INFORMATION COMMISSIONER OP KE

RTI & IC OP KEJRIWAL

Information Commissioner OP Kejriwal who is appreciated by all for being amongst the most assertive Information Commissioners has rightly pointed out need of setting up procedure for a review of orders of single-bench of Central Information Commission by a division-bench of the Commission. An analysis of orders by five Information Commissioners can reveal that some of them do not justifiably realise the plight of appellants with majority of appeals/complaints before them dismissed. Also Central Information commission is a quasi-judicial body and Information Commissioners should be empowered to deal with public authorities or appellants showing disrespect to the Commission showering personal allegations because of Commission’s orders not liked by them.

Shri OP Kejriwal has also pointed out towards ever-increasing pendency of cases at the Commission, which can be largely reduced by first making it compulsory for public authorities to file written rejoinders on the appeals/complaints fixed by the Commission. My own experience is that written rejoinders filed at the Commission mostly fulfil requirements of the appellants even before hearing at the Commission. Secondly, compulsion of summoning appellants and Public Information Officers by first Appellate Authorities at the concerned departments can also reduce number of second appeals being filed at Central Information Commission. Presently majority of first Appellate Authorities fulfil formality of endorsing orders of Public Information Officers of their own departments.

SUBHASH C. AGRAWAL

(Guinness Record Holder for most letters in newspapers)

1775 Kucha Lattushah

Dariba

Posted by suba on Friday Jul 27 reply

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