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State Information Commission to question Kochi Corporation over RTI applicant details
Kerala's State Information Commission has decided to seek clarification from the Kochi Corporation regarding its reported plan to share details of frequent Right to Information applicants with the Vigilance department. The Commission expressed concern that such a move could discourage citizens from exercising their statutory right to information.
LSN India ·
The State Information Commission (SIC) has initiated action against the Kochi Corporation's reported decision to refer personal details of frequent RTI applicants to the Vigilance department for investigating their financial backgrounds. The Commission will formally seek a copy of any resolution passed by the Corporation on the matter and examine the implications of the reported move.
In a statement, the SIC warned that sharing applicants' details with investigating agencies could have a chilling effect on citizens' willingness to file RTI requests under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Commission flagged concerns that such practices would undermine the transparency framework and discourage public participation in the information access process.
The Kochi Corporation's decision to scrutinise frequent RTI applicants has raised questions about the legality of profiling citizens based on their use of the transparency mechanism. The SIC's intervention marks an important step in protecting the rights of RTI users and upholding the principles enshrined in the information disclosure law.
The Commission's decision to seek the Corporation's response before taking a final stance on the issue reflects its commitment to examining all aspects of the matter. The outcome of this inquiry is expected to set important precedent regarding the protection of RTI applicants' privacy and the proper implementation of transparency laws in Kerala.