Unexplained absence during the hearing before the Commission

The appellant sought for the GPF Final payment, Interest, reasons of pending of GPF final payment etc. but did not receive any reply from the PIO. During the hearing before the CIC, the PIO remained absent despite of having received the prior notice for the hearing. The CIC directed the PIO to revisit the RTI application and provide the information sought by the Appellant, except which is exempted from disclosure under the RTI Act, 2005. Further, the CIC took grave exception to the delay caused by the PIO in not providing any reply to the Appellant within the stipulated time frame and also for the unexplained absence during the hearing. Observing that such casual conduct of the PIO causes unwarranted obstruction to the Appellant's right to information and is in grave violation to the provisions of RTI Act, the CIC directed the PIO to file a written submission detailing the reason for not providing any reply within the time bound manner and for the unexplained absence during the hearing before the Commission.

Comments

It is unfortunate to see that the PIO’s fail to reply within the prescribed time limit and do not attend the hearing physically / online before the CIC. These actions invite unpleasant action and undermine the authority of the RTI Act, 2005.

Citation: Shri Arup Sengupta v. Border Security Force, CIC/BDRSF/A/2024/108310; Date of Decision: 07.05.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com