Maharashtra CIC asks to provide information free of cost

The state information commission has asked one of its own public information officers why no fine should be imposed on him.

The order was passed on June 26, 2014 by the state information commissioner (Brihanmumbai bench) Ajit Kumar Jain.

The order was passed after an appeal was filed by Vijay Manthane, who had filed an application in 2011. In his application, he had sought to know the status of his orders on the second appeals and complaints given by former chief information commissioner, Vilas Patil from 2010 onwards.

However, no information was provided to him within 30 days. Also the first appeal, did not conduct any hearing.

Manthena, filed a second appeal in June, 2014. During the hearing, the PIO had informed that the delay was because the annual report was not prepared. However, some information was not given to the applicant as per the arguments given.

The applicant also stated that as per the RTI Act, all other PIOs are fined and there is no reason why commission PIO should not be fined. He further asked for action against the first appellate authority, who did not conducted the first hearing.

In his order, the info commission took stern view of the appellate authority for neglect in the case. It asked the present PIO to provide information free of cost and asked the erstwhile PIO why he should not be fined.