Disclose info on anti-RTI letter to cops: State information commission

The state information commission in an order has asked the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to provide information about the complaint to the police by Thane Municipal Commissioner (TMC) stating that RTI activists are blackmailers and extortionists and seeking action against them.

Besides asking to give the information, the commission has asked why the public information officer (PIO) should not be penalised and asked first appellate authority about why action should not be taken on them.

The order was given by KL Bishnoi, state information commissioner (Konkan bench) on an appeal filed by Shailesh Gandhi, a former central information commissioner. Gandhi had filed an RTI after reading reports that the municipal commissioner has asked the police to investigate and take action against RTI applicants in a letter. He had sought the deatils and a copy of that letter.

The PIO denied having any such knowledge of the letter sent through them. The application, when transferred to the general administration department, was denied citing two exemption clause under RTI of which one did not exist.

The PIO stated that such information is exempt because, if given, it will be a breach of privilege of the state legislature. When Gandhi filed the first appeal, he was surprised the information was again denied mentioning an exemption clause of the RTI.

"It was pretty apparent that such a letter was written which is unacceptable. Once I get through its content, I will decide what to do with it. I hope that the commissioner penalizes the PIOs for defiance of RTI so that it ensures the purpose of it is met," said Gandhi.