Times of India: Kochi: Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
In a reply to
State Information Commission, the Kochi corporation has stated that the local
body’s demand to probe the financial status of those who continuously file RTI
applications is not against all the RTI applicants. The commission had sought
an explanation from the corporation secretary regarding the move.
The commission had termed the move as against the clauses in RTI Act. “It was not a resolution by the corporation. During a discussion at the corporation council held on Oct 7, several councillors came up with such a demand. That’s why we decided to collect the details of the RTI applicants and send it to the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau. The move is not against all RTI applicants but to rein in those who misuse it,” mayor V K Minimol said.
The mayor and UDF councillors allege that some of the RTI activists are collecting details by filing RTI applications and misusing such details for seeking bribes. At the same time, LDF councillors, including Elizabeth Idikkula, said the UDF council’s decision will kill the spirit of RTI Act which helps divulge information regarding the governance and various other aspects which are the lifeline of democracy.
The commission had termed the move as against the clauses in RTI Act. “It was not a resolution by the corporation. During a discussion at the corporation council held on Oct 7, several councillors came up with such a demand. That’s why we decided to collect the details of the RTI applicants and send it to the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau. The move is not against all RTI applicants but to rein in those who misuse it,” mayor V K Minimol said.
The mayor and UDF councillors allege that some of the RTI activists are collecting details by filing RTI applications and misusing such details for seeking bribes. At the same time, LDF councillors, including Elizabeth Idikkula, said the UDF council’s decision will kill the spirit of RTI Act which helps divulge information regarding the governance and various other aspects which are the lifeline of democracy.
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