No RTI Reply for 30 Months: ₹25,000 Penalty Imposed on PIO & Issues Bailable Warrant
Punjab Information Commission Fines Officer ₹25,000 for 30-Month Delay in RTI Reply
In a significant action under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Punjab State Information Commission imposed a ₹25,000 penalty on a Public Information Officer (PIO) for failing to respond to an RTI application for nearly 30 months.
The case highlights how prolonged negligence and non-compliance with RTI provisions can lead to strict legal consequences.
⚖️ Key Actions Taken
The Commission took the following steps:
- Imposed a maximum penalty of ₹25,000
- Issued a bailable warrant against the officer
- Directed recovery of the penalty from the officer’s salary
👉 This shows that accountability under RTI law is strictly enforced
🚨 Reason Behind the Penalty
During the proceedings, it was found that:
- The officer failed to provide any RTI response within the prescribed time
- Ignored multiple notices and hearings
- Did not comply even after being given sufficient opportunities
👉 The Commission treated this as serious negligence and willful violation of duty
Legal Insight
As per the RTI Act:
- Authorities must respond within 30 days
- Delay can attract a penalty of ₹250 per day
- Maximum penalty is capped at ₹25,000
👉 The penalty is imposed personally on the officer, not the department
What This Means for Citizens
✔ You have a legal right to timely information
✔ Authorities cannot ignore RTI applications without consequences
✔ You can take action through appeals and complaints
🎯 What To Do If Your RTI Is Ignored?
If you don’t receive a reply:
- File a First Appeal within 30 days
- Escalate to Second Appeal before the Commission
- Seek penalty action against the officer
