Kerala Information Commission orders ₹1 lakh compensation for RTI denial

The Kerala State Information Commission has ordered the compensation following its determination that a Public Information Officer failed to provide accurate information to the elderly applicant, who had sought access to his property records through an RTI application.

The incident highlights ongoing compliance issues within government offices regarding the Right to Information Act, 2005, which guarantees citizens access to public records. The commission's finding that the officer provided false and misleading replies represents a clear violation of the applicant's statutory rights under the RTI framework.

Property records form an essential part of land documentation in India and are typically maintained by district revenue offices and local government bodies. Citizens frequently file RTI applications to obtain copies of these records for various legal and administrative purposes, including property transactions, inheritance disputes, and tax matters.

The compensation order underscores the commission's commitment to holding public officials accountable for non-compliance with information access laws. Such findings are expected to prompt government departments to strengthen their RTI response mechanisms and ensure that Public Information Officers are adequately trained in their responsibilities under the legislation.

The case reinforces the importance of the RTI Act as a tool for transparency and accountability in public administration across India's states and union territories.