Claiming charges despite the delay in replying

The Complainant pleaded that as the reply was delayed, the photocopying charges are not applicable. The PIO submitted that on 29.02.2020, the complainant was given all the required information free of cost who submitted an undertaking that he is satisfied with the information. The Complainant submitted before the CIC that he was forced to sign the undertaking stating his satisfaction. The CIC held that there is no ground to accept that the undertaking was signed under pressure. However, the PIO was issued a warning for not providing the documents free of cost on time and claiming charges despite the delay in replying.

Comments

As per Section 7 (6) of the RTI Act, the person making request for the information shall be provided the information free of charge where a public authority fails to comply with the prescribed time limits. A PIO must ensure timely disbursal of information

Citation: Raashed Ashraf Rather v. Military Engineer Services in File no.: CIC/UTOJK/C/2020/114700/IAIRF, Date of Decision: 03/11/2021

Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is an expert on RTI matters and has co-authored the books RIGHT TO INFORMATION - LAW AND PRACTICE and PIO’s guide to RTI. Apart from her weekly article here, her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link: www.rtifoundationofindia.com