Why Did the Punjab Information Commission Dispose of 75 Second Appeals?
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Synopsis
In a landmark decision, the Punjab State Information Commission has addressed the misuse of RTI by disposing of 75 second appeals from a single appellant. This ruling emphasizes the need for specificity in information requests and aims to preserve the integrity of the RTI process. Discover how this impacts public transparency and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab State Information Commission disposed of 75 second appeals due to vague requests.
- Commission stresses the need for specificity in RTI applications.
- Indiscriminate use of RTI can burden Public Information Officers.
- RTI is a tool for transparency, not a means of harassment.
- Applicants must respect the intent of the law.
Chandigarh, Nov 13 (NationPress) In a pivotal ruling, the Punjab State Information Commission has resolved 75 second appeals submitted by a lone appellant, Gurmej Lal from Ludhiana, who sought extensive and vague information from various public authorities throughout the state.
Commission Chairman Inderpal Singh Dhanna stated that Information Commissioner Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal highlighted during the announcement of the order that the appellant had been given several chances to revise his Right to Information (RTI) requests in a clear and point-by-point format, adhering to the stipulations of the RTI Act, 2005.
Despite numerous directives issued via multiple interim orders, the appellant did not comply.
The commission observed that the appellant's RTI submissions were primarily template-driven, featuring repetitive and non-specific inquiries, which not only entailed third-party records but also necessitated the aggregation of extensive data across various departments.
These requests were deemed to breach Section 7 (9) of the RTI Act, which prohibits the revelation of information that would unduly strain the resources of a public authority.
Conveying its concerns, the commission pointed out that such indiscriminate application of the RTI process imposes an undue burden on Public Information Officers (PIOs) and wastefully consumes the commission's time.
This, in turn, hampers the resolution of legitimate appeals and adds to the backlog, thereby undermining the core principle of transparency and accountability envisioned by the RTI Act.
The commission underscored that the Right to Information is a mechanism for transparency, not a tool for harassment.
Applicants should seek information that is precise, specific, and directly linked to their concerns or the public interest.
Misusing the law by submitting numerous vague and bulky applications obstructs the system rather than fortifying it.
In concluding the proceedings, Information Commissioner Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal noted that this ruling should act as a lesson for RTI applicants to responsibly and judiciously exercise their rights, respecting both the intent of the law and the administrative resources of public authorities.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of the Right to Information as a fundamental tool for accountability. However, the recent ruling by the Punjab State Information Commission underscores the need for responsible use of RTI applications. It is pivotal to ensure that the integrity of the system is maintained while allowing citizens to exercise their rights judiciously.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the disposal of the 75 second appeals?
The Punjab State Information Commission disposed of the appeals due to the appellant's failure to provide specific and point-wise information requests despite multiple opportunities.
What is Section 7(9) of the RTI Act?
Section 7(9) of the RTI Act prohibits the disclosure of information that would disproportionately divert the resources of a public authority.
How does the commission view the misuse of RTI?
The commission expressed that indiscriminate use of RTI applications creates an unnecessary burden on Public Information Officers and delays genuine appeals.
What should applicants keep in mind when filing RTI requests?
Applicants should ensure their requests are clear, specific, and directly related to their concerns or public interest.
What was the commission's message to RTI seekers?
The commission emphasized that RTI should be used responsibly and judiciously, respecting the intent of the law and the administrative resources of public authorities.
