Nine blacklisted for 'harassing' officials through RTI queries in Gujarat; NGO says 'lifetime ban' illegal
The Hindu
Ahmedabad In an unprecedented move, the Gujarat Information Commission has blacklisted nine persons
In an unprecedented move, the Gujarat Information Commission has blacklisted nine persons for “harassing” officials by filing repeated RTI (Right to Information) queries and ordered their applications should not be responded to henceforth.
An NGO which analysed the orders of Information Commissioners over the last two years claimed this is the first occasion in Gujarat wherein people are “banned for a lifetime from seeking information”.
The Commission stated that these nine persons were “repeatedly using the RTI Act”, “harassing officials by filing RTI applications”, filing queries with “malafide intentions” and it also found an applicant “cantankerous”.
These orders about blacklisted persons were analysed and compiled by Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel.
Apart from these nine individuals, the GIC has also barred one Hitesh Patel of Petlad town in the Anand district from filing RTI applications for five years and imposed a ₹5,000 penalty on him for “misusing the RTI Act”.
“This is for the first time in Gujarat that people are banned for a lifetime from seeking information, despite the fact that there is no provision of blacklisting applicants under the RTI Act. Even the Central Information Commission, while responding to an RTI query, has said that no such provision exists,” claimed Pankti Jog of the NGO.
Ms. Jog said that all these 10 individuals — the nine who are blacklisted and Patel — can move the Gujarat High Court to challenge the GIC’s order.
BJP counters Siddaramaiah's claims, stating election mandate not a "clean chit," alleging Congress corruption and broken promises.
West Bengal Governor embroiled in controversy over unveiling own statue, sparking criticism from political circles.
Increase in men opting for vasectomy in Coimbatore district due to awareness and higher family planning allowance.
Dozens killed in sectarian clashes in northwestern Pakistan, with ongoing violence prompting government intervention and community negotiations.
Celebrating 20 years of Sanghamitra Rural Development Society's impactful work in rural education and healthcare with community support.
Experience the iconic Kadalekai Parishe in Basavanagudi with more stalls, massive footfall, and a plastic-free environment this year.
Blood Donors Club of Madurai Medical College organized 'Uthiram 24' marathon to promote blood donation with 1,513 participants.
NDA government in A.P. neglecting students and education sector badly hit, alleges Jagan Mohan Reddy
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Andhra Pradesh, accusing it of neglecting all sectors and not paying the fee reimbursement benefits to the students.
Establishment of South Coast Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam progresses with e-tenders for GM office complex construction.
Congress victory in Channapatna seen as Shivakumar's revenge, boosting party prestige in Vokkaliga politics and KPCC leadership prospects.
Minor fire at courier agency office on Madurai-Tirunelveli Road quickly extinguished by Fire and Rescue Services, no damage reported.