Repeated RTI applications on identical issue

The respondent submitted that the appellant has filed multiple queries seeking confirmation/ implementation of provisions under Central Acts. The RTI applications were timely disposed of and although the queries did not conform to the definition of “information” under Section 2 (f) of the RTI Act, necessary clarification was provided with reference to extant guidelines and OMs in response to few of the RTI applications. The CIC observed that appropriate response has been given by the CPIO in all the second appeals, as per provisions of the RTI Act. The CIC noted that the RTI requests of the appellant do not strictly conform to Section 2(f) of the RTI Act as the appellant had sought for answers/clarifications to speculative and hypothetical queries. Further, the CIC pointed to the appellant that as per the mandate of the RTI Act, outstretching the interpretation of Section 2(f) of the RTI Act to include deductions and inferences to be drawn by the CPIO is unwarranted as it casts immense pressure on the CPIOs to ensure that they provide the correct deduction/inference to avoid being subject to penal provisions under the RTI Act. The Commission observed that 86 second appeals were disposed earlier arising out of RTI applications filed by the appellant before several public authorities wherein similar speculative and hypothetical queries were raised, calling for no relief under the Act. In addition, 18 appeals were disposed of in CIC/CICOM/A/2024/658048 & Ors, vide decision dated 25.07.2025. It is appalling that despite having scheduled multiple appeals for hearing with advance notice, the appellant failed to appear before the Commission, which has caused unwarranted loss of time and public resources. The CIC advised the Appellant to make judicious use of his right to information in the future and to desist from filing repetitive RTI Applications as Appeal(s) emanating from the same are liable to be summarily dismissed henceforth. The CIC held that the Respondent(s) are also at liberty to rely on the instant decision in the event that the Appellant files same or similar RTI Applications in the future.

Comments

Repeated filing of RTI applications on identical issues causes a drain on the resources of the public authority. The observation by the CIC held that the Respondent(s) are at liberty to rely on the instant decision in the event that the Appellant files same or similar RTI Applications in the future could provide relief to the DARPG.

Citation: Rajnish Ratnakar v. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, econd Appeal No. CIC/DARPG/A/2024/ 658235 + 651529 + 651501 + 651490 + 651477 + 650798 + 650846 + 650819; Date of Decision: 09.09.2025

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