State Information Commission: PIOs Must Submit Replies with Documentary Evidence

Raipur : The Chhattisgarh State Information Commission has issued strict directions to all public authorities and heads of offices to ensure that their respective Public Information Officers (current or former) submit detailed, clause-wise replies with supporting documentary evidence to the Commission within 30 days of receiving the first notice regarding a Second Appeal under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

The reply must be sent via registered post, and must clearly mention the name and designation of the then/current Public Information Officer (PIO). Authorities must also furnish information regarding the tenure and present posting location of the PIO.

The Commission highlighted that delays in case hearings often occur due to non-submission of replies by the concerned PIOs. Therefore, PIOs are also instructed to appear for hearings with all relevant records and files. In case a PIO is unable to attend due to unavoidable reasons, a representative fully acquainted with the case and in possession of all necessary documents may appear on their behalf. The representative must carry an authorization letter, failing which their presence will not be considered valid.

Importantly, during correspondence with the Commission or appellants, all PIOs (past and present) must clearly mention the case number, year, hearing date, their name, designation, and posting location.

The Commission warned that failure to submit replies in accordance with the above instructions before the scheduled hearing may attract penalties and disciplinary action under Sections 20(1) and 20(2) of the RTI Act, 2005, as well as under government directives issued from time to time.