business was operating under another valid licence, whether the cancelled registration related to a particular activity or whether any subsequent regulatory order had been issued.
The issue therefore calls for clarification from the FDA rather than an assumption of wrongdoing. The department could clarify whether physical re-inspections were carried out in every case before restoration, what corrective measures were verified and whether any establishments whose registrations were cancelled subsequently obtained fresh permissions
The RTI disclosure provides a documented snapshot of the enforcement action and its subsequent outcome. The larger question now is whether the restoration process was backed by equally rigorous on-ground verification, an issue that assumes importance for food safety and consumer protection in Nagpur.

AP Information Commission bars an activist from filing repetitive pleas

Times of India: Vijayawada: Tuesday, 6^Th October 2026.

The Andhra Pradesh Information Commission has barred an RTI applicant from filing repetitive applications, appeals or complaints on matters already disposed of or where the required information has been furnished, citing misuse of the transparency law and avoidable diversion of public resources.
Chief information commissioner Vajja Srinivasa Rao issued the order while disposing of a batch of 164 cases involving Yadala Bhadraiah of Palnadu district. The commission noted that Bhadraiah had filed more than 1,000 RTI applications and over 300 second appeals.
The commission observed that the cases reflected a recurring pattern of seeking repeated opportunities for inspection of records without pointing to specific deficiencies in the information already supplied. It held that the RTI Act cannot be used to repeatedly pursue matters that have already been addressed.
The commission also took note of a ₹10,000 PhonePe transaction allegedly made to Bhadraiah from an account linked to a deputy MPDO while official proceedings were pending. It directed the commissioner and director of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development to investigate the transaction and examine whether any violation of the Prevention of Corruption Act had occurred.
The commission further directed the Palnadu district collector to verify Bhadraiah’s eligibility for a white ration card in view of information indicating that he owned two houses and substantial landholdings. Appropriate action was ordered if any irregularity or fraudulent claim was established.
Referring to Supreme Court judgments, the commission observed that the RTI Act is intended to promote transparency and accountability and cannot be allowed to become a means of harassing public officials or pursuing personal grievances.
It said repeated and vexatious proceedings could consume considerable administrative time and manpower, affecting the ability of public authorities to respond to genuine RTI applicants.
Rao dismissed the batch of 164 cases and directed that future applications from Bhadraiah should be confined to genuinely distinct requests for information and should not repeat matters that have already been answered or adjudicated.
“This commission is of the considered view that this is a fit case to prohibit the appellant from filing applications, appeals, and complaints under the RTI Act, 2005. The commission deems it appropriate to reprimand the appellant, Yadala Bhadraiah, and cautions him to refrain from conduct that may amount to harassment. It is further clarified that any repetition of such conduct may invite appropriate action, including rejection of future applications, appeals, or complaints, in the larger public interest and in furtherance of the objectives of the RTI Act, 2005,” said Vajja Srinivasa Rao.

Manipur Information Commission observes RTI Week 2026 in Imphal

News On AIR: Imphal: Tuesday, 6^Th October 2026.

Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary R.K. Dinesh Singh stressed the need to increase public awareness about the Right to Information (RTI) Act and ensure its effective implementation to strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation.
He said that the RTI Act initially appeared confusing due to its 31 sections and broad scope and objectives. He highlighted that its objectives include enabling people to access information, ensuring transparency and accountability, eliminating corruption and ultimately strengthening democracy. He also emphasised proactive disclosure by public authorities to reduce the burden on Public Information Officers (PIOs).
RTI Week is being observed for seven days and will conclude on October 12 marking the 21st anniversary of the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005 which was passed in June 2005 and came into force on October, 12, 2005.

Assam Information Commission to Hold RTI Appeal Hearings in Barak Valley

The Sentinel: Assam: Monday, 5^Th October 2026.
Assam Information Commission to hear RTI appeals outside Guwahati for the first time, beginning with Sribhumi, Hailakandi and Silchar during RTI Week

The Assam Information Commission (AIC) has taken a slew of measures to generate awareness about the Right to Information (RTI) Act and expedite the disposal of appeal cases in a timebound manner.
For the first time in the history of the Commission, appeal cases will be heard outside Guwahati. During RTI Week, beginning October 6, 2026, State Chief Information Commissioner Bharat Bhushan Dev Choudhury, IAS (Retd), will personally hear appellants in Sribhumi, Hailakandi and Silchar. He will also attend several awareness programmes and interact with Public Information Officers (PIOs) in the other districts of the Barak Valley. The State Chief Information Commissioner said similar programmes would be organised in all districts of Assam in a phased manner to generate awareness about the RTI Act, stated a press release.

EC dissent row: How RTI can unlock minutes, orders on SIR decisions - By Madabhushi Sridhar Acharyulu

The Federal: Analysis: Monday, 5^Th October 2026.
RTI can help citizens and political parties seek the documentary trail behind reported EC dissent, decisions on electoral rolls, and database management

The EC is a constitutional authority under Article 324, entrusted with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections. That makes transparency in its institutional decision-making particularly important. File photo

The recent Indian Express investigation into differences within the Election Commission has generated intense political debate. It is reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months concerning Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, voter registration, deletions, Form 6, electoral appeals, and the centralisation of electoral databases.
The EC, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, responded that its actions were as per law and the media focus on internal notes only gives “one part of the picture”.
Citizens’ right to seek records
This raises a question: If these matters are contained in official records, can’t they be accessed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act?
This is not to question newspapers’ right to investigate. The larger issue is if the material involves the decision-making process by a constitutional authority, shouldn’t citizens and political parties have the right to seek the records through a statutory mechanism?
As a former Central Information Commissioner, this writer would approach the controversy by seeking the records. Section 2(f) of the RTI Act defines “information” broadly to include records, documents, memoranda, e-mails, opinions, advice, circulars, orders, reports, papers, and electronic data. The Act also gives citizens the right to inspect records and obtain copies or electronic information held by or under the control of a public authority.
This distinction is crucial. An RTI applicant cannot ordinarily ask: “Why did the CEC ignore the two Election Commissioners?” That may require the public authority to create an explanation which doesn’t exist.
Instead, the applicant may ask the EC: “Provide the records showing how the objections of the two Election Commissioners were considered, and a final decision taken.”
Similarly, instead of framing the question on whether or not the CEC acted illegally, an applicant can seek the file noting, legal opinion, order, correspondence, or authorisation identifying the statutory provision under which the action was taken.
RTI plea can ask for the following
Per the Indian Express report, objections were recorded 14 times. A carefully-drafted RTI application could seek:

1. Copies of the recorded objections
2. Replies or comments on those objections
3. Minutes or records of the Commission’s consideration
4. The final decisions in each case
5. Whether each decision was unanimous or by majority
6. The statutory provision relied upon
7. Orders authorising changes to Form 6
8. Records concerning centralised electoral databases
9. Instructions governing access and modification of electoral data
10. Authorisations for appeals filed on behalf of the Commission
11. Relevant audit or technical reports

Need for transparency
This matters constitutionally because the EC is not an ordinary executive department. It is a constitutional authority under Article 324, entrusted with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections. That makes transparency in its institutional decision-making particularly important.
The controversy is not about whether the two Commissioners disagreed with the CEC. Dissent within a multi-member constitutional body is not itself illegality. What matters is: Was the full Commission consulted? Were decisions taken unanimously or by the majority? If there was a majority, was it respected? Was the particular administrative action authorised by law? Was the decision properly recorded and implemented?
The answers to these questions can be elucidated through documents.
During this writer's tenure as Central Information Commissioner from 2013 to 2018, an important principle that came up repeatedly during RTI adjudication was: while the citizen is entitled to existing information, the public authority is not required to manufacture an explanation merely because the applicant wants one. That distinction is particularly valuable here.
The citizen need not ask the EC to explain the entire SIR controversy. They can ask for the records from which the explanation can be understood. This approach also prevents RTI from becoming a political weapon. The Administrative Law says, let the “records” speak.
What about the RTI amendment?
The present legal position is different from the period of this writer's tenure. Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, and that amendment was brought into force in November 2025. This makes careful drafting even more important. But the amendment does not mean that every record concerning the EC is exempt from disclosure.
There is a fundamental distinction between personal information about an individual elector and institutional information concerning how the EC exercises its statutory and constitutional functions.
The RTI applicant need not seek voters’ addresses, identity details, or other unnecessary personal data. The request can be confined to institutional records: orders, minutes, notes, authorisations, legal opinions, instructions, audit reports, and electronic records concerning the functioning of the electoral system.
Electronic system cannot override ERO
Any specific exemption claimed by the public authority must still be examined under the Act. The database question is especially important. The reported objections concerning centralisation of electoral-roll data raise an issue extending beyond SIR. Electoral registration is governed by statute.
Technology facilitates statutory functions; it cannot itself become the source of legal authority. If an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) has a statutory responsibility, an electronic system cannot silently override that authority unless there is lawful authority for doing so.
An RTI application could therefore seek records asking: Who can access the database? Who can modify electoral entries? What authority permits such modification? Are modifications digitally logged? Can a central system override a decision of the competent electoral officer? Who audits these changes?
These are not questions about political preference. They are questions about institutional accountability.
Should political parties use RTI?
The Congress and other Opposition parties are demanding answers from the EC. Their political arguments would be strengthened if they only sought relevant documents lawfully. Instead of relying fully on the Indian Express report, they could ask the EC to disclose the records.
If the EC claims that its decisions were unanimous, the minutes and decision records can establish that. For instance, if two commissioners constituted a majority, if the objections were subsequently resolved, or if a statutory procedure was bypassed, the records can establish them.
EC and CIC
The EC and the Central Information Commission do not have identical constitutional status or powers. The EC derives its primary authority from Article 324; the CIC is a statutory institution created under the RTI Act. But both institutions operate in areas wherein institutional independence, lawful decision-making, transparency, and public confidence are fundamental.
The EC administers the process of citizens’ democratic choice whereas the CIC gives citizens access to information.
To get information, a newspaper may investigate, a political party may allege, a court may adjudicate. A citizen can seek public authority to disclose the records.
Therefore, the central question need not be, “Should the CEC resign?" or "Did the EC make a mistake?”. Rather, one can seek the records of those 14 decisions.

Lawfully yours: By Retired Justice K Chandru | Eternal vigilance needed as secrecy and exemptions continue to weaken RTI Act

DT Next: Chennai: Monday, 5^Th October 2026.
Your legal questions answered by Justice K Chandru, former Judge of the Madras High Court Do you have a question? Email us at citizen.dtnext@dt.co.in

Justice K Chandru, former Judge of the Madras High Court

The Tamil Nadu government recently exempted the Law and Order department from the RTI Act, only to revoke the order following widespread backlash. The retracted notification had invoked Section 24(4) of the transparency law to classify the department as an "Intelligence and Security Organisation", effectively shielding it from public scrutiny. Critics and allies alike condemned the move, warning that it could pave the way for the suppression of human rights. Had the order remained in force, access to crucial records concerning police torture, custodial deaths, police firings, communal clashes, and security-related detentions would have been blocked. Beyond the political reaction, this attempt raises significant legal questions about executive discretion. What are the constitutional boundaries for state governments when invoking Section 24(4)? Is there a legal mechanism or judicial standard that prevents a government from using executive orders to bypass statutory obligations of transparency and public accountability?
— Saravanan R, Parandur
The Official Secrets Act 1923, brought by the British government, still runs in our veins. Nothing will be transparent until the government voluntarily discloses information.
After independence, it took seven decades to enact the RTI Act. It was touted as a measure of transparency in governance, but very little of it came through as information, and in many places, RTI activists were attacked by vested interests. The Chief Justice of India even called them unemployed parasites and cockroaches.
In 1997, the TN government enacted an RTI Act under which exemptions were granted under 23 categories — just three short of all 26 letters of the English alphabet. Even under the 2005 Act, the judiciary wanted exemption, but thanks to Sonia Gandhi's stiff refusal, it was dropped. Today, no information can be sought from the PM Shree fund headed by the Prime Minister of this country. Even his educational qualification is barred under the RTI Act.
There is no surprise that the new govt wanted to cover itself with its abortive move of exempting the Public Dept from the RTI Act, and thanks to opposition voices, it was dropped. Now you cannot even ask who was the author of the move and who prevailed upon withdrawing it; even that will be kept a guarded secret. Ultimately, eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

Naga Students’ body demands ILP overhaul after RTI records flag enforcement gaps

The Assam Tribune: Dimapur: Thursday, Sunday, 4^Th October 2026.
According to the ILRC, the Nagaland Police checked more than 1,900 passes on April 10 and 11 following the Assam Assembly elections and the Mokokchung by-election

The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has demanded an overhaul of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) enforcement mechanism by constitution of an autonomous Nagaland Inner Line Regulation Commission through legislation, restoration of checkpoints, a centralised entry-and-exit register and stronger coordination between departments.
The Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) of the NSF, in a 17-page representation to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday, said its review of 1,490 pages of records obtained through the Right to Information Act found 644 ILP defaulters detected during police checks over two days in April, while only one removal was recorded in the material made available to it, calling for an overhaul of the ILP enforcement mechanism.
The representation said hundreds of people were detected allegedly violating Nagaland’s ILP requirements during checking drives in 2026, but the enforcement action that followed appears limited, according to a compilation of government records by the ILRC.
The ILRC said the ‘consolidated recommendations’ were based on a two-day national seminar on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, held in Dimapur in August.
The commission said it had also sought information from the State Home Department and all 17 district administrations in May 2026 on the matter. It also cited earlier RTI applications made in August 2025.
It said the records, together with government committee reports and other documents, showed “serious gaps” between detection and enforcement.
According to the ILRC, the Nagaland Police checked more than 1,900 passes on April 10 and 11 following the Assam Assembly elections and the Mokokchung byelection.
It further cited the detection of 436 defaulters on April 10 and another 208 on April 11, among other ILP defaulter detections.