SCN to PIO (IIM) for imposing penalty for declining information about the SC /ST Professors

The appellant sought information about the SC and ST Professors currently employed at IIM Ranchi, the vacancy position, the special recruitment drives etc. which did not result into any response from the PIO. The Respondent submitted that the RTI application was forwarded to Mr. Amit Kumar, (HR), subsequently, reminders were also sent but no response had been received from him. Upon receipt of hearing notice, the information was collected from the concerned office and uploaded on the Commission’s weblink. The CIC noted that the respondent has not responded to the RTI application in spite of over 1½ years having elapsed. The reply uploaded on Commission’s web portal has not provided to the appellant. The CIC noted that the PIO has not been made any efforts to furnish a response to the appellant even upon receipt of hearing notice and he failed to explain the cogent reasons for the same. The CIC issued a Show-cause notice to PIO, Mr. Rajasekhar David, Assistant Professor, as to why action under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act should not be initiated against him for not responding to the RTI application within stipulated time.

Comments

It is disquieting that instances continue to arise where the CIC has no option but to issue show-cause notices to PIOs for neglecting to respond to RTI applications within the statutory timeframe, thereby inviting penal action under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act. If the case pertains to a premier management institute, one wonders whether it is a case of lack if awareness of the provisions of the RTI Act.

Citation: Raju Paswan v. Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, Second Appeal No. CIC/IIMRC/A/2024/643443; Date of Decision: 14.10.2025

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