Power Company's Exorbitant RTI Fee Demand from BPL Applicant Sparks Human Rights Commission Intervention in Jabalpur
In a shocking incident that raises serious questions about the implementation of transparency laws, a below poverty line (BPL) card holder in Jabalpur was asked to deposit over Rs 4 lakh as a fee for obtaining information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by a power distribution company office. This blatant violation of statutory provisions has prompted the Madhya Pradesh State Human Rights Commission to intervene and order a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Case Details: Law Student's RTI Application Meets Unlawful Demand
The case involves law student Aman Vanshkar, who sought certified details regarding regular and outsourced employees, along with registered consumers, under the Manegaon Pipariya DC of the Madhya Pradesh Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company's north circle in Jabalpur. Vanshkar, in his RTI application, submitted all necessary documents clearly establishing his status as a member of a below poverty line family.
According to Section 7(5) of the RTI Act, 2005, applicants from BPL categories are entitled to seek information completely free of cost, making any fee demand from such applicants unlawful. Despite this clear provision, the concerned public information officer and assistant engineer issued a written notice demanding an astonishing Rs 4.08 lakh for providing the requested information.
Human Rights Commission Takes Serious Note, Orders Inquiry
Aggrieved by this apparent violation of his rights under the transparency law, Vanshkar approached the State Human Rights Commission with a formal complaint. The commission, taking serious note of the allegations, has directed the Jabalpur district collector to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry into the entire matter.
The commission's intervention includes specific directives to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the unlawful fee demand
- Ensure appropriate action against responsible officials if violations are established
- Submit a detailed report on the entire issue to the commission
- Ensure proper implementation of RTI provisions for economically weaker applicants
Broader Implications for RTI Implementation and Governance
This case has raised significant concerns about:
- Adherence to RTI norms by government departments and public authorities
- Treatment of economically weaker applicants seeking information under transparency laws
- Implementation challenges in ensuring free access to information for BPL citizens
- Accountability mechanisms within public information systems
The incident highlights how even well-established legal provisions meant to empower citizens, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can face implementation hurdles at the ground level. The Human Rights Commission's intervention underscores the importance of monitoring mechanisms to ensure that transparency laws function as intended, especially for vulnerable sections of society.
As the inquiry progresses, this case serves as a crucial test for the effectiveness of redressal mechanisms when statutory rights of citizens are violated by public authorities. The outcome will likely have implications for how government departments across Madhya Pradesh, and potentially beyond, handle RTI applications from economically disadvantaged citizens in the future.
