Ignored RTI, Missed Hearings, Lakhipur SPIO Faces Rs 20,000 Penalty

The Assam State Information Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs 20,000 on the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Lakhipur, Cachar, for allegedly violating the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 by failing to provide information sought by an applicant within the stipulated time.

The order was passed by State Information Commissioner Utpal Barua on July 3, 2026, in connection with a complaint filed by Rakesh Singh of Pailapool in Cachar. The Commission directed the SPIO to deposit the penalty within 30 days through the eGras portal and submit the receipt to the Commission. It also warned that further action would be taken if the amount is not deposited within the prescribed period.

According to the order, Rakesh Singh had submitted an RTI application on July 30, 2024, seeking information from the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Lakhipur, including matters related to the Food and Civil Supplies Department under the subdivision. After receiving no response, he filed a first appeal before the Office of the District Commissioner, Cachar. When no reply was received there either, he approached the Assam State Information Commission.

The Commission held hearings on April 23 and June 8, 2026. However, the respondent SPIO did not appear on either occasion. The order states that despite being issued a show cause notice, no explanation or written response was submitted to the Commission.

Taking note of the failure to provide the requested information within the time prescribed under the RTI Act and the absence of any response from the SPIO, the Commission invoked Section 20(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and imposed the penalty of Rs 20,000.

With the order, the Commission disposed of the appeal while directing that the penalty be paid within 30 days, failing which further action would be initiated in accordance with the law.