Penalty u/s 20 of RTI imposable for delay in furnishing of information

Sijo Sebastain Vs Karnataka Information Commission (Karnataka High Court)

Held that certain information sought by petitioner was favoured to be furnished in time bound way, respondent couldn’t close the appeal of petitioner leaving culpable delay to go with impunity. Penalty u/s 20 of RTI imposed for delay for furnishing information.

Facts-

The Petitioner claimed that the information sought by him came to be furnished with a delay of about two years. The essential grievance of the petitioner is that the subject appeal could not have been so “casually” closed, turning a blind eye to the enormous delay brooked by the Public Information Officer. The petitioner stated that the Respondent-Commission being a statutory quasi judicial body cannot act like a maharaja or moghul, its functions being of public law character. The petitioner submits that fine ought to have been levied on the respondent.

Conclusion-

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