Whispers Forum

The Complainant filed four RTI applications in 2020 seeking certain information from the NHAI. Having not received any response from the PIO in response to each of the RTI Applications, the complainant filed the instant set of complaints with the CIC. To a query from the CIC regarding the inordinate delay in filing of instant Complaints, the Complainant stated that he was preoccupied with medical treatment from Kolkata which led to such delay in filing of the complaints. He further stated that it is the prerogative of the CIC to take cognizance of the matter or not. The PIO invited attention of the bench towards his written submissions dated 29.03.2022 wherein it has been mentioned that timely point wise response against all the averred RTI Applications has already been provided to the Complainant vide letter dated 25.06.2010. The CIC observed that neither in his complaints nor during the hearing, the complainant has mentioned any reasonable grounds for such inordinate delay in filing of the Complaints in the year 2021 i.e. after a decade or so. The CIC found no scope of action in the matter.
Comments
As per the legal maxim i.e. ”Vigilantibus Non Dormientbus Jura Subveniunt”, the law assists only those who are vigilant and not those who sleep over their rights. A complainant should remain watchful and use his rights judiciously.
Citation: S N Jha v. National Highway Authority of India in File No : CIC/NHAIN/C/2021/109298 + CIC/NHAIN/C/2021/109655 + CIC/NHAIN/C/2021/109338 + CIC/NHAIN/C/2021/109309, Date of Decision: 31/03/2022
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

Many academicians, educationists including vice-chancellors of leading central universities have expressed grave misgivings about the UGC mandated Common Entrance Test for admission to Central Universities without however suggesting better options. The sensible thing therefore would be to scrap all entrance tests and provide admission by a computerized lottery system while retaining the present scheme of reservations. Since no one is quite clear as to define merit let alone determine it, the lottery system is the only equitable system. It will save a lot of time and money. At least no one can claim that it is biased.
Raghavan, Gurgaon