Odisha Info Commission Fines Mahanga Block Authorities ₹20,000 for RTI Lapse

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Information Commission (OIC) has ordered the authorities of Mahanga Block in Cuttack district to pay ₹20,000 as compensation to an RTI applicant for failing to provide information despite repeated notices.

The directive was issued by State Information Commissioner Susanta Kumar Mohanty on September 19, while hearing two second appeals filed by Tusar Ranjan Samal of Nandakishorepur in Cuttack.

According to the Commission, both the Public Information Officer (PIO) and the Block Development Officer (BDO)-cum-First Appellate Authority (FAA) of Mahanga Block ignored three consecutive hearings on July 8, August 8, and September 19, even after receiving due notice. They also failed to submit any written reply.

The Commission observed that such conduct amounted to “harassment of the applicant” and reflected a “deplorable attitude” towards the RTI Act, which ensures transparency and accountability in governance.

Taking a stern view, the OIC invoked Section 19(8)(b) of the RTI Act, awarding compensation to the appellant. The BDO-cum-FAA has been directed to transfer the amount directly to Samal’s bank account within 30 days.

“Their failure not only obstructed the free flow of information but also jeopardized the proceedings,” the Commission noted while disposing of both appeals.