News Flash Daily
26 February 
Karnataka Information Commission Cracks Down on Delay in Providing Information; Orders Salary Deduction in Three Separate RTI Cases
Bengaluru: In a strong message on accountability under the Right to Information Act, the Karnataka Information Commission has imposed a total fine of Rs. 60,000 on Malur Taluk Tahsildar Roopa for failure to provide information on time and repeatedly skipping commission hearings.
The penalty has been imposed in three separate RTI cases by Bench No. 5 of the Commission. While two cases attracted the maximum fine of ₹25,000 each, the third case resulted in a ₹10,000 penalty. The order was passed by State Information Commissioner Rajasekhar S, citing clear negligence and non-compliance.
Commission Orders Salary Deduction for Penalty Recovery
The Commission observed that despite multiple directions, the Tahsildar failed to furnish the requested documents and remained absent during hearings, showing disregard for statutory obligations. Consequently, the Assistant Commissioner of Kolar and the Deputy Commissioner of Kolar district have been directed to recover the entire penalty amount in one instalment by deducting it from the Tahsildar’s salary and crediting it to the Commission’s account.
First RTI Case: Documents on Survey No. 5 Withheld
In the first case, Vijayakumar B.M. of Bhairatnahalli village, Malur taluk, had sought land-related records concerning Survey No. 5 of Batarayanahalli village. The Tahsildar failed to provide any documents and ignored the Commission’s directive, leading to a ₹25,000 fine.
Second RTI Case: Absence for Three Hearings, No Information Supplied
In another matter, Ramesh K. from Purushanahalli village requested Akarbandh, Hissa Tippani, and related records after the subdivision of Survey No. 78 and assignment of a new survey number. Despite repeated notices and opportunities, the Tahsildar remained absent for three consecutive hearings and did not supply the information. The Commission imposed another ₹25,000 penalty in this case.
Third RTI Case: Cultivation Records Denied
The third case involved Manjunath T. Nayak of Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, who sought Saguvali Chit (cultivation records) and other documents related to Survey No. 6 of Channigarayapura village in Malur taluk. Once again, non-submission of records and absence during hearings resulted in a ₹10,000 fine.
Commission’s Observation
The Commission underlined that repeated violations of the RTI Act and disregard for its orders cannot be tolerated, and strict action is necessary to uphold transparency and citizens’ right to information.
“Failure to provide information within the stipulated time and absence during hearings amount to serious violations of the RTI Act,” the Commission observed while ordering strict penal action.
