The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission has strongly condemned the non-appearance of a Public Information Officer (PIO) from the revenue department for a hearing without prior notice, along with non-compliance with its previous order. The commission also ordered a compensation of Rs 2,500 to be paid to the appellant.
Final Warning Issued
Granting one week to furnish the information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the commission has warned that it would appoint the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) concerned as the PIO if the order is ignored again. The directions were issued by Information Commissioner V P R Ilamparithi during the hearing of an appeal filed by Mangayarkarasi from Chinna Salem. The hearing was convened to check the compliance report of his earlier order issued in February.
Background of the Case
In her original petition dated 2024, Mangayarkarasi had sought details of action initiated by the revenue department on her plea. She filed her second appeal before the commission since her petition under the RTI Act did not yield any response. In the February order, the commission had directed the revenue department to furnish the required information along with Rs 2,500 compensation and submit a compliance report in person on April 17, along with an explanation for delaying the information for two years.
PIO Absent, Appellant Uncompensated
However, PIO P Natarajan, who serves as the personal assistant of the Kallakurichi RDO, did not appear for the hearing. Mangayarkarasi, who appeared in person, stated that she had neither received the information nor the compensation. Recording her submissions, the commission gave a final chance for compliance with its order and directed both the PIO and the appellant to appear for the next hearing on May 2.
