Patna: State Information Commissioner Prakash Kumar has imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on Vasudev Ram, the then Public Information Officer and police inspector, for violating the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Supaul district. The ruling came after a detailed inquiry into a complaint filed by appellant Nikesh Kumar Jha.
Background of the Case
The appellant, Nikesh Kumar Jha, had submitted an RTI application via registered post, seeking information on three specific points. However, the concerned officer allegedly refused to accept the application, compelling the appellant to file a first appeal and subsequently a second appeal before the commission.
Commission's Investigation
During the proceedings, the commission sought an explanation from Vasudev Ram, who claimed that the registered mail had never reached him. To verify this claim, the commission summoned the postman, Laldeo Ram, along with supporting evidence.
Appearing before the commission, the postman testified that when he attempted to deliver the registered letter, officials present in the office, including Vasudev Ram, refused to accept it. Consequently, he was forced to return the mail to the sender.
Conclusion and Penalty
Based on the postman's testimony and the evidence presented, the commission concluded that Vasudev Ram had deliberately refused to receive the RTI application, constituting a serious violation of the RTI Act. Accordingly, the commission imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 and directed that the order be communicated to the Supaul District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Treasury Officer, and the Accountant General for further action.
