Business · India Bureau
Information Commission to Seek Kochi Corporation's Stand on RTI Curbs
Kerala's State Information Commission is set to examine Kochi Corporation's reported move to refer repeat RTI applicants to anti-corruption authorities. The commission has taken suo motu notice of the matter, which raises concerns about potential restrictions on citizens' information access rights.
LSN India ·
The State Information Commission (SIC) in Kerala is likely to seek clarification from the Kochi Corporation regarding its alleged decision to hand over details of repeat Right to Information (RTI) applicants to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau for financial background checks. The commission has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to discuss the matter after initiating suo motu proceedings on the issue.
According to sources within the SIC, the corporation's move to refer applicants to anti-corruption authorities appears inconsistent with the provisions of the RTI Act. The commission has indicated that the RTI legislation does not prescribe any limit on the number of applications an individual can file, effectively protecting the right of citizens to seek information multiple times.
The development raises questions about potential impediments to transparent governance and citizens' constitutional right to access public information. Repeat RTI applications are often filed when earlier queries remain unanswered or when citizens seek clarification on related matters. The commission's intervention suggests it views the corporation's action as potentially restrictive.
The matter comes amid broader concerns in India about safeguarding RTI provisions against administrative hurdles. The SIC's suo motu notice underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring that information access mechanisms remain unimpeded and that government bodies do not resort to intimidatory measures against applicants seeking accountability and transparency.