New Delhi, Mar 11 (PTI) The Central Information Commission (CIC) has rapped its officials for their “inadequate and inaccurate” replies to RTI applications seeking information on delays in hearing second appeals, observing that the officers had “failed to apply their mind” while responding to the queries. In a recent order, Information Commissioner Anandi Ramalingam said the responses by the concerned Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) did not properly address the issues raised by the appellant and reflected an “evasive pattern” in handling the requests. The RTI applications had sought details regarding the time taken for listing and hearing second appeals before the commission, reasons for delays in hearings, the procedure for seeking early hearings, and the steps taken by the CIC to ensure the timely disposal of cases. During the hearing, the commission noted that the replies provided by the officials were either incomplete or did not directly respond to the questions raised. “The replies given by the CPIO in both the appeals are inadequate and inaccurate with respect to the RTI requests raised by the appellant,” the order said. The commission further observed that the manner in which the replies were furnished suggested that the RTI requests had not been examined carefully. “The respondent has failed to apply his mind and examine the contents of the RTI request diligently and give a proper and point-wise reply,” the order noted. The commission also pointed out that when the appellant sought the names of officers who had handled his earlier representation regarding speedy hearings, the reply merely mentioned the section that examined the matter rather than identifying the officials involved. Taking note of the lapses, the commission has sought explanations from the concerned officials for furnishing such replies and directed them to provide a revised, point-wise response to the appellant. PTI MHS MHS MPL MPL
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.