The High Court has upheld a penalty of ₹25,000 imposed on the Secretary and Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Village Panchayat of Majorda-Utorda-Calata for failing to provide information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act within the prescribed time.
In its order, the court observed that the official had shown a “brazen” disregard for the provisions of the RTI Act by not furnishing CCTV footage and recordings of panchayat meetings despite the statutory obligation to do so.
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The High Court ruled that the penalty imposed by the competent authority was justified, noting that public officials entrusted with responsibilities under the RTI Act are expected to comply with its timelines and transparency requirements.
The case pertained to an RTI application seeking CCTV footage and recordings of panchayat meetings, which were not provided within the time limit mandated under the law. The court held that such non-compliance undermines the objectives of the RTI Act and accountability in public administration.
By dismissing the challenge to the penalty, the High Court reaffirmed the importance of timely disclosure of information and strict adherence to the provisions of the RTI Act by public authorities.
