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."

Uttarakhand RTI ruling: IAS corruption probes now open to RTI scrutiny

New Indian Express: Dehradun: Thursday, 7^Th May 2026.
The directive boosts accountability, making corruption cases against IAS officers public once registered or sanctioned for prosecution.

In a landmark ruling aimed at curbing bureaucratic opacity, the Uttarakhand State Information Commission (USIC) has declared that details regarding corruption cases involving IAS officers can now be accessed by citizens under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The commission’s directive marks a significant shift in administrative accountability. It clarifies that once a corruption case is formally registered against a public servant, particularly an IAS officer, or if the state government has granted sanction for prosecution, such information can no longer be shielded from the public.
State Information Commissioner Kushla Nand, who delivered the order while hearing an appeal filed by IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, emphasised that the decision is designed to foster greater transparency. “Corruption-related matters cannot be kept entirely confidential. If the law has been invoked or investigations sanctioned, the public has a right to know,” the order noted.
However, the commission has prudently balanced transparency with the sanctity of ongoing investigations. The ruling stipulates that if the disclosure of specific details is likely to impede or compromise a pending inquiry, the relevant department may withhold such information.
Regarding the highly debated issue of ‘file notings’, the commission adopted a cautious stance. It ruled that file notings are integral to internal departmental processes and are not mandatory for public disclosure. This ensures that while corruption-related outcomes are transparent, the deliberative internal decision-making process remains protected.
The order also addresses inter-agency cooperation. If requested information pertains to another investigative body, prior permission from that agency is mandatory before disclosure. This provision is intended to prevent the misuse of sensitive information and ensure institutional coordination.
For years, the argument against such disclosures has been that public scrutiny of civil servants could hamper their functional autonomy. However, legal experts suggest this decision signals a departure from that status quo. By allowing public access to information regarding corruption proceedings, the commission has effectively strengthened the role of civic oversight.
Furthermore, the commission clarified that information concerning cases currently sub judice, pending in court, is also accessible under the RTI framework.
This directive is widely viewed as a pivotal moment for administrative reform in Uttarakhand. Reacting to the decision, Aman Kandera, a social activist, said, “By mandating accountability in cases of graft, the commission has not only enhanced the watchdog capability of the common citizen but has also set a precedent for higher standards of integrity within the corridors of power. The move is expected to deter misconduct and ensure that the sanctity of public office is upheld through consistent and transparent oversight.”

CIC recommends DoPT include sub-caste data in UPSC results to broaden reach of affirmative action.

The Hindu: New Delhi: Wednesday, May 06, 2026.

The DoPT official added that the list of candidates allocated to services (along with their category) on the basis of CSE-2017 onwards is available on the department's portal.

The Central Information Commission has recommended to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to include sub-caste details in the final lists of the civil services exam to better assess how reservation policy benefits are distributed across caste groups.

The recommendation came while disposing of a second appeal filed by an RTI applicant seeking caste-wise details of candidates selected to the Indian Administrative Service through the 1995 examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

During the hearing, the DoPT submitted that service allocation data is maintained only at the level of broad social categories such as SC, ST and OBC, and not at the sub-caste level. They also said that records dating back to 1995 were not traceable.

The DoPT official added that the list of candidates allocated to services (along with their category) on the basis of CSE-2017 onwards is available on the department's portal.

The commission noted that while such detailed data was not available on record, there was a "plausible scope" for including sub-caste information in future disclosures.

The commission also said that lists of candidates, along with their categories, are already available in the public domain for recent exams.

However, it underlined that adding sub-caste details alongside aggregated categories could help ensure that the benefits of reservation policies reach a wider and more diverse range of communities.

"In light of the above, the Commission recommends DoPT that the sub-caste details along with the aggregated caste categories (such as SC, ST, OBC, etc.) may be included in the final list of selected candidates of CSE to ensure transparency with an objective that the benefits of reservation policies and affirmative action reach a broader and more diverse range of communities within larger caste categories," its order said.

The CIC found no deficiency in the response provided by the authorities under the RTI Act in the present case and disposed of the appeal.

Why Allahabad High Court refused to release answer sheets of higher judicial service exam under RTI

Indian Express: Allahabad: Tuwsday, May 05, 2026.

The Allahabad High Court recently set aside an order passed by the Central Information Commission (CIC), which had directed the disclosure of evaluated answer sheets of the UP Higher Judicial Service Examination, 2009, under the Right to Information Act, 2005. A bench of Justices Ajit Kumar and Indrajeet Shukla held that the higher judicial services examination is sacrosanct and confidentiality has to be maintained.

The Allahabad High Court was hearing a plea against a Central Informa“We find that the examination conducted to the High Court namely the Higher Judicial Services Examination are sacrosanct and confidentiality and sanctity has to be maintained even while ensuring transparency, supply of the answer books, under no circumstances is necessary,” the court held in its order dated April 17.

The Allahabad High Court was hearing a plea against the order passed by the CIC, New Delhi, directing the disclosure of photocopies of evaluated answer sheets of UP Higher Judicial Service Examination, 2009, after masking all the references to the examiners. tion Commission order directing the disclosure of photocopies of evaluated answer sheets of the exam, after masking all references to examiners.

The counsel for the petitioner argued that in view of the provisions contained under the Right to Information Act, 2005, and looking to its object, once the marks obtained by a candidate are disclosed, then there is sufficient information regarding the marks obtained. It was further submitted that if a candidate has doubts regarding the difference in the marks given in tabulation sheets or otherwise published and the marks allocated in the answer sheets or answer book in a public examination, perusal of the answer books/sheets would suffice. It was argued that the rules framed for facilitating the disposal of applications made under the Right to Information Act (RTI) provide that any applicant seeking information will be furnished with the information requested for, if the furnishing of such information is requested with a positive assertion that the motive for obtaining such information is proper and legal. Also, it is not likely to disproportionately divert the resources of the Allahabad High Court or the subordinate court, as the case might be, and that it is not likely to be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the records in question, and not otherwise against any law or practice prevailing, it was stated. The petitioner’s counsel further contended that if there was no practice of providing copies of the answer books of the higher judicial service examination, the supply of answer books by masking the reference to the examiners could not have been directed.

‘Not necessary’ The Allahabad High Court bench noted that while the RTI Act aims to promote transparency, it must be balanced with maintaining the confidentiality and sanctity of judicial examinations.

If any candidate has any grievance after perusing the answer sheets, such candidate can always put notes in his own diary for the purposes of further grievance in the matter, if he may so desire but providing the answer books is not necessary, more especially when the rules do not provide for the same,” the Allahabad High Court said. It further remarked that there has been no established practice of furnishing such copies in judicial service examinations.

“We also find that there has never been any practice to provide for copies of answer books to candidate in respect of High Judicial Examination conducted by the High Court. Hence, under the the Rules framed by the High Court for giving information under Right to Information Act, 2005 copy of answer books can not be supplied,” the bench held. The court therefore allowed the plea and quashed the order directing disclosure of evaluated answer sheets. “The writ petition succeeds and is allowed. The order dated 04.04.2013 passed by the Central Information Commission, New Delhi is hereby quashed,’ the Allahabad High Court ruled.

GIDC officials fined after RTI info denied due to missing file.

Times of India: Panaji: Tuesday, May 05, 2026.
Goa State Information Commission (SIC) on Monday directed the managing director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to conduct a thorough inquiry against staff and officers for failing to maintain records and fix responsibility. 

The direction came after information sought under RTI was denied as the file was reported missing. SIC imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 jointly on the assistant public information officer (APIO) and public information officer (PIO) of GIDC for denial of information under the Right to Information Act.

It also directed the PIO to reconstruct the missing file and provide the documents to appellant Vithal Prabhu Desai. “The drawal and disbursal authority at the GIDC is hereby directed to proportionally recover penalty to the tune of Rs 25,000 jointly from both the officers on or before May 20 and submit compliance to that effect on May 26 at 11 am through any authorised representative,” state information commissioner Atmaram Barve said.

Aggrieved by the lack of response from the PIO and APIO, the appellant filed a second appeal before the commission. The APIO and PIO, Sohan Uskaikar and Jeetendra Gawandalkar, contended that the documents sought were in the custody of the APIO and that the file may have been misplaced or lost. They also submitted a certificate from the police inspector of Panaji police station regarding a complaint filed on the missing GIDC documents. The appellant presented objections to the replies filed by the APIO and PIO from time to time.

MSN.CON: New Delhi: Monday, May 04, 2026.

रूस से भारत के तेल आयात के डेटा को लेकर पारदर्शिता पर बहस छिड़ गई है। अधिकारियों ने सूचना का अधिकार (RTI) अधिनियम के तहत इसे लेकर आंकड़े साझा करने से इनकार कर दिया है। पेट्रोलियम और प्राकृतिक गैस मंत्रालय के तहत काम करने वाले पेट्रोलियम प्‍लानिंग एंड एनालिसिस सेल (PPAC) ने इसके पीछे तर्क दिया है। प्रकोष्‍ठ का कहना है कि ऐसी जानकारी व्यावसायिक रूप से संवेदनशील है। इसे सार्वजनिक रूप से जाहिर नहीं किया जा सकता। केंद्रीय सूचना आयोग (सीआईसी) ने इस रुख का समर्थन किया है। ऐसा करते हुए व्यापक राष्ट्रीय और भू-राजनीतिक पहलुओं का हवाला दिया है।

क्या था मामला?

यह मामला एक आरटीआई आवेदन से जुड़ा है। इसमें जून 2022 से जून 2025 के बीच रूस से भारत आने वाले कच्चे तेल की खेप के बारे में विस्तृत जानकारी मांगी गई थी।

पीटीआई की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, इस अनुरोध में विशेष रूप से कंपनी-वार ब्योरा मांगा गया था।

इसमें आईओसीएल, बीपीसीएल, एचपीसीएल, ओएनजीसी विदेश, रिलायंस इंडस्‍ट्रीज और नायरा एनर्जी जैसी प्रमुख कंपनियां शामिल थीं।

हालांकि, केंद्रीय जन सूचना अधिकारी (CPIO) ने इस अनुरोध को खारिज करते हुए कहा: 'कच्चे तेल के आयात से संबंधित देश-वार और कंपनी-वार जानकारी व्यावसायिक और गोपनीय प्रकृति की है। आरटीआई अधिनियम 2005 के सेक्शन 8(1) (डी) और 8 (1) (ई) के तहत इसे जाहिर करने से छूट हासिल है। हालांकि, कच्चे तेल के आयात की कुल मात्रा और मूल्य (वर्तमान और ऐतिहासिक दोनों) पीपीएसी की वेबसाइट से डाउनलोड किए जा सकते हैं।'

आवेदक ने क्या दिया था तर्क?

सुनवाई के दौरान आवेदक ने तर्क दिया कि इस क्षेत्र के कामकाज को समझने के लिए ऐसे डेटा तक पहुंच जरूरी है। इसके बावजूद आयोग ने जानकारी जाहिर न करने के पक्ष में फैसला सुनाया।

अपने अंतरिम आदेश में सीआईसी ने कहा कि जानकारी जाहिर करने से रणनीतिक और आर्थिक हितों पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ेगा। साथ ही दूसरे देशों के साथ संबंधों पर भी असर पड़ेगा। इस बात पर जोर दिया कि यह मुद्दा संवेदनशील भू-राजनीतिक समीकरणों से जुड़ा हुआ है।

आयोग ने आरटीआई अधिनियम की धारा 8(1)(ए) और 8(1)(डी) के तहत दी गई छूट को बरकरार रखा। यह निष्कर्ष निकाला कि इस मामले में कोई अतिरिक्त राहत नहीं दी जा सकती।

सरकार के रुख का समर्थन पर इसलिए जताई चिंंता

गोपनीयता पर सरकार के रुख का समर्थन करते हुए भी आयोग ने प्रक्रियागत चूकों को लेकर चिंताएं जताईं। आयोग ने पीपीएसी के अधिकारी को कारण बताओ नोटिस जारी किया। कारण है कि पूर्व सूचना दिए जाने के बावजूद वह सुनवाई में उपस्थित नहीं हुए थे। आयोग ने पूछा कि आरटीआई अधिनियम की धारा 20(1) के तहत उनके खिलाफ कार्रवाई क्यों न की जाए।

इसके अलावा, सीआईसी ने जानकारी को सक्रिय रूप से जाहिर करने के मामले में भी कमियां पाईं। इसमें यह बताया गया कि जवाब देने वाले की वेबसाइट पर 'सूचना का अधिकार' टैब में कोई जानकारी उपलब्ध नहीं है। अथॉरिटी को निर्देश दिया गया कि वह आरटीआई एक्ट, 2005 के सेक्‍शन 4 का पालन सुनिश्चित करे।

सेक्‍शन 25(5) के तहत अपनी शक्तियों का इस्तेमाल करते हुए आयोग ने अथॉरिटी को सलाह दी कि वह अपनी तरफ से दी जाने वाली जानकारियों को और बेहतर बनाए। इनमें संगठन से जुड़ी जानकारी, भूमिकाएं और जिम्‍मेदाररियां, अधिकारियों की शक्तियां, दस्तावेजों की श्रेणियां, कर्मचारियों की सूची और वेतन संरचनाएं प्रकाशित करना शामिल है।

Telangana RTI Cases: One lakh applications disposed, more by May 15.

Edexlive: Nalagonda: Monday, May 4, 2026.

Chief Information Commissioner G Chandrashekar Reddy said they now targeting to resolve most of 10,000 pending cases by May 15 to strengthen citizen oversight. 

Telangana has responded to one lakh out of 1,20,000 applications it received under the Right to Information Act in the last two years, according to state Chief Information Commissioner G Chandrashekar Reddy.

The information commissioner revealed this while speaking at an awareness session on the RTI Act organised for the benefit of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and administrative bodies at the Nalgonda collectorate on Tuesday.

He also said that in the last 10 months alone, the State Information Commission resolved 15,000 cases.

“In the last two years, the State Information Commission visited 18 districts and resolved all cases pending for the last five years. Action was also taken against 15 Public Information Officers (PIOs) who intentionally withheld information,” he said.

“Currently, 10,000 cases are pending with the Commission. All the cases, except those related to Revenue and Municipal departments, would be resolved by May 15,” he added.

Describing the Right to Information (RTI) Act as a powerful weapon in the hands of citizens to seek and ensure transparency and accountability within the administration, he said that the people also have the authority to inspect records and field-level works.

Retired IAS officer Sathyavathi G. is new Chief Information Commissioner

The Hindu: Bengaluru: Sunday, 03 May 2026.

The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) has issued a showcause notice under Section
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has appointed retired IAS officer Sathyavathi G. as the Chief Information Commissioner of the Karnataka Information Commission.
A notification issued by the State government said that the terms and conditions of the State Chief Information Commissioner's office will be governed by Section 16 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

RTI non-compliance: Officer gets showcause notice, warrant warning

Times of India: Patiala: Sunday, 03 May 2026.

The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) has issued a showcause notice under Section 20(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the office the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), Nabha, for continued failure to furnish complete information to an RTI appellant, and warned that a bailable warrant will follow if the officer fails to comply at the next hearing on June 11.
The order was passed by state information commissioner Harpreet Singh Sandhu during a video conference hearing in appeal case No. 1069 of 2024. The appellant, Gurpreet Singh of Thuhi village of Nabha, Patiala, appeared through the platform. None of the respondents, neither the PIO of Block Nabha nor any representative of the First Appellate Authority, appeared or sent any intimation to the Commission.
Gurpreet Singh had filed a RTI application (No. 97111) seeking information from the Office of the BDPO, Nabha block of Patiala. The First Appellate Authority in the matter was the Office of the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO), Patiala. When his application did not yield complete results through the department's appeal mechanism, Gurpreet Singh escalated the matter to the PSIC. The case passed through multiple adjournments, with the Bench's previous order dated Dec 12 2025. The matter was then adjourned to Feb 12 this year, again to Feb 24, and reached its hearing in March this year.
Gurpreet Singh told the commission that in compliance with the previous order, he communicated the deficiencies in the information supplied, in writing, to the notice of the PIO. He said the concerned panchayat secretary subsequently provided some information pertaining to those deficiencies. However, he maintained that the information remained incomplete, and requested the commission to take action against the respondent PIO for willful delay and denial. "The respondent PIO remained absent from the proceedings and provided no prior intimation. The Commission found the conduct unacceptable," said a source.
The commission also directed the PIO to provide the complete certified information to the appellant, appear in person on the next hearing date, and file a written reply to the notice. The order stated that failure to comply will result in the issuance of a bailable warrant.
When questioned, Nabha BDPO JS Dhillon said he has joined recently, but assured that he will look into the matter.