Gujarat Information Commission Warns PIOs Against Misusing Past Orders to Block RTI Pleas
AI-Generated Summary
The Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) has issued a stern warning to Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) across the state. The warning addresses the misinterpretation of specific past orders to unlawfully restrict citizens' fundamental right to information under the RTI Act, 2005. GIC emphasized that these specific orders were meant for particular applicants making excessive requests and cannot be applied as a blanket rule to deny legitimate requests from other citizens. The commission has threatened disciplinary action against officers found misinterpreting these orders.
In a nutshell
This decisive action by the GIC is crucial for upholding the spirit of the Right to Information Act, ensuring transparency and accountability in public administration across Gujarat. It reaffirms citizens' fundamental right to access information and prevents arbitrary denial of legitimate requests by public authorities.
Source: Times of India
