The Odisha Information Commission (OIC) has taken a strong stance against the alleged misuse of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, directing the state police to launch a formal investigation into a habitual applicant accused of bribery. The commission has written to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha, urging a thorough probe into the serious allegations.
Video Evidence Triggers Commission Action
The commission's decision came after it received a formal complaint supported by a video clip. The footage allegedly shows the RTI applicant, identified as Tankadhar Sahu from Balangir district, demanding money from a Public Information Officer (PIO). The demand was reportedly made in exchange for withdrawing an RTI-related complaint that was pending before the commission.
Upon examining its own records, the OIC discovered a pattern. Sahu has filed hundreds of RTI applications targeting various government departments. A significant number of these applications have escalated to different stages of hearing within the commission itself.
A Pattern of Alleged Misconduct Emerges
Further verification by the commission revealed more disturbing details. The applicant frequently stays in Bhubaneswar, the state capital, where the commission is headquartered. It is alleged that he has repeatedly demanded bribes from both PIOs and First Appellate Authorities who appear for hearings before the OIC.
The commission outlined a specific modus operandi. The applicant is accused of seeking adjournments during hearings and then later withdrawing the cases entirely after allegedly receiving illegal benefits. This pattern suggests a systematic attempt to exploit the RTI process for personal gain rather than to seek genuine information.
Cases Put on Hold, Wider Alert Issued
The full bench of the commission reviewed the matter and made two crucial decisions. First, it decided to forward the entire case, including the incriminating video clip and all related materials, to the state police authorities for a comprehensive criminal investigation.
Second, and significantly, the commission has ordered that all ongoing cases filed by Tankadhar Sahu be kept in abeyance until the police investigation is concluded. This move halts any further proceedings on his applications until the cloud of allegations is cleared.
In a broader directive, the OIC has instructed all Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities across the state to remain vigilant. They have been asked to identify and report any other similar instances of alleged misuse of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The commission has warned that it will take strong and decisive action against any such misuse to protect the sanctity of the transparency law.
This case highlights the challenges faced by transparency bodies in curbing potential exploitation of well-intentioned laws. The police investigation will now determine the veracity of the allegations against the RTI applicant.
